The Adventure Never Stops!

As many of you already know, Bob had an accident on his bicycle Wednesday. He was riding on a fairly busy street here in LA. There are grooves or ruts near the curbs that are a couple of inches deep. His tires fit perfectly. :-P  He must have turned his wheel somewhat, not realizing he was in that rut. Instead of the bike turning, it (and he) fell over. His right elbow took the brunt of the fall although he hit his head (he WAS wearing a helmet), his right shoulder and wrist, and came down on his left hand. He has a small cut on his right leg, but it really is a miracle that he ended up with only a fractured elbow. Yesterday he saw an orthopedic doctor, Dr. Shin :-), whose report was very encouraging. The doctor feels that in 2 weeks at a follow-up appointment the splint can be removed and physical therapy can begin to restore range of motion. 

We have been surrounded by the love and help of many in our new community of World Impact as well as the prayers of many around the world! We deeply appreciate everyone who has supported us during this time.

Several people have commented, "Someone doesn't want you there." We know that the we are in a spiritual battle. We also know that the Lord Jesus has already conquered death, hell, and the grave. The past couple of months have had their challenges, but we are convinced that the Lord has called us here. We are experiencing His love and protection all around us. And going through an emergency medical situation has enabled us (Bob, really) to experience some of the difficulties of health care in the city. 

So while we have left the comfort of a middle-class lifestyle and its benefits, we are amazed that Jesus left the glories of heaven to live in our environment, love us, teach us, heal us,  and then die for our sins.

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
(Philippians 2:5-11 ESV)

May God bless you in your journey!

Re-orientation

I (Bob) have just returned from the east coast where I attended my father’s “home going” service. In his day my dad was a loving father & husband, a dependable provider, an exuberant friend, a pillar in the church, and an innovative Bible teacher. He was most in his element when preparing Bible lessons or planning a family vacations! He loved the Lord and shared the gospel faithfully. He is now promoted to full-time worshiper at throne of the Lamb! While back east I met people who knew my dad in his younger days, and who spoke of his faithfulness and hard work. My prayer now is for my mother who faithfully served alongside dad for 61 years(!), and who stayed by his side 24/7 during his passing. Specifically, I am praying that she will draw close to the Lord at this time, and will find new purpose and an abundance of serving opportunities.

Now back in my L.A. office, I am once more immersed in my orientation to the mission of World Impact and The Urban Ministry Institute of Los Angeles. Chris and I enjoy the “MOTC” class (Missionary Orientation & Training Course) weekly, and I am sitting on the PRACTICING CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP course as T.A. for one of our excellent course facilitators. During the next quarter (beginning on late March) I will begin teaching my own sections of TUMI classes.

Two priorities seem to be emerging in my work at this early stage: (1) A study of the retention rate of TUMI-LA students, with an investigation into the reasons for student drop out; (2) the need to assist TUMI facilitators with supporting their students who have a range of adult learning challenges.

We continued to be encouraged and humbled by your generous support!