I recently had an encounter with someone that has shaken me on the inside. She spent the majority of her life as a nominative follower of Islam – until, through a series of dreams, she met Jesus. Before I found
Kneading Perspective
I hesitate as I publish this post. I don’t feel that I have the right pretend like I understand the tensions of my host culture in a way that will somehow benefit you. I have been here for less than
Joy in the Morning
“Is there something bothering you? Is everything ok?” my language helper, “Lana,” asked me on Wednesday. “Mmm, no, everything is fine,” I replied in all honesty. I couldn’t identify anything that was bothering me – except the fact that she
(Still) Learning to Abide
There’s been a long silence here on my blog the past few months! There’s been no silence in my heart or head, though, as I’m adjusting to life in the Middle East, full-time Arabic learning, and discovering what it means
Leaving and going
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’” Gen 12:1 There’s quite a difference between going from and going to. In English, we generally distinguish
Our Siloam
News reports are consistent in showing us what’s happening in the Middle East. Cities torn apart, protesters and bystanders killed by the thousands, and churches bombed and burned. We are grieved for the loss of our brothers and sisters and
Living with my palms up
I recently heard a leadership teaching by Andy Stanley, where he talked about his organization’s policy for “answering with your palms up.” I had never considered this technique before, but he talked about how, if you’re in a tense situation,
Contingency plan
Some of my favorite places are on Minnesota lakes. The solitude, the calmness, and the clear water bring a simple joy to my heart. I had one of those joyful moments not too long ago as I set out in
Furious listening
As you may know, I’m working once again this summer in the Summer Institute of Linguistic’s Second Language Acquisition course. I’m working with 8 students along with a friend and speaker of Iraqi Arabic, Wafaa (who I met last year).
The importance of safety
For those who haven’t heard, I’m currently in Grand Forks, ND helping out with a course in Second Language Acquisition. I’m coaching 8 students in learning Arabic… and learning Arabic! It’s an exciting place to spend the summer. One of