one last look

And as quickly as it came, so it's nearly finished (for me, at least- one final Aussie sunset for me on right). The team is now in Eidsvold, having left yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. I, on the other hand, am winging my way back to sunny SoCal, as our son, Jon, is making plans to get married Saturday. Currently sitting in the Auckland airport, I've been reflecting on some of the events, meetings, reunions, introductions, lessons, and laughter of the last two weeks.

I began in Christchurch, New Zealand, meeting a church planting team with which KACC has begun a partnership. From there I arrived in Brisbane a few days ahead of the team. Time to catch up with friends there, including our missionary Daun Slauson. The Ann Street Church has been going through a rough patch the last 6 months of so, and as they emerge the better for it, I was able to share with them over some of the issues and upcoming direction.

You'd be proud of the team and the job they're doing connecting with people around them. They've had many meaningful conversations and opportunities to talk about the good news of Jesus, and they've stepped up each time (that's Sarah Bishop sharing in church). They've been wholehearted into everything they've done (and they've done a lot already!), and have not shrunk back from any challenge set before them. Pray for their time in Eidsvold (they'll be there until Thursday) as they continue to deepen relationships with many (especially youth) who need to know so much about God's love and desire for them.

And as usual, I take my leave with the usual tearing inside, excited to head home (I miss my family tons!), but having to leave brothers, sisters and opportunities in this place of ministry. When I got to the airport here in NZ, I did something different, for me anyway. I stopped inside the chapel for awhile. One thing I was counting on- and I wasn't disappointed- I was by myself!

I was able to read Scripture and pray aloud, and even sing some praises aloud (but quietly!). I can't express to you just how valuable that time was for my spirit. I was able to begin putting thoughts together from my experience and talk with God about what lies ahead. I took time to thank Him again for the last few weeks, and lift up the team as they continue on. And I was reminded how much I need to stop like this in my daily life and cry out to Him about issues on my heart, hear Him speak to me, and find the still waters from which He wants to feed me. I understand again the need for Sabbath rest, and though I'm not good at doing it, I'm making this a point for my own growth when I get back.

As I contemplated in that chapel my ministry- the "why" of what I do- I found Matthew 16 and read again the words of Jesus. He said," What would it profit a man if he gained the whole world but forfeited his own soul? What is more valuable than a human soul?" And I saw again why I do what I do. Because there's nothing of greater value than a human soul. Jesus proved it in his death, and I want to make sure my life revolves around that same value, the value of a life. That's why we're out here with brothers like John and Eugene (on right). That's why we take time to introduce people to the grace and hope of God. Because they matter so much to Him. Because they're worth more than anything in this world. Because Jesus came for them just as He did for us. Doesn't matter if they're American or Australian. Kiwi,indigenous or islander. Up-and-comers or down-and-outers. They all matter to God. And therefore they must matter to us. So we'll continue to go, share, work, weep, love, laugh and serve. Could there be any greater investment?

Not a chance.

1 Night, 2 Cultures, 1 Message

Now that's what I'm talking about. What a great evening. We helped serve Ann Street's monthly Community BBQ to their neighbors on the street, something they've been doing a couple of years now. They adapted the concept from our own Community Suppers, but with a twist. First, they barbecue the meat they serve (since they barbecue just about everything but spaghetti!). Then, because of logistics, they serve the meal on the front steps of the church, right out on the sidewalk. This has proven quite successful, as many have come simply because they were passing by at the right time.

Tonight we had about 60 men and women show up, most of them living on or nearly on the streets. Many had great stories to share and were eager to talk to a group of Yanks. I was proud of our team, as they worked tirelessly preparing the meal. We found out Ligaya, on left, is a chef from the Hilton, and she really made the presentation of the meal shine! After preparing, the group set up and served the crowd. I then looked around and found everyone sitting and sharing with those who came to eat. What a great and satisfying sight- I was blessed.

Following the dinner, we hurried over to another church hall to catch the end of celebratory dances of the Torres Strait Islander people. It's their yearly observance of the coming of the Bible to their islands in 1871, and is called The Festival of the Coming of the Light. We got to see about 30 minutes of dancing that had been going on since 2:00 p.m. today! It was a real cultural treat to sit with these people as they remember and give thanks for the Scriptures' entrance into their society.

Two cultural experiences, each different from the other. Each with an acknowledgement of God (for the most part), yet with an always-present need to know Him more fully. Each with hopes, dreams and struggles that can't be dealt with alone. Each with a desire to somehow do and be better tomorrow. Each with a story, a journey, and a destination. And tonight, each with a group from somewhere halfway around the world connecting, learning, serving and sharing the love of Jesus like it makes a difference.

Because it does.

