Roger
It is with mixed feelings that I head out for Singapore and then Malaysia. On the one hand, I am anticipating some very exciting God-happenings; on the other hand, I am flying solo (without Brooks) and this leaves a significant piece missing for me personally as well as for the ministry. She cried as she left me at the airport (no surprise). I comfort myself with the thought that this is because she will miss me so much and I board the plane enjoying being cared about so deeply. In reality, her tears are more likely grief over not being able to participate in meeting new friends in Malaysia (the second part of this trip) which she would absolutely love to be doing with me.
Still there are some special elements to both parts of this trip.
In terms of Singapore:
- I will be meeting with others who are effectively training leaders in church planting movements. While, to some of you, this may sound like as much fun as having lunch with a group of nuclear scientists, this is a real benefit for me to be able to share with as well as learn from others who are exploring the potential of churches multiplying. By the way, Brooks will not be sad about missing this part of the trip!
- God seems to have arranged a divine appointment for me in Singapore. I have been corresponding with someone who is working to coordinate church planting in Africa on a larger scale (probably a regional conference later this year). It just so happens, with no planning of our own, that we will both be at this same meeting in Singapore! It is so cool when God arranges things.
The second part of the trip (the part that Brooks will miss) involves meeting some new friends face-to-face in Malaysia who desire to more effectively reproduce disciples and churches in their regions. These seem to be some high quality leaders and we look forward to building relationships with them and supporting their work in every way that we can.
So, I’m off! I will sit here in San Francisco (where I am at the moment) eating Chinese food and hang out for another 7 hours before boarding an 18 hour flight. Oh the joys of international travel!
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