The God of the weather created an exquisite panorama ten days ago. And we worshipped Him outdoors with praise and truth and baptized those who have turned to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
In the “Newsletters” section of our site, there’s a new one. Feel free to download and read it. More than that, partner with us in the advance of the Gospel through prayer. If you’d like to give financially, send us an email and we’ll let you know a number of convenient ways you can do that.
The dollar hit its all-time record low this week against the Euro. European vacations and living costs 40% more than it did about six years ago.
Ever move houses? Ever build your own home? Ever do either in Italy? We’re on the last stretch of finishing up phase 1 of our construction project with our Ministry Center (that’s a “Church Facility” for those who are afraid of the words “Ministry Center”). Yesterday, the electrician stopped in his tracks and asked me, “Have you ever studied architecture professionally because you sure have an eye for it…” I replied, “Only with you guys…” knowing that we have to watch what they’re doing like a hawk to prevent mistakes (we’ve caught some big ones). And I definitely feel that we’ve gotten a degree without the certificate. If we did receive the diploma, our major would be something like, ”How the World Works — Slowly.”
I know you’re a faithful reader if you get to the fifth paragraph. I’m pausing here to give you an e-high-five of thanks for keeping up with us.
FUNNY: Another American girl has started attending Reilly’s school. She’s in the 2nd grade too. Well, the two of them have really hit it off and all of the other boys are starting to tease Reilly that he has a girlfriend and Reilly really doesn’t know what that means (thank Heaven). So Reilly came home the other day and put an awkward question to us. He told us that the boys were teasing him and then asked, “What’s an amarosa?” Literally, the Italian word is used to mean “Lover”. You’ve gotta’ be in Italy when you have an amarosa in the 2nd grade.
I’ve been teaching through the first chapter of Philippians and digging deep into each word that Paul pens from prison. One word: wow.
We’re developing and organizing a ministry function called an International Prayer Coordinator. The coordinator will collect and collate the many various requests that we have and make them available to our prayer partners. This is something you can be a part of. I’ll post something about it in the future when we have more information available.
Giuseppe stopped by. Bepe (short for Giuseppe — or Joseph in Italian) is our electrician who is getting ready to install some lighting in a new room of our ministry center. I’ve known Bepe for about 8 months now and have enjoyed his hard-working, get-it-done-when-we-actually-get-around-to-it mentality.
So, we planned out the work-order as if it were the first time we had done so.
Installation is just around the corner. We can feel it. Oh, that’s lunch. It’s 12:30.
Just before we finished up the plan, I wanted to find out what was going on in Bepe’s life since I was gone for a good portion of the Summer. “Come stai? Bene? Vita? Come va?” You know, profound man-talk. Then I asked Bepe how his family was and how many children he has. His answer was, “We’re OK. I have two children — actually one — we lost our son last year.”
Bepe’s son was killed in a head-on collision last year near Aviano when he tried to pass a slower vehicle in front of him. This means that I met Bepe only a few months after his son was killed and this is the first time he was really able to share anything. My heart went out to him. “Lord, how do you want me to reach a hurting, angry-with-You contractor?”
I gave him my warmest condolences and shared with him how Christ the Creator also loves him and wants to know him as “son”. I kept it simple so that I could hear his heart. And this is what Bepe shared as if it were a secret script passed around these regions that we regularly hear but are never allowed to read. “I’ve become a pessimist; a cynic. There is more pain to life than joy and pleasure. I wake up every day and try to find strength from somewhere. Then, I go to work and make as much money as I possibly can so that I can live the day. Who knows and who cares about what happens tomorrow. And at the end of life - whatever.”
Interesting, those were almost the identical words I heard from our plumbing contractor about the loss of his son when his son was a young teenager. Although Livio added, “I smoke today because I like it and I don’t care if it hurts me tomorrow. Who knows if it’ll be there.” Both of these guys are very talented and gifted in what they do. You can see the image of God all over His creation. Sadly, these are hollow-hearts filling hollow-spaces. Pray that the Light will shine through to their minds and refreshing springs of water will flow abundantly into their hearts where only hopeless men once dwelt.
The other day, Reilly came home from school and walked into the living room where we had the TV on. He looked up on the screen and sounded-out the word Reilly. With enthusiastic glances back and forth from the TV, he exclaimed, “Dad, I see my name on TV!”
“That’s right, that’s Bill O’Reilly. His name has your name in it!” I quickly responded.
Contemplating this for about 5 seconds, Reilly turned towards me with a look of panic and asked, “Daddy, what are they saying about me on that show!?”
What a catchy title! Wouldn’t you say? Over the last eleven years of pastoral ministry, there have been times where I discovered that I’m human. I hate it when that happens, too. But I have to give credit to pastors because until you wear the shoes and drink the punch, you can’t know the depth of exasperation that comes in the phrase, “I’m killing myself for these people…” That’s a very human moment. It means we see the reality that we have one life to live and that life is passing — many times faster than we had hoped. Pastors are real people too (start playing nice music here).
I remember thinking about five years ago how fast “ministry” would come at me and saying, “Don’t answer the phone, I haven’t had time to nurse my wounds from the last battle.” Often, this struggle has been magnified and multiplied by the speed of the information age. In other words, somebody fires-off an “offended email” at you and if you don’t respond within the day, they’re offended all over again because you’re ignoring them and their problem. This usually isn’t the case, it’s that you need a couple days to just think through how to honor the Lord in the situation and respond to them in a good way. But, if you do that, you start receiving calls from other people who they’ve called or Skyped all over the world about their issue. Technology and speed are great - sometimes.
Please understand that this is just one illustration of the many pressures that we face that come with the Calling. And, please know that I know that everybody has stress and pressure wherever they work and live — because that’s life. Ok, with that concession, I’m referencing life from the special role that I’ve been able to play in it. The point is that in this line of life-work, there can be a great build-up of continuous pressure to accomplish, complete, and please both projects and people. As one author put it, we get the incredible feeling of “hyper-responsibility”. And for some time, I lived under that immense load…
Until I discovered the gift of the Sabbath. Don’t miss the p
oint here — I knew the command of the Sabbath was in the Bible. But sadly, I had been taught or the Sabbath had been portrayed in a “secondary/non-important” light. “It was for the Jews, you know, pre-Jesus.” Oh, how much life-joy was missing in the years that it was “ok” to ignore the Sabbath. What many Christians don’t see today is that the Sabbath was a Creation thing of time. It was placed into the Creation-order. This means it was given to mankind to know his Creator. Man was created Friday. On Saturday, he rested — very first thing to do opportunity to know.
As our family has weekly received the gift of the Sabbath from the Father for some time now, it’s been on my heart to write about different nuggets and treasures that we’ve gathered from its joy and study. So, I think I’ll start the series, “I Refuse to Kill Myself” as a Shabat-joy series to share what I’ve learned about my Creator. Thank Goodness that Italy is a “slow” country where that slow-ness actually helps us in this journey of discovery. I feel bad for those of you in the States who will have to work stop extra hard.
Tonight, Dad and the kids were all in the room praying before it was time to go to sleep. Our LifeTeam (small group that meets in our home) is currently praying for the country of Taiwan. So, we started talking all about Taiwan, missions, and our good buddy Mark Lehman on mission there. The kids were really getting into prayers for Taiwan and Dad was so proud.
In those moments, a parent can experience some of the most special insights into a child’s life — or some of the most bizarre. Dad thought that this prayer time would be one of those most special and insightful times … oh, sul contrario…
“Dad -”
“Ya buddy.”
“One day I’m going to be a dad too, right?”
“Yup, I’m sure the Lord will let you be a daddy someday too.”
“And I can have a kid?”
“You bet, even more than one if you promise me that you’ll all live at your own house…”
“I can have a boy-kid?”
“Yes, if that’s what Jesus gives you.”
“But I can’t name him Wicked can I? Or how about Han Solo?” . . .
Each February 17th, I celebrate my Rebirthday. Today marks 23 years in Christ Jesus. Over the course of these last couple days and into this weekend, I have been soaking in the Wonder and the Mystery of the salvation guaranteed to me by God through His Holy Spirit. Consider this, God the Father cursed the Son instead of me. I now stand as a redeemed treasure although my life, behavior, attitudes, and heart were rendered worthless by sin. Full credit was paid to my account without any option for me to merit it. I was dead, but now I live to lavish praise upon the Lord and become rich in my devotion to Him through zealous good works. Oh how great a salvation in Jesus Christ my Lord & Master!