It's a Beautiful Day

Who knew having a good time could be so much work?! In the last few days we've ridden, bustled, interacted, learned, served, laughed, dozed, played, shared, listened, and connected (just to name a few of the verbs!) here in Brisbane. Wednesday we spent the morning with youth from Ann Street learning to play cricket (you think baseball's slow?!), then learned to throw boomerangs in the afternoon. We crowned Jamie the stud of the day, as he played some mean cricket, and threw and caught boomerangs- at least a few of them- with the ability of a local. Most of us simply threw sticks.

Yesterday we went on a bushwalk (about 3 miles, I think), again with Ann Street young people. We were in a rain forest outside the city, and we enjoyed being a part of perhaps the most beautiful creation some of us have ever seen. After lunch we went to another park (there are so many of them in this city) and played games with the kids. This bonding time is so important, as many of them will travel to Eidsvold with us next week. Today we cleaned the grounds around and indigenous Christian Center in a city of metro Brisbane. We cut trees, trimmed bushes, moved wood, disposed of cane toads (ask the boys about it- ugh!), cleaned under the church house (another ugh!) and generally shaped the place up. The afternoon saw us head to the Gold Coast where we spent the evening together.

Our time so far has allowed us to unite as a team as we've gotten to know each other. We've also been able to know better our hosts and the church with which we're partnering. And we'll travel to Eidsvold Sunday afternoon, after spending tomorrow learning about aboriginal history, working our way through downtown on foot, and helping with the church's Community BBQ. All we have done and will do has one goal- connecting us with people here, and giving us the chance to share with them the message of life we have in Jesus. It's a sorely needed message and we pray for open doors and boldness as we go out. In this great place. With these great new friends. With our great God.

Hey, it's tough work, but somebody's gotta do it.

Communication is always interesting in another culture. In some countries it's obvious that we don't speak the same language at all and we have to work at basic concepts. In others, we share a common language and it's much easier (or so we think!).

I saw this sign on the streets of Brisbane (double-click pic to enlarge), and my sideways humor couldn't resist thinking, "I wonder how they actually know that they should cross at that intersection?!" Now I recognize the sign is really for the benefit of drivers, and not pedestrians, but for just a moment I saw that what was undoubtedly clear in the mind of the signmaker might not necessarily be understood as clearly in the mind of the reader. Ahhh, communication- it takes two, doesn't it?

Since Australia is an English-speaking nation, communication here is relatively simple and straightforward...or so you would think. There are, however, words and phrases unique to the culture. Some examples of unique/modified words include: fair dinkum (someone or something genuine); chook (chicken); billy (metal can used to boil tea over a fire); my shout (I'll pay this time); icy pole (popsicle); off with the fairies (daydreaming); sticky beak (nosy person); tuck shop (cafeteria); snag (sausage); whinge (complain); fairy floss (cotton candy); woop woop (far away); lollies (candy); yobbo (redneck); car park (parking lot); letter box (mailbox); arvo (afternoon); brekky (breakfast); rellies (relatives); and a host of others. Not everyone uses all such words, but some are commonplace and take some getting used to, especially if we want to understand and be understood clearly.

Which makes me think again about the way we communicate the Gospel, whether in our own culture or in another. There are words, terms and phrases that are common to us but may not make sense to those around us with little or no spiritual background. Of course, "church terminology" seems pretty much out (words like justification, sanctification, washed in the blood of the Lamb, redeemed, ransomed, etc). But there are other terms that we may think people do understand which may no longer be so clear. Think about words/ideas such as repent, commit, lord, savior, faith, hope, invite Jesus into your heart, saved, and even love. The definitions and concepts of what we might consider basic terms have shifted for many. And the great mistake we make is to assume everyone understands our words without making sure we're talking about the same things. Remember, communication isn't just about what you say, but what's received by your listener as well. It really does take two.

All this to say that you need to think about what you say AND how you say it. That just as we have to think through our words when in another culture, so you and I- even in our own surroundings- must realize that we're really speaking to another culture. An unchurched and often unaware culture. Choose your words in such a way that people will really get what you're trying to tell them, because in order to receive good news, they've got to understand it first.

And when you do, the person you're talking to might even think, "Good on 'im! He's a fair dinkum and a good mate, and I think I'll have 'im over for a cuppa and bikkies this arv to chase up this talk about Jesus!" (Good job on his part! He's a genuine guy and a friend, and I'll invite him for a cup of coffee [or tea] and cookies this afternoon and follow up on what he says about Jesus!)

Touch Down in Brisbane!

Well, we made it! The team roared into Brisbane International Airport a little past 6 a.m. local time, following a nearly 13 hour flight from L.A. Three of us on the team were here to meet our crew, along with a goup of Aussies and Daun, our missionary.

Everything was rolling along until the team realized that one of our young ladies (Sarah) had her suitcase taken by mistake (a look-alike). Her attitude was outstanding, even if she did freak a bit on the inside, and before the day was over the mistake was realized and the bag returned! God is so good, even when people slip up. And truly, it's our response to the things that take place in our lives that matter far more than those actual events and activities. Because it's in such times that we find out the kind of person we really are. And we think the kind of person Sarