Summertime oftentimes offers a change in rhythms from the regular pace of life. People take vacations, tackle different projects, and enjoy longer days with warmer weather. This summer has already offered some unusual elements for us as we have had our family with us for Andrew’s and Ivy Jo’s wedding.

However, ministry does not cease or even slow down. While I only have one international trip planned over the summer, the next couple months are full of other mission and ministry endeavors. Here’s the rundown:

Poland: Although it will be tough to say good-bye to family, I am required to be at a ReachGlobal division conference in Poland for the last week Adam and his family and Alyssa are with us. I know God will redeem the time and important connections will be made, but the timing is challenging. Holly has been working very hard with several ReachGlobal leaders planning the prayer aspect of the conference, and I’m sure that will be my favorite part. I leave Friday June 26.

Preaching in churches: Nearly every Sunday from mid-May through the end of August I’m preaching in various churches in the Pacific Northwest. This is one way I serve the church, our EFCA district, and local pastors, and it also helps me grow in my sermon prep and preaching skills. Some of these sermons I’ll post on our website if you are interested (to the left, click “Messages and Presentations.”) In addition to preparing for preaching, Holly and I plan to lead a midweek study for young families in our church (which there are many!)

Curriculum development: We are working to improve our existing Pathways materials and develop some new aspects. Two elements I’ll be particularly focused on this summer are:

• 1) An oral-oriented version of Pathways for global audiences that learn more by talking, listening, and engaging in different sorts of activities and discussion than reading a written document (this is actually most of the world, including America!)
• 2) A new initiative I’ve begun within Pathways of equipping those who minister to unreached people groups globally. I am developing Bible-based training particularly relevant to these vital workers.

Planning for the future: Many folks don’t realize how many hours go into preparing for the training trips I do: Countless interactions with our global partners, hours of searching travel options and arranging details, preparing materials, researching security issues in turbulent network locations, coordinating timing, locations, logistics, and requirements for the various networks. All must be done months before the training happens. So I’ll be working to set plans in motion for September and beyond.

Please be in prayer for these ministry efforts over the next couple months. Thank you!