On the 27th of November in the Anbar Province north of Baghdad, Iraq, our dear friend, Major Troy Gilbert, lost his life engaging hostile targets in his F-16 Viper. 
Troy and his wife Ginger were a part of our Church here in Italy for almost three years. It was during those years that we kindled a special friendship as Troy served the Lord, his family, our Church, and his country while residing in Aviano.
A Little About Troy
Troy was a good listener and a good learner. He really wanted to know the Scriptures. Troy was also very careful about the “sources” that he listened to and wanted to make sure that he wasn’t buying into the modern church’s, candy-coated Christianity. From a pastoral point of view, this was one thing that I loved about Troy. He was genuinely sincere in wanting to know the Truth. He had a ready and earnest heart almost every time that I would teach or preach. Troy would regularly discover what words were the Father’s words for him that day. There’s nothing more exciting for a teacher than to teach a hungry heart. Troy treated the Church, the Word, and my calling with utmost respect. He was a faithful and generous giver to the mission and ministry.
Troy was also a great dad because he worked at guiding and shaping his children’s hearts in wisdom. He wasn’t just his kids’ “buddy”. He left this Earth with five precious ones that the Lord had granted him — and he had a plan for each of them. He prayed over their destiny and worked on their lives like a fine craftsman would ply his trade with painstaking patience. When it came time in our work here to teach a longer-term parenting course, I had great confidence in Troy and Ginger that they would do a good job. Instead, they did a great job and really impressed me. I have since learned to be very careful in our Church about what parents will disciple other parents in the strategic art of raising their children because Troy not only met the standard but raised the bar.
The Treasure of Memories
I have so many fond memories of Troy that it’s hard to just single-out a few that will capture what a special guy he was to myself and others.
I remember a few times that we had the chance to go golfing together. Troy would try to distract me with ministry questions to get into my head and slowly win the game. But I saw through this crafty tactic and not only answered the ministry questions he would strategically pose at me — but would also win the golf game because I was keeping score. 
Yes, we sure had a lot of fun on those occasions where we were able to play “at” golf together.
On Troy’s last day in Italy, he and I spent almost the entire day together. I think that day was one where we developed our friendship deeply. Both of us had come through some heavy trials in our work respectively. So there was a good deal of mutual solace that we shared. However, most of the day was spent talking about ministry hopes and dreams in both of our lives. We talked about our kids, the nation of Italy, and the last three years we had shared. Troy spoke with me about how important our Church covenant was to him. I remember him telling me repeatedly not to abandon the richness of that covenant that guides and protects our people. Well, we haven’t walked away from it and still treasure it dearly. We’ve kept it for nine years now. And, it’s been updated and revised for the better since Troy was with us. I sure wish I could show it to him now. He was genuinely interested and involved in things like this. I know he would soak it up in appreciation and genuine encouragement. Troy was a good encourager.
The last time I saw Troy in person (we spoke a number of times on the phone after this) was at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Glendale, AZ. We had a great time with the Gilberts just “catching-up” on kids and events in our lives. At the end of the meal, Troy and his sons Boston and Greyson along with myself and Reilly went out to the front porch and sat down in the rocking chairs. There were very few people coming and going and the few minutes we passed there will remain with me as a fond memory for the rest of my life. The Arizona sun was setting into a golden yellow giving way to tides of orange-salmon over the desert’s ridges. The air was dry and beautiful. A monsoon was brewing off to the east, but the west was resplendent with beauty and color. Troy had his boys on his knees, and I had Reilly up on my lap. There we shared those moments of shalom with our futures. Looking into the distance, unknowingly for the last time we would see each other until Heaven, we shared how much we appreciated each other and how blessed we were with all these boys to raise as men. Oh, it was a rich moment of grace and rest and friendship. Thanks be to God — everything was really great out front of Cracker Barrell and will stay that way for years to come.
The Meaning of His Sacrifice to Me
Troy knew his job was one of danger, risk, and extreme importance. He knew his mission had to be done. Like many of the pilots I’ve come to know over this last decade, Troy’s steely nerves were no different. He had trained and meticulously prepared for every part of his mission even to the last moments of his life. To sum it up in one word, Troy was brave. In fact, because of his sacrifice, Troy was the bravest of the brave. This means that his wife Ginger and children are all brave too. They too have sacrificed for our country. Their love for America has deepened forever without option.
The meaning of Troy’s sacrifice is tremendously profound for my family and me. You see, Troy went into the barrage of fire and the flames of war where I have neither stepped nor flown. He did this so that those physical enemies of my country would be stopped right where they started and not show up at my door for 
as long as possible. Troy not only fought for his wife and children but also for mine. And beyond my family, he fought for thousands of Iraqi families too. The tyranny of Saddam & Thugs Inc. has not yet ended, but rather, it has hit us right in the gut by taking another one of our own.
With Troy’s profound belief in democracy came the opportunity to bring the Bible to a broken people. With the hope of war finishing came the hope that he had contributed to bringing a relative peace where people could hear God’s Word freely. Troy also knew that he was an active part of Romans 13:1-7. So, he was obedient to both commander & command because he recognized that they derived their source from the Almighty. In the end, the earthly sacrifice of Troy means that right, obedient, and Godly causes are worth fighting for. While war is the singular last option available to any just cause, when it became necessary, a good man went — and that was all that was required.
Why He Died ~ Why He Lived
Many people begin their questions about this tragedy with the word Why? Ah, this is impossible to answer right now because I don’t see the beginning from the end. However, I know the One who is both the beginning and the end and knows everything in between.
In other words, I don’t know why Troy died – but I do know why he lived. Troy lived to love the God of Heaven revealed in the Bible. He lived for fidelity in loving, cherishing, leading, and teaching his wife Ginger as their marriage matured through the years. Troy lived to bring God’s Word to his children and all of those around him at every opportunity presented him. He lived to be a devoted, God-honoring son, father, husband, friend, and warrior. Yes, Troy lived a life that was worth living.
When we explore the mystery of this tragedy, I don’t think that we’re left completely without some answers. I think we can come away with some rich principles of understanding for our own lives as well.
- 1) The first principle is that a storybook life through to old-age is never guaranteed for anybody.
- 2) A second thought is that even the good guys can go early from our human viewpoint.
- 3) Third, such an unexpected ending ought to bring an urgency to our lives that we listen to and obey God.
- 4) Fourth, we need to content our souls with the fact that Troy lived each day that the Good Lord wanted him to live.
- 5) Fifth, if this doesn’t have you thinking about Heaven, your heart and your brain are disconnected.
- 6) Sixth and last, God knows what He is doing. He will always do what is right. The Lord is sovereign, and He will remain that way forever and ever.
Troy’s Legacy
My hope is that Troy’s life and death will bring a deep soul contemplation to the many men and women who knew my friend. I hope that they will see that Troy lived for Jesus Christ of the Bible and died confidently in His saving grace. May friends and acquaintances look profoundly at their very own sin and recognize that they themselves can do nothing about their eternal destiny apart from the Savior who is Jesus. My plea is not that they turn to Jesus as Savior just because Troy was a true Christian and their friend too, however, may Troy’s life be their impetus for reflection, conviction, and confession. May they turn to the only Savior because the reality of sin has struck them deep in the heart as they stared at death through Troy’s tragedy. May they see that Troy will forever be in the presence of the Lord, but if Troy had not repented of his own sin while living, he would be separated forever from the love of God. I express these hopes for the Gilberts among fellow military members. Indeed, at this moment, I think very specifically of fellow-pilots and personnel close to the jet.
I’ve heard different men off-handedly slight our work and ministry because we have the “transient military” population that we shepherd. What others fail to see is that there comes a percentage of very high caliber people through the doors of our lives. These folks demonstrate love, servanthood, deep loyalty, sincere affection, and generous support to a missions outpost here on the Italian frontier. And, for a season of a few years, I get to be their Pastor. Then, the Lord knits our hearts together, and we get to be friends for life. Often, I feel so inadequate to shepherd such precious people. But the Lord charges me time and time again to do what is right and teach what is right — to feed His sheep.
The loss of Troy will always invoke an inspiration in my heart and alignment of my ways to stand for Truth. Troy left a personal legacy in my life which I hope to consistently transmit to others in the years to come. I sure miss him.
Thank You, Lord, for Troy.
Fans, short-sleeve shirts, & mosquitos made it feel more like June than October on the third of this month. We just completed our second annual discipleship conference and we were running the air conditioner with fans the entire time. By this time, we’ve already experienced our “seasonal-shift.” What I mean by seasonal-shift is that the seasons are so full and so pronounced here in the North that there are a few days a year where you can actually feel the dividing-time as one season overtakes another. Strangely later than usual, a beautiful lightning storm rolled in on Tuesday night. By Wednesday morning, the smell of the air was different, the color of the light had changed, and the weather had a crispness to it. Fall had arrived and Summer wasn’t coming back.
To digress for a moment, the discipleship conference was a lot of work and a great success. We had around 32 people training to be one-to-one disciplers. Also, after a year of effort, we were able to announce that we have completed the translation of all of the discipleship material into Italian. With this, we can assist many churches across Italy to care for their new believers and preserve a legacy within an embattled nation. There’s still a fair amount of work to accomplish before we’re able to assist Italy on a larger scale, but we reached our first milestone.
With the arrival of Fall comes the harvest and the many culinary tastes that accompany it. Pumpkin is often mixed into the sauces on pastas and two long-anticipated delights are reaped: chestnuts and pomegranates. Italy has wonderful pomegranates, second only to Israel in my opinion. We’ll devour a couple of these tomorrow. By the way, there is a lot easier way to eat this great fruit than picking at it seed by seed. If you would like to have this “fruit-hack,” just let me know and I’ll be glad to share it with you.
The joy of chestnuts, on the other hand, is when we roast them over our stove here at the house. The fragrant smoke they emit fills the entire house. Couple the roasted chestnuts with ice-cold Vanilla Coke and you’ve got an unbeatable combination that makes it worth living in Italy the whole year. Tonight, I was able to re-acquaint the kiddos with this harvest tradition. What a blast! Reilly’s quickly picked up the intricacies of shelling them well and eating them quick. Things like this make for great memories.
Tonight, Sandy is up in the Dolomites with a group of women from our Church. This weekend is our Women’s Breakthrough Weekend. The Men’s will follow in a couple weeks. These are also times of great memories as many men and women have their lives changed through the work of the Holy Spirit. All of these great things happen in the Fall.
I recently needed to write an article for one of our supporting churches and their missions conference. The requested theme of the article dealt with how we responded to the call to go to the mission field. While this is a brief summary and the whole story contains many more details, I thought I’d post it here on our blog for many of our churches’ benefit.
The call to “go in Jesus’ name” brought me to a fork-in-the-road moment. I was considering leaving Bible college and pursuing a degree in business and business leadership. For many years, the Lord had pressed upon my life that He wanted me to serve Him for His glory in a full-time ministry capacity. But the world and all of its opportunities were wide open to me at twenty years old. I was making good money — more than I had ever had control over before. And, I had aspirations upon a certain title and office in a company that I was working for at the time. I knew that if I put my mind to it that sheer will-power would get me that position and the pay associated with it.
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Travels Completed (for now)
(warning: this post is a wee bit sarcastic and moderately funny due to intense jet-lag. Read at your own risk)
We touched down on a beautiful Venetian morning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. When you fly into Venice, the old city is just outside the right passenger window where one can easily discern buildings, squares, and canals. It was a balmy 72 degrees which was quite a beautiful change from our Phoenician departure of 265 149. We had 8 suitcases (each weighing 50 pounds) and 4 carry-ons (Another 500 lbs. — ok, I’m exaggerating a little — about my carry-on).
We were delayed in Philly an hour and a half after pushing back from the gate early. It so happened that when we were 5th to take-off, a man fainted in the airplane and caused a medical emergency. We had to pull out of line and head back to the gate. This was an interesting experience to watch unfold. The man had taken a couple sleeping pills and decided to wash them down with a couple cocktails at the bar (must’ve hated flying more than I do — try it with children!). With his personalized and customized drug-induced coma, the man couldn’t buckle his seat belt and the flight attendants couldn’t find a pulse on the guy. One burly attendant picked the guy up and suplexed him to the floor which began to revive the man. The EMT’s came. The pilot kicked the guy off the plane. A depressed baggage handler had to find the guy’s luggage (which was probably the most work). The police visited our plane too. Fuel and oxygen had to be replenished… yada yada…
The second to the worst part of this ordeal was that the man was sitting on the emergency exit aisle. The incident happened just after the attendants announced, “If you’re seated on an emergency exit aisle and do not feel that you can adequately handle the responsibility of the exit doors, please inform a flight attendant immediately.” Oh, and the worst part about this ordeal was that our children were sleeping while we were still on the ground consuming up valuable sleep-time. All parents know that you want sleeping kids while in the air! Jessi was a maniac for the first four-hour flight to Philly and one of the men near us saw how exhaused we were and decided that we needed to be patronized. Getting Jessi’s attention he says, “How do you have so much energy? You haven’t stopped yet. Where do you get all of that energy?” So I shared one of Jessi’s strawberry PowerBars with him — ya, right.
Forty minutes after our ascent and the sun’s descent, Reilly awoke and said for the first of a thousand times, “Daddy, are we almost to Italy?”
Things Not to Take on an Airplane
When traveling, I usually carry the most stuff. Well, the most threatening stuff that would require more searching & inspecting. (BTW, at the rate the world’s going, we’re only going to be able to travel in our underwear in men’s and women’s sections on the planes — and that may even be too dangerous b/c some guy will inevitably invent exploding boxers.) However, it’s Sandy that usually always gets searched. It must be her shifty eyes.
Yesterday, they pulled apart her purse in Phoenix and took away her Carmex and Hand Sanitizer. Chapped lips are a pain, but don’t take away the sanitizer when we’re travelling with kids. This can be a bio-medical threat! So now, I’m thinking that there’s some strange concoction of Carmex and sanitizer at 2 fluid ounces that can threaten a 767.
This is nothing like the guy we encountered when flying out of Denver a couple weeks ago. For 5 days, the news had been informing people, “No liquids, bottles, containers, lipstick, etc. etc.” When we got to DIA, the loud-speakers, big new signs, ticket agents, and security guards informed us of the same. Finally, we arrive at the security check-point and the guards selected the guy’s bag in front of us. They abruptly opened the bourse and pulled out a bottle of Wishbone Italian salad dressing. Sandy and I looked at each other in total disbelief. I wanted to see the authorities make the guy drink it to see if it was ok. What possessed this guy to think that a tube of lipstick wasn’t going to get on the airplane but his big ole’ bottle of lettuce flavoring would is beyond me. Hey, at least it was Italian (which, by the way, cannot be found in Italy because Italians don’t use bottled dressings — and is a funny look on American faces when they come here and discover this fact and are left with only olive oil and vinegar. We like that look; we’re a bit twisted.)
I received a great article about Italy and its culture that I’ll put in a separate post in a couple days. It’s worth the read (in contrast to this post). Also, I repaired the link to “Rob’s book wishlist”. Can one or two of you test it to see if the script is working right and let me know? Grazie.
Thanks to some great help from brothers Mike Rosowski and Brad Cairns, we were able to have a couple thousand new prayer cards made. If you would like to order some for your Church or have a couple for yourself personally, you can follow this link or click on “Request Prayer Cards” on the left hand menu of our site. The photo in this card was taken in April 2006.
The Last 5 Weeks
It’s really been tough to get something posted on any of our blogs this summer. We’ve been travelling and we haven’t been around much internet access. Also, my computer’s been giving me a lot of problems. We found it necessary to take about 6 weeks and travel to various churches that have supported us over the last 10 years to say thank you and report on the ministry.
Sandy returned from Italy with the kids on the 12th of June. She really needed a break away from all of the work and the kids really needed some family-time with grandparents and cousins. I returned on the 12th of July after completing a number of important steps in the ministry (i.e. a covenant renewal time in our Church, a baptism where 6 entered the waters, the care and ministry of a travelling musical group, and a load of preparation for the upcoming missions conferences and stops etc.)
Our travels have taken us to sites and Churches in San Diego, L.A., San Francisco, Columbus, Indianapolis, Chicago, Branson, & currently Denver. We have completed 5 flights and have 5 more to go. We’ve had 3 rental cars and borrowed 2 others. I think we’ve returned them all.
Overall, our kids have been travelling champs. I’m not quoting anybody we’ve visited though. 
We’re scheduled to return to life in Italia in a couple weeks.
Sandy Holds the Hill
Yesterday, August 7th, Sandy held another birthday at the top of “29″ hill. This year, we were in Denver participating in a missions’ conference. Last year, we were in Slovenia for her birthday. It’s a tradition for Sandy to be somewhere “different” each time she turns 29. Sandy is a wonderful wife, mother, and friend. We are so blessed to be in her life and we love her so much. Happy Birthday Sandy!
For my hundreds of many faithful readers, I owe you an apology for the lack of info on the blog this last month.
It’s true. I had to hold off on blogging for a month because the amount of work and priorities here on the field consumed me. I like what George Muller wrote and I’ve been chewing on this thought for a couple weeks now: “The Christian servant can be easily distracted by the work of the ministry for God while forgetting to commune with Him.” It’s happened to all pastors. It happened to Muller - that’s why he wrote it!
What’s Up?
Sandy, Reilly, & Jessi headed back to the States on June 14th. I’ve been here in Italy as the inelligible bachelor for a month now. I’ll return to the States on the 12th of July to begin visiting a third of our supporting churches. So, we’ll be hitting the trails from Arizona to California to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, & Nevada — all in 5 weeks. I could run for President with that kind of schedule.
Brother Andrew Maxwell (see the post Flight of the Apprentice) has returned to Italy for his 4th consecutive summer with us. Andrew keeps me company and I keep him working.
Last Sunday we had a beautiful baptism down at the river Livenza. The water is always around 43 degrees. We baptized 6 people. I’ll have some more pictures of that for you soon.
New Prayer Letter
We do have a new prayer-picture letter for you. You can view or download it by clicking here. Or, you can go to our newsletter section where I’ve uploaded it there too.
Signup for our Newsletter by Email
I did a little work on our email component. Those of you who have subcribed to our newsletter by email have hopefully received an email with a direct link to download the letter as well as a couple of other pieces of information.
If you haven’t subscribed — click here — to go to our subscription page, enter an email, submit, and whoa-la… you’ll get a notice about every blue moon.
Here’s another blog announcement. In addition to Vision Glorious (which is a multi-forum blog about principles of living-the-Church), my good friend and I have begun a new co-authored blog called From Israel to Italy.
This is what I’ve been chipping away at over the past 6 weeks in addition to our normal responsibilities (building the site design & user interface). Roberto and I realized that we were mutually collecting many insights into Italy, Rome, and the Roman culture here in Italy. Together (eye to eye), we have consistently seen that the Jesus that Rome presents is not the Jesus of Israel.
So, we want to write about the Roman culture and how it impacts much of the world.
Our motto for this blog is Revealing the Jesus of Jerusalem by Exposing the jesus of Rome. With a broad brush-stroke let me paint this statement: “Many Evangelicals think about and adopt principles that have much more to do with Rome than anything with Jesus of Nazareth.”
So, these are the blogs that contain what I’m passionate about — Christ and all He promised His believers could have and experience in the calling of the Church - Vision Glorious. Christ and Who He truly is no matter how much Rome seeks control over its 1 billion adherents — Israel to Italy. Christ Who has wrought me a beautiful family that serves to further the Good News of Scripture as a changing force in a key land — Here. 
I have another post coming in a couple days that I want to share about Memorial Day, but I thought I’d better share what’s been going on here over the past week or so.
We ran our second Italian Missions’ Sunday and some specific prayer requests were answered. Right in the middle of the lunch, my good ole’ friend Dr. Mark Lehman from Taiwan comes walking in to surprise me. I haven’t seen this guy in 5 years and he just shows up in Northeast Italy with his buddy Tim. I guess they were hungry or something. It was fabulous to spend time with Mark again. Wow, word spreads fast and far when we offer lasagna from scratch.
The kids are just getting over 6, 8, 9 days of chicken pocks. We have sequestered them. They have imprisoned us (Sandy). I’m going to kill those chickens.
Computer crashed twice. Bad memory. Must be getting old.
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Back on February 19th, I posted a few paragraphs entitled “Young Worshippers with Killer Hands.” Click on this link if you’d like to read the story.
So, my wife and I wrote down this specific prayer request into our discipleship journals. We could sense the Kingdom importance in the request and knew that time and money were both on someone else’s side.
The next day, my good buddy and almost blood-brother Brad Strable dropped an investment into our family’s worship. I said, “Wow, this is really happening.” Then in March, we had saved a couple hundred dollars for the project. In April, my Aunt & Uncle, Ron & Marge Carlson, wanted to “help our family with a project specifically for us.” Fully generous & always surprising, the Carlsons moved us closer to the mark. We knew right away what to place that seed toward — because we had already been praying about it.
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I do have some famous uncles. One of them just got famous-er. My uncle, Peter Krause, recently received the “America’s Teacher of the Year - 2005″ award from the PGA Tour. As a result, he is now featured in the May 2006 issue of Golf Digest from pages 217-227 giving lessons for breaking 100, 90, 80, & 70.
The picture that was taken here for Golf Digest was done with Peter standing on a 16 foot ladder to get up to that clock. You can also see the ring on his left hand that he won as Teacher of the Year.
We’re thrilled for Peter as his career has unfolded on the national scene.
Official word is that Peter wants me to remain in Europe until he retires. It’s part of a PGA policy — no blood relatives can be hacks and residing near or around you within the 48 contintental states. Not to mention how I could wilt a flowering career with my skills.
He couldn’t have won the award without me. For this, I’m honored.
After laboring these many years in Italy, we were able to reach a milestone today (I began writing this on April 9th, 2006). Some might say “milestone” and others might say “starting line” depending on your point of view.
For the first time, we were able to host our full Italian Missions Sunday. It was beautiful. We held it with our folks, in our own place, in Italian, & permeated with Italian culture. It has taken us a number of years to arrive at this point and it was a real highlight of the year for us thus far.
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Italians celebrate two days of Easter. Sunday is Pasqua and Monday is Pasquetta. While they sound like friends of Squanto, they’re really two days of much-anticipated holiday for the Italians.
I don’t know if I see the Italians generally happier than right around the Easter holidays. It’s Springtime. The region is blooming with all kinds of flowers. The weather is warming up beautifully. And most likely, the Rome-followers are happy that Lent is finishing and they can start eating chocolate again or watching TV.
However, there is one thing that I really like about Pasquetta. Family. All day Monday, families are out everywhere. They’re riding bikes together, trimming the garden, having a bbq, walking through town, playing in the parks etc. No stores are open. Nobody’s coming to fix your sink or hot water heater on that Monday… never. Just wait. Rest. It’s family — because we’ve always done it this way. Now that’s a redeemable part of Italy, taken directly from the weekly Creation planbook of Israel, and a superior example to my earthly nation.
Here’s a picture of our little girl Jessi at our Easter picnic with our Church. She was guzzling Frizzante water and my good buddy Jay from Germany snapped this shot.
Ok Mom, there’s her Easter dress. It came complete with a hat for little girls “who like to wear hats and not throw them at their brothers.”
A Little TV
It’s Sunday evening and just before I hit the hay. I’m watching Mickelson sweep the BellSouth Classic. Many think that watching golf is boring. I don’t. I think the announcers are dreadful, but I love the sport. We Krauses are golfers. In fact, my uncle Peter (dad’s brother) recently won the PGA Tour’s National Teacher of the Year award. Please let the record show here that I am boasting on his golfing ability and none of my own. He’s the pro and I ride the bogey train. Speaking of the links, Reilly learned how to swing his new golf clubs for the first time this week too. It’s a good tradition to pass along
Earlier, I saw a special from CNN on the two Mary’s surrounding Jesus’ life — His mother and Magdeline. It was about as pro-Romanist as you could come without actually posting a toll-free number if you’d like to convert. Something that I hadn’t heard around Italy was that they’re now trying to say that Mary Magdeline was one of the apostles maybe even taking the place of John as the beloved disciple. Some of the fuel for their fire has come from The DaVinci Code where the author makes MM a central character in his phony plot. The piece stated that she is now viewed as a new feminist-religious icon. Finally, the portion that I ended with was a woman (one of their experts, I suppose) saying about Mary (Jesus’ mother), “Just as the ancients needed to have their godesses, so we now have our godess in Mary.”
Reilly-ism
Our son comes up with some one-liners that are real treasures. I sprinkle them through the blog here on occasion and I want to share some of them as they come along. I’ve gotta’ record these while he’s five and before he stops talking altogether at about thirteen. So, out-of-the-blue today at the Sunday lunch table, Reilly says, “We need to go to Grandma & Grandpa’s house so that they can feel my muscles.”
This was about photo #897 in trying to get the kids to look at the camera this week. It’s been tough to get much digital work done as we’ve had a lot of computer upgrades & burnouts over the last few weeks. Soon, we’ll be up and running at full speed and more around the house and ministry.
Reilly
Our Sunday lunch table is a place for some serious laughs. Sandy taught Reilly’s class for children’s church this last week. So, as always, we decided to review the Bible account with him. “What did Mary do that honored Jesus? She washed Jesus’ toes. Good, she washed His feet Reilly. What did she wash them with? uuuh… snow cones!” After that one… the story was over.
Reilly’s Italian is coming along splendidly. He has the local accent down. He just learned how to swing his first golf club yesterday too. And, in turn, he learned what blisters were all about.
Jessi
Our music lover. She too loves snow cones and Play-dough. Her best friend is our dog Java. She’s coming up with a new word every hour and is days away from completing her law degree and taking her bar exam. Ok, we’re just kidding about the play-dough.
Website Notice: we’re in the process of upgrading the engine to this blog. This means that some of the features of the blog will be down until we can get them back up and working again. The new upgrade will help us knock down the level of spam and open the door for more user-friendly features for our 3 faithful readers (Hi Mom).
Springtime is just starting to round the corner as some of the first blossoms are appearing on the trees. Soon, everything will be in bloom. Northeast Italy is rich with various types of flora & fauna. It’s also rich with viruses and bacteria. One of our doctors in our Church told me that he had never seen so many strains of colds, fevers, & cruds than he had here. And sure enough, every winter we come down with something that lays us out for days or weeks at a time.
However, this year, as I noticed winter’s slipping grip, I praised the Lord for health. For this first time in years, I was protected from virulent violence throughout the winter. Oh, how I appreciated that. I had worked my third winter in an office with no heat. And, being from Arizona, heat is native to my nature. I much prefer the warm to the cold. So what was the secret you might ask? We got a new coffee machine in our worship center this winter. It’s Italian coffee. Beans are ground as you make your selection and a shot of chocolate is available with the cappuccino. I’m an addict now and I think my health & immune system has improved as a result.
So What’ve We Been Doing over the last 9 days?
Our close friends and church members (Aaron & Leila Hudson) had a house fire 9 days ago. The Hudsons have been in our Church for around 5 years now. Leila is 7 months pregnant. They lost most of their stuff and their 3 animals in the fire. They’ve had to inventory, clean what was salvageable, and move to a new home (2 doors down from us — Sandy’s doing). Many truckloads went to their new home and an equal amount went to the dump. It was a disastrous mess. So, we all have soot-stained hands and happy hearts as this couple gets back up on their feet again. It was a great “snake-story” of life to teach Reilly (who was completely fascinated with the whole ordeal). It was also neat to see how our folks in our Church came around this couple from morning to midnight every day.
Special Kudos
My close friend and colleague, Pastor Mike Bellamy, celebrates his 24th wedding anniversary with his wife Kim today. Congrats!! They’re almost silver. They also have double the matrimonial years we have. I just want him to know that even though I have more white hair than he does. I know you’re reading this Mike — just before you hit the gym again.
For the last few months, I’ve been chipping-ever-so-slowly-away at a project with my friend Mike. The idea was hatched some time ago and has now come to fruition. We started a new blog-forum. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “But Rob, this blog here is fantastic; awesome even.” Yes, I can feel the digital praise (what I like to refer to as e-adulation) coming from my three regular readers as I type this very sentence. Ok, I’ll be honest, I don’t have 3 regular readers — it’s my mom only. She’s really proud of me — I think.
Moving Along.
I will continue this blog with the frequency and fervency that I’ve always contributed to it (you’re gettin’ about a post a week if you’re lucky). But I will remain steadfast with my ever-so-almost-interesting ramblings so as not to disappoint Mom.
But the new blog-forum is a different venture altogether. On that blog, a number of guys will join me writing about themes that pertain to the Church. I’ve had the joy of training or discipling a number of the guys that will write for the VG. These fellows are close friends because I like them and pay them well to be able to say that. Actually, we have some things in common that we want to write about. We love the Church, small groups, discipleship, the Hebrew worldview, and the power & promises God gives His Bride to impact her surrounding cities. You can read all about it on the “About Vision Glorious” page on the site.
It’s a little more teaching & application by nature to help Christian ministers and workers catch fresh principles for their Church. What we’re doing is spending a couple months on a targeted theme and writing insights on each theme. For example, our first theme is called True Christian Community and we’ll publish something every 5-8 days on that subject for a number of weeks. Then, we’ll be moving ahead to another theme. Over time, you’ll be able to have a repository of insights from guys who have well-tasted each of these principles and subjects. When you want to read or gather material on the subject of Community, all you have to do is click on the “tag” and all the articles on that subject will come up instantly. Also, you’re able to comment very easily on each article and discuss it with us if you’d like.
If you’re interested, add our new blog-forum to your bookmarks or subscription list and stop on by the Vision Glorious site. Leave us a “shout-out” in the Shoutbox if you make it by — Mom!
In Northeast Italy, we reside on the fence. Surrounded to our backs and sides by Romanism, we look eastward to the seemingly unstoppable waves of Muslim thought, culture, and practice headed this way. Brace yourselves for what happens to spaghetti-spine Europe in the coming years.
A Fantastic Article
Nathan Casebolt is a blogger that I read pretty regularly. He’s a young guy… HA! He weighs in five years younger than myself. I haven’t met Nathan or corresponded with him, but I have come to appreciate his writing, creativity, and intellect. Well, Nathan recently wrote an article about Europe entitled Muslim Soup that I think is a must read. You can find the article here. I wish I had his email address to thank him for it. He greatly encouraged us out here.
More EU Fanfare
Along the same lines, if you’re interested at all in the forces that shape continents, the European Union has by-passed Israel & side-stepped the US to help support the PLO now run by the terror group Hamas. They’re doing this by sending an aid package of around 165 million bucks after Israel froze their border taxation revenues. I wonder if the EU will send them some more teenagers and semtex when they run out of those too?
I read a wonderful article a couple years back about worship and the playing of musical instruments in worship. Here’s the skinny — because a true worshipper is a warrior in the spiritual realm, his/her instruments are weapons. When a worship-warrior begins to play on their instrument before the Lord, they begin to touch the things of the holy. They begin to practice the presence of God — Yeshua Shalom. This is one reason why I believe a lot of people in Churchianity who say they play musical instruments and are “called” to do music above making disciples are really nothing more than entertainers with Christian-oriented tunes. If one cannot discern the Body of Christ in the local, visible church properly (according to the Scripture), then they cannot lead those in that very Bride into Her ante-chamber. Their heart is not developed for battle in Word & intercession nor is it disciplined in the hard work of Christian-community service.
Sandy and I have been ruggedly digging those lessons out of these past years in shepherding a local Church. And, one of the common longings of our hearts is to train two young warriors in the proper preparation of worship. We want to guide them away from entertainment to the devoted love of God shown in service to His called out people. We want to show them how to capture the beautiful, turn it upward, and express it to Heaven with all of their skillful might.
So, we are setting out as a family to purchase a Clavinova. Reilly is ready to begin his training and Jessi touches the keys of the church’s keyboard every chance she gets (she’s our little music-lover). And, from what our entire city can tell, they’ve both been implanted with two strong instruments in their vocal chords. They love to sing and can keep in key and on pitch very well. So, our hearts are longing to train them and open the avenues for the future blessing of the Bride. We don’t have the money. Ok, no biggie. We’ve rarely ever had the money. So, we went out and found an instrument (pictured below) in the local area for a very good price. We’ve asked the Father for His goodness and help and we want to put it out on our blog. Often, people ask us what we need and we’re usually “all taken care of” and don’t have an answer. Now we do. Maybe you’ll want to help us save? I’ve included a button below if so. We rarely do something like this (in fact, this may be the first time) because we want this blog to be more information and reader oriented. Ok, that sounded like I was giving a presentation for Microsoft. We want — you — to enjoy — reading — here.
Here’s a neat picture sent to me by my Uncle Ron Carlson. He’s the older guy in this picture - HA! He’s also a new grandpa and another Packer fan has been brought into the world. Ron is an author and teacher extraordinaire. You can see his info here. The new DAD in this shot is my cousin Jason who visited us here last year and taught in our ministry. And may I add, Jason is another teacher extraordinaire! And the new baby is Caleb James Carlson and he’s just a “cute-guy extraordinaire”!
We also want to congratulate the mommy — Kim. She is a regular reader of this blog. We received no pictures of Kim to put on our blog and we don’t know why. Kim, congratulations, we know you’re out there.
I’ve been looking forward to pounding out this post for a few weeks now.
The Blue B’mer
Let’s start with the first picture. I’m featured in a rare appearance with sunglasses after having detailed my new ride (a 1988 BMW 7.30i) back in February of ‘98. What a great car! We put another 110,000 miles on it and saw it turn 300,000 kms before we sold it.
This car was our main family and ministry car for the past (almost) 8 years. It carried everything for the ministry and went everywhere. And, it has a lot of life left in it too.
Last September, we received our upcoming insurance rates for our vehicles for 2006. The insurance on the BMW was set to skyrocket 300% for the coming year. Instantly and sadly, we knew we had driven it for the last time. That weekend, we cancelled the policy, gave the car to the mechanic, my friend Brad cleaned her up nicely for me (what a great guy who loves his Pastor), and then entered the process to sell her.
Stay with the story! It’s a good one…
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Reilly is learning many Bible verses and many Scripture songs to go with them. This morning when I took him to school, I heard him humming the tune of “I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever.” Just reading that line will put the tune in your head for hours to come. Get your ipod out — or you will be singing forever. So, I decided to sing with him and I added the words. Immediately, I was corrected by my young Bible & music hound who said, “No Dad, it’s not like that — I will sing of the groceries of the Lord forever.” So, we sang the song about Heaven’s groceries. I don’t know — does this count as a real Veggie Tales song or not?
He really wasn’t too far off. We find this verse in Psalm 89:1. The word mercies can be rendered as loving-kindnesses or steadfast love. And, is not our food that comes day by day and week by week an example of steadfast love? SO, sing of the groceries of the Lord and be glad for five-year-olds who catch the Hebrew worldview!
Just a little update to let you know we’re still out here. It has been an overwhelming month. Some of our strongest leaders have had to move back to the States. As strong leadership moves out and the ministry has grown more complex, this creates a vacuum effect and much of the work-load has fallen to our shoulders. This happens every-so-often, but this time has probably been the most gruelling occasion. Sadly, very few have stepped-up (or are even ready to) to help in crucial areas. In these times, the pastor and his wife stand in the gap and bear the load as “part of the work” — but even fewer people can comprehend the toll this extracts from the leadership. The cost is high but unpayable by the fainthearted.
One of our most seering burdens is the care of one of our dear sisters. Victoria is a mother of three and a wife to a husband fighting for the Army in Iraq. Victoria has been receiving mixed test results of whether she has the first stages of bone cancer. Some think she does; others think she doesn’t. She needs to get some other opinions. I don’t blame the docs, because things like this are tough calls - especially if its initial stages. Their bedside manner could use some seasoning though. In any case, the Source of help and healing is Who we’re going to. He’s the Great Doctor. And this is a test; an exam of spiritual health for a local Bride. This trial is a malignant case of intercession.
Brighter has been a special young man named Jeremy who I’ve had a number of opportunities to work with. Jeremy’s a fine airman, a good future husband, and an all-around nice guy. Jeremy has heard the Good News for the first time this last week. We’ve spent a number of hours together and I’m praying that I might be able to report good news myself about a new brother bound for Heaven in the coming days.
So many more notes to share but a little fun one is that we finally received our first order of chairs for our new worship center. This order contained seventy comfortable, stylish chairs manufactured just down the road from us in the Italian chair capital of the world - Manzano. We’re still saving up for fifty more. Each chair runs $89 which includes exchange rate, taxes (20%), and shipping. So, if you’re reading this and you’d like to help out — we’ll put you down for the rest and send you an honorary trophy . No really, we have no shame in letting others help out.
Back in a few days.
At dark and frosty 5:30 a.m., we (Rob, Sandy, & Reilly) walked hand-in-hand to the train station for Reilly’s big adventure o’-the-month — passport renewal. Three hours and forty-five minutes later, we boarded a subway train to take us to the US consulate in Milan. We’ve been there many times and we have the trip down to an art-form. We know exactly what train tickets, sub tickets, stops, photos, forms, envelopes, stamps, and procedures to follow. We even have our favorite restaurant picked out in Milan too.
One wonderful lunch later and we were back down the tracks by 1 p.m. The day passed without a glitch. We had an over-excited five year old who spent almost 8 hours on the train with us today. His first remarks in all sincerity when stepping off the train back in our town were, “Ok, I don’t think I want to ride the train for a little while.” Our first remarks were, “Thank you for coming with us today Reilly and making the trip exceptionally longer than it felt the last time.” He said, “Sure, you’re welcome.”
Ever hear the phrase, “My ship’s come in!”? We had an experience like that. Well, it was more like a long-lost canoe washing ashore but here’s the story.
Three years ago we were renewing all of our insurance policies for our family, the church, and another missionary family. We wrote a check out for around $5,000 which was to cover our various policies for the entire year. What we didn’t know was three of our policies could only be renewed 6 months at a time. The total for those policies would be around $2100. Our Italian insurance agent was a friend and was going to apply the rest of the money at the 6-month mark and renew the policies for us without having to go through the extra paperwork etc.
In October 2003, we received an urgent notice from our insurance company requesting that we pay the $2100 to keep our policies maintained for the second have of 2003. After meeting with the company, we knew something was askew. So, we went back and researched our bank statements (bank statements here are not written with the customer in mind — they are written for budding code-crackers), our check stubs, and our receipts. Sure enough! We had paid the insurance for the entire year. With a folder of copies in hand, it was time to go back to the company, calculate through the whole mess, and ever-so-gently reveal their error to them.
In true European/Italian fashion, we recalculated every policy and reviewed every page. Continuing to form, the agent looks at our check stub and replies, “Oh, you wrote the check out to our agent who is no longer working with us. You still need to pay us for the policy.” Our incredulous but ever-so-gentle response was, “So what!? We still paid out this $2100.” The insurance company said, “Well, we never received the money from the agent so it looks like you still owe us and he pocketed the cash when he left.”
It’s hard to remember my response at that moment because I’ve blacked it out as one of my not-so-finer-moments on the mission field. Well, I called up my friend and brother Roberto and we all met at a local cafe to get to the bottom of the “double-priced insurance.” My friend explained right away that he and his wife had just decided to divorce. He said that his wife’s attorney managed to clean out his bank account and take all the money he was saving for the church with which he was going to buy the new policy at mid-year. We were a bit dumbfounded. We were surprised that they didn’t tell us about the divorce, didn’t tell us about the policies only lasting 6 months, and didn’t tell us that he lost our money hoping we would overlook the mistake. He asked us for mercy. We gave him mercy. We wanted him to see God’s mercy because he is not yet born again in Mercy. But we still asked him to restore the church’s money. He asked us for 9 months to pay it back. We gave him two years. He wrote us a check for $400 right away and then promised to have it back to us soon. We wrote out a gentlemen’s contract and prayed with him.
Nine months went by… no word. So I called my friend only to find out that home and cell phone numbers had been changed (in Italy, there’s not a syruppy woman’s voice that gives you the new numbers either). The insurance company (for devious reasons of their own) was pressing me every time I went in there to join them in a lawsuit against my friend to recover the money. They said, “Don’t you want justice?” to which I thought, “You people gotta’ stop lobbing me softballs like this — you have no idea what you mean when you say justice.” The other problem would have been that the church would have had a black eye in the local papers and a giant paper trail that ended at a mountain of legal fees.
Fast-forwarding through 15 months, we’re thinking we’re left with a bag of empty promises so we’re just living as if the money is lost for good and the “nice guys get walked-on again”. Still no word from our friend, contract expiring on the 19th, & consistently thinking about how to “find” our friend we decided to try one more time after the New Year. We had also hit brick walls on about 8 other projects we were working on this last month too. Lo and behold, this morning and out-of-nowhere a new cell number appears on our phone, our friend materializes in an hour, a check materializes 30 mins. later, and a gentlemen’s contract went up in flames right after that. We walked through the difficulties of the past couple years (which were pretty dark) and our friend said, “Every month when I got paid, I would think - Rob & the Church - and I’d put a little money away. Even though we didn’t get to talk much over these past couple years, you’re a real friend and good person.”
I’m happy for the Church. I’m blown away that two years of wondering what-to-do ends in an hour. I’m thankful to God for the blessing & encouragement & being so good. I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the lessons to learn from this. Maybe I’ll see some more when I take my friend to lunch on Tuesday.
We had a wonderful Christmas Day. It was awesome to see what our church family did on Christmas morning. We did a Christmas Giving Project altogether and we bought a new washing machine for one of our families, jackets for our African brothers, and assistance to some of the immigrant sisters in our church. It was a good turnout of folks too. Some people missed it and, in turn, they missed out on a neat “church family” event. The spirit was so warm and joyful. We loved it.
Our family then had a great afternoon together. We opened presents, ate, and played together. Then we got on the phone and called friends and family in Arizona, Hawaii, Colorado, Texas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida, England, Germany, & Italy.
One of our supporting churches, Beth Eden Baptist of Denver, sent over packages for our children. They did a fantastic job. In fact, right now there’s a tent and lawn chair set up in our living room where our happy little camper will be sleeping for the night — and probably for the week!
As a family, we’d like to thank so many people for a wonderful day. So many folks in our church blessed us, our family blessed us, and our friends abroad blessed us. Most of all, Heaven blessed us.
For our Christmas Morning Service, one of our brothers read the following challenge to our congregation. The original writing came from a Gloria Gaither book. However, the theology was trash so I re-wrote it. About 30% comes from the original writing & I thought I should list my “idea-starter”. The reading speaks about important, intangible gifts — values & character that go so much farther than recreation and toys. Sadly, many young adults we encounter these days were never given these gifts. So, we thought it important to recall the high objectives of the parent. Enjoy and have a Happy Incarnation Day!
Gifts I Want to Give My Children at Christmas
I want to give my children the gift of solitude. I want for them to know the joy of silence; to know how to be alone and not feel uncomfortable. I want to make them restless with the artificial excesses of our culture and disenchanted with commercial distractions. I want them to pursue the quiet depths of God; to be still and know Him.
I want to give my children the gift of discernment. I want them to be seers. I long for them to grasp the meanings of things and decipher the subtleties of relationships, sermons, history, and nature. I also want them to be listeners. I look forward to the day when they can hear the cry of a person for help above the din of advertisement. I want to teach them to hear with Holy Spirit ears.
I want to give my children the gift of tears; to feel the pain that shatters the violated, to sense the emptiness of the deserted, to understand the weight of the confused, depressed, and lost. I would teach them to cry for the right things – for people who are locked away, broken, and trapped. I want them to cry for God, Who is the Desire of Nations and Lover of Men’s Souls but rejected by those same men again and again, every second of every minute of every day.
I want to give my children the gift of joy. I want them to dance! I would have them whirl to the rhythms of Heavenly blessing, embrace the lonely, sweep children into their arms, give wings to the elderly, and leap over the barriers of circumstances with humor and imagination and faith. I want them to live by the Divine axiom that declares, “You are always more happy when you give, than when you receive.”
I want to give my children the gift of gratitude. I would have them know where they have been, who brought them to where they are, and where they are going. I want them to arise in the morning with thanksgiving and sing a praise song upon their bed each evening. I would have them dwell on contentment – contented to live and breathe, contented to love and be loved, contented to have shelter and sustenance, contented to read God’s Word and pray above all other activity.
I want to give my children the gift of integrity. They must be truthful at any cost, bound by their word, make honest judgments even against themselves, be just, and have pure motives. I would have them realize that they’re accountable to God alone and then to His Bride – the Church. I want them to know that how they love and treat the Church is a reflection of what they think about God Himself. I want them to know what and where their hands and feet should do and go. I want them to know what their eyes should see, ears should hear, and mouths should say.
I want to give my children the gift of prayer. I want them to know that in the relationship with God there is much to be said – and He is the One who must say it. I would make them aware that prayer often has no words, but rather, a vulnerable access to God’s love, mercy, grace, and justice. I would have my children know that there’s nothing too insignificant to bring before our Great God. I would have them write down their prayers and then rejoice when they are answered. I want them to see how the God of Heaven is working in their world.
I want to give my children the gift of salvation. I want so badly to give my children the gift of holy salvation. I want them to have the confidence that transcends death and the peace that passes understanding. I long for them to explore the complexities of the greatest kindness toward mankind that God ever wrought and to rest in the simplicity of being a child of God. I want to see them come through the Cross, to our side, to Eternal Life.
But I can’t give that gift. I can’t buy it. I can’t wrap it. I can’t baptize it into them. And I can’t sign a religious document to get it. The gift has already been given. I can only lead the way. That gift is reserved to be given to my children by someone greater than myself. I can urge. I can plead. I can hope with all of my heart. But my children must want the greatest gift and turn away from all the fakes. Their hearts must turn to the Gift and that is the gift I want to receive from my children.
There’s a new search tool in town that can actually pay you to Google search. The tool is called Blingo. I thought this idea was really innovative and wanted to pass it along. There’s a search engine that’s powered by Google that gives away random prizes for using them to search. It plugs into IE & Firefox easily, brings Google results, and both you and your friends can win prizes just for using it.
Here’s my referral link to Blingo for you. Win us something people! Go!
On Sunday, the 18th, Sandy & I celebrated our 12th anniversary. We showed some of our pictures to our church congregation of our wedding. The response was obvious laughter — no problem there. The most repeated comment was, “How come only one of you has aged?” Ok, now that’s a problem! You don’t talk about my wife like that! HA.
Speaking as a privileged man — being married to this lady is just awesome. My pastor once told me, “Rob, the Lord smiled on you when He gave you Sandy.” I had to agree. But I never asked my pastor what the Lord was doing to Sandy when she gave me to her. I knew I couldn’t handle the answer to that.
God loves marriage. He created it. And Sandy is my life’s standard of beauty. “I Do” to this day.
On Sunday, we came home from church and is customary in our house we asked Reilly what his lesson was all about. We found out that it was about a couple going on vacation because they were going to a hotel. Now, there was room for the baby but not for the adults so they had to go stay in a barn. We asked Reilly, “What did they do in the barn?” He answered, “Oh, they just stand there, but God saved the animals.” As our hands were hitting our foreheads and our eyes were rolling to the sky we pressed further. “Reilly, was there a baby in the story?” “Oh yes, there was a baby” he said. “What was the baby’s name?” we asked — thinking we were back on track. “Goliath” came the reply. “He was a Goliath of a baby.” At this point, I looked at Sandy and said, “He’s your son! Now what?”
Well, we’re hoping to develop Reilly’s theological training and discipleship plan into something a bit more robust in the coming year. However, we know we have to get past today’s big birthday party that Reilly’s been talking about for months now. The day has finally come. Reilly is 5 years old. He defended that to his friend Iliana last night, “It’s not your birthday Iliana — it’s mine!”
For months we’ve asked Reilly how old he is going to be and he’d reply, “Seven.” We’d quickly say, “No, you’re going to be five.” He was determined that he was going to be seven and disdain five. So, we would finally ask him why he’s going to be seven and not five. To this, Reilly would reply, “Seven is happy and five is sad because five lost his parents.” Where are the manuals for this kind of stuff? Do we walk out of the room? Can you Google Search for an answer to this stuff? What do we do here? Well, we decided to take the slow, stealthy, repetitive, brain-washing approach — whisper in his ear for an hour while he’s sleeping at night. About 10 days ago, Reilly finally accepted that five comes after four and before seven.
Tonight is Reilly’s big birthday party. It’s inevitable. We’re doing this! We are committed to nothing else. Parents of 5-year-olds understand what we’re talking about — and Reilly still has his rich, red hair which gives him staying power. Tonight’s pinata — Spongebob Squarepants — and if the kids don’t do it — I’m going to beat that nerf-head into a candy-pizza.
One thing great about throwing a party in Italy — pizza is easy to get. In fact, the pizzeria insisted that they deliver to us because the pizzas would remain at the right temperature that way. This is a fact I didn’t know about. I guess it depends on who drives the car that the pizzas are ported in whether you receive optimum quality cheese, sauce, and bread — for 5-year-olds!
On a final note, my mom Linda turns a number with a five in it today too! Happy Birthday Mom! It may be a good thing you’re there in AZ because I don’t think Reilly in Italy will be giving you any ground this year to celebrate this one. Oh, and if you get a box of Kinder-eggs with surprises in them, it’s a case of MGI (mistaken-gift-identity)… our bad.
Today, our church went through a difficult pain. We had to say good-bye to one of our dearest couples & life-friends. The more dear the couple the greater the pain we have to go through to practice this ministry. By far, this couple is a rare treasure that when a church discovers them, that church will be adorned with a most splendid gem of Jesus. But this gem is not for sale. Churches can’t entertain them into their midst. No, the Lord will place this gem into the crown of His Bride as a treat to His under-shepherds and the warrior-like expansion of His Kingdom.
Our personal lives and ministry have been sustained, nurtured, and cared for over these last 3 years by Brad & Heather. We have learned so much about Jesus from them. And Brad is one of my heroes. It has been a privilege to work with this passionate, holy brother who has been what every pastor could only wish for in a deacon.
In the years ahead by God’s gracious will, brother Brad will become Pastor Brad and maybe his newborn son will follow in his steps. We are so excited to play a small role in this. Brad & Heather’s hearts are to continue to serve with our ministry in the future as he shortly finishes his career in the USAF.
We opened the service to the congregation to share how their lives have been impacted and changed by the Strables. It was precious to see the many tears, hear the praises to God, and to see the whole Body just recognize before God what a blessing they had received through this couple. Brad’s boss testified in church how his life has changed to become fruitful for Jesus. Italians testified of thanksgiving to them. Africans stood and shared how they have been blessed. And many more. What a healthy hardship it is for the Church to say good-bye to its most precious. Parents pass through this valley when their children come of age. Sandy and I are getting regular practice and giving “valley-tours” now.
Italians are generally fascinated by the story of Thanksgiving. In fact, there are very few things that will draw Italians away from the work-a-day life to be a part of it if you invite them. Each year from now, we want to expand our outreach to include more and more of our Italian friends with a powerful story of our Separitist forefathers. We also see another general need — the education of Americans on their holiday. Pocahantas from Disney won’t cut it. In fact, Disney-Poca needs to be re-written itself if we desire in any way to be accurate with history.
Today, we will share Thanksgiving with 4 Americans & 4 Italians. Sandy has done a wonderful job and her brother David and wife Kim are here from Caleeforni-A.
To be thankful, I believe you have to look at the dark side clearly. While not a Jedi Master myself, it’s not too hard to think about how not to receive or not to have or not to deserve. The image of a destitute orphan comes to mind. When I consider that I don’t deserve anything and that I am undone, thankfulness comes simply because I can easily recognize what has been given to me (apart from myself and my own doing).
Today, I’m thankful for who I am. I am depraved but saved. Therefore, I have acted in such a way to negate all the goodness of God. “But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.” [Romans 2:5] I was an enemy deserving of nothing more than righteous judgment. However, I have been given sonship. I see that I have inherited grace through the Son, my Brother, and therefore I am thankful for who I am — or — who I have been made to be. “and [all] are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” [Romans 3:24,26b] I have been declared righteous by means of Jesus Christ and given a new identity as a son, a slave of righteousness, to walk in a liberating captivity. What a glorious salvation.
I’m also thankful for that with which I have been sustained. Not only have I been promised freedom, eternal life & redemption, and the favor of God, but I’ve also been given rich grace by which to live and enjoy life. My house was warm this morning when I woke up. I have never had to suffer the cold eating away at my body hour after hour pleading with God and wondering when the winter might end. God has not chosen for me to suffer in this way - although our office is quite cold b/c we have no heat in there. Therefore, the pleasure and comfort of warmth is so refreshing, given to me by God’s grace, and something to thank Him for. I continue on with my wife and my children and my church. All three of these to which I am covenanted. Each of the covenants are there for my protection, sacrifice, and well-doing. In these precious covenants, I am made to be a giving man which makes me a thankful man. What would I do without them? Thank you Lord, our Provider.
Finally, I want to salute forefathers of history for emphasizing this day. First, the Separatists (pilgrims) deserve our honor for dying to worship, sharing with all of God’s creatures, and setting an example in the middle of difficulty. Second, Abraham Lincoln, maybe our most godly president, deserves our memory and thanks for placing this holiday into national observance. And third, to my parents and many grandparents that have gone on before me but always stayed faithful to their covenants and the giving of thanks to the Great Giver.
It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve had the opportunity to update the blog. We’re still alive and well out here. Life played the hectic cards on us; a few of them in a row. Here are a few updates & snippets. I have another story coming over the next week that I look forward to sharing with you. Be watching for that.
Our daughter Jessi started walking — all over the place. Then, to really catch us off guard, she now knows how to say “no” and use it correctly. She’s such a girl.
I took a quick trip to Germany. That’s my coming story.
A man was born again in Christ in the ministry a couple of weeks ago.
Our church has entered our new worship center and done a temporary setup before renovations can begin. They should begin next month as we’re getting final details on mechanical/electrical engineering and final approvals completed.
We have a baptism at the river scheduled for this coming Sunday, the 11th of September. New life in grave memories.
Email is slow. I’m so far behind in responding because I can’t keep up with it all that I might be inadvertently offending you. So, I want to inadvertently apologize accidentally ahead of time.
August is a tough month in Europe because almost everybody, everywhere takes vacation in August. It’s tradition and tradition is so strong sings the Fiddler on the Roof.
Seven folks from our church returned this week from their duties in and around Iraq after five months. Bravi! A few others have left for the next number of months.
There was a hurricane. It made gas prices rise. Ours runs just around $6.00 per gallon and that’s for diesel. I stopped driving my ‘88 BMW altogether unless absolutely necessary. That car drinks more gas than our turbo-diesel and it costs about 40 cents more per gallon to fill it. Literally, it could cost us over $125 to fill our car. Here’s your question: Can you be thankful to the Sovereign Lord when you see $3.10 per gallon of gas? We know we would be!
Finally, I wanted to thank the folks that add little gifts to the offerings in their churches for us. We recently had a nice note from our supporting church in Singapore (Great church and wonderful friend in Pastor Christopher Chern). In the note, they indicated that “somebody” added a small gift to us to bless us. Thank you Somebody from Singapore. God bless you too — and all of you who think of us in these kind ways.
On Tuesday morning, we headed to the airport at 3:30 a.m. This is quite common for passengers on international flights. On many occasions, I’ve enjoyed watching the first rays of sunshine rest on the lush vineyards during the one-hour return drive home. Of course, I’m doped-up on multiple cappuccinos to keep me blistering alert.
It was the conclusion of the 3rd summer that brother Andrew Maxwell served with the Serenissima. Each year, we give him a tremendous tour package of being able to stay with our family (affectionately named “Post-Eden”), a monster painting project or two, and a big gulp of Italian bureaucracy and prices. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
A Divine Appointment
While checking Andrew in at 5:30 a.m. I looked over and saw somebody I recognized but had never met. With boldness mixed with caffeine, I walked up to the man in the other line and asked, “Are you Frank?” My thought was, “Hey, if the guy says ‘no’ — it’s not a big deal b/c it’s 5:30 a.m. and everybody’s sleep-walking.” Sure enough, the guy says, “Yes, who are you?” I remembered the answer to that question, recalled it, and told him. It was Pastor Frank King who has been a missionary in the Venice area for 31 years.
Brother Frank was dropping off his intern on the same flight. While catching up with Frank, I got another tap on the shoulder and it was Pastor Steve Gray from Padova. Steve has been in Padova for 20 years. He was also dropping off their summer interns for the early flights. It was a wonderful encouragement to me. These guys are heroes on the front lines to me. I’ve been at mission-pastoring now for 9 years and felt like a “green-pea rookie” around these fellows.
We shared our ministries and the glory of God for an hour together (with another round of cappuccinos) and then I got to share some blessings and gifts with them.
Here’s a treasure I took away from it all. It was a taste of Heaven to meet up with these men spontaneously. We all battle the overwhelming difficulty & Romanism in this land. And it takes a rugged, gut-wrenching endurance to just stick with it. I think that those who persevere and long-suffer for the Faith will find a deeper sweetness, significance, and joy when they arrive in Heaven. You won’t find these folks surprised to have made it there. Heaven is made for the celebration of the saints.
