Shepherding

I attended a Missions Conference last weekend. In one of the seminar, we focused on what it means to be a shepherd. Looking at Psalm 23, Ezek 34:1-24, and John 10:1-18, the Scriptures gives us a good picture of what God considers a good shepherd. He is one who provides for, protects, and guides his sheep, in that order. The leader of the seminar then asked us whether we thought the American church was doing a good job in shepherding its flock. Are the leaders of the church spending time with their people, getting to know them, encouraging them on a personal basis, like a shepherd looking after his sheep? Is the American model of the large church working?

In order to facilitate a change where shepherding can happen, there needs to be an emphasis towards small groups, and leaders discipling their under leaders. Wisdom is taught and caught. It cannot happen in a classroom alone. It has to be on a personal basis, in the process of living life.

Theology for who?

Theology is not just for intellectuals, seminary students, or profs. We ask theological questions all the time. We may not think of God when we ask ourselves these questions, but it is through knowing God that we begin to know ourselves. Have you ever asked: Where did I come from; Who am I; Where am I going in life? These questions are meant to be asked, and answered by God, through His Spirit and His Word.

Pictures from India

Here is the link to the Flickr site where I have put photos of the Asian Christian Academy campus, people, students and countryside, taken during our trip this August to Bangalore and Hosur-Tamil, India.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41714354@N07/sets/72157622114581980/

Back in Austin

After leaving the George's home in Bangalore, we were dropped off at the airport. When we tried to check in, we found out that our flight had been canceled. Fortunately, the airline carrier booked us on another flight of a different carrier, leaving an hour later than our original itinerary. We successfully arrived at Delhi. We had 4 hours to catch our next flight to Chicago. It took almost the whole 4 hours to get ticketed and processed, go through security and take a bus to the international gates, with only a 15 minutes to spare. Our flight from Delhi to Chicago took about 14.5 hours. We arrived at 4:30 and had to wait on the plane until immigration opened at 5 a.m.. Finally, after transferring our luggage to the domestic flight area, we were flown 2.5 hours to Austin. Our son Benjamin picked us up. What an eventful ending to an eventful trip!

Last class day at ACA

This is the last day of the seminar on Celebrate Recovery that I have been teaching at ACA. I have had some great conversations with the students and staff. I will miss being here. Its such a beautiful place. God is using ACA is so many mighty ways in Christian outreach, service, and training. The U.S. could benefit from this place. Deonne and I should be arriving in Austin on Sunday morning. We look forward to see you soon.

India - Asian Christian Academy

Good news! Deonne is in India. She flew in this morning, really early. I was able to meet her at the Bangalore airport. She was waiting. Boy, does she have some stories to tell of her adventure. I have stories too. My teaching/lecture time has gone well. Many students have come up to me to tell how they appreciate the material being taught, and that they will use the notes handed out in their ministry.

Deonne went right to work in the High School helping Leela George teach the students. Her first assignment is to tell the story of Joseph when he was sold into slavery. Thank God that we have been set free in Christ. More later...

From India and London

Deonne is still stranded in London. She has gone to the India Consulate on Monday and Tuesday, expecting to receive here visa and passport. For some reason, they have not come in. So she is making the best of a bad situation, patiently waiting for the India Consulate to provide her what she needs to travel. She has a hotel room, but is basically alone.

We trust that there is a reason God has postponed her arrival to India. It is not clear why, but both of us are confident that whatever it is, its important. It is hard to be separated like this. It is especially hard on Deonne who first had the dream and desire to travel to India and serve at the Asian Christian Academy. Please pray for us, that Deonne will join me in India on Thursday.

Sitting at the fountain in front of the palace gates in London. Taken on Monday.

Update on our travels

Today is Saturday, at 11:15 am. I arrived in India 3 days ago, on Wednesday. Deonne is still in London waiting to get her India visa. Hopefully, passport and visa will be delivered to the India Consulate on Monday so she can fly out on Monday. It has been a long week for both of us.

I have taught the prepared CR material to about 115 students, usually twice a day. It has been well received. I gave my testimony last night. That was very helpful for the students to understand I am teaching out of experience as well as the principles. Next time, I will start the series with my testimony.

The food is good, the hospitality is great, and its cooler than Austin :-). The accommodations are really nice. I received our luggage yesterday, so I was able to exchange the clothes I had been traveling in since last Friday for some fresh clothes.

REMINDER TO SELF: pack lightly, and bring a change of clothes in carry-on.

Please pray for Deonne. She has been alone in London for about a week now. We really miss each other. God is doing something in our lives with this experience. But for now, it is painful to be apart. This re-emphasizes what I have been teaching, that we are not in control. We need to depend on Jesus Christ for the power and strength to handle all situations. Please pray for me, that I communicate in clear, understandable terms the message of each lesson. I need to slow down my delivery and clearly describe each concept.

I will try to update this blog more frequently. My computer is still inoperable. I am using one of the campus computers over dial-up.

To God be the Glory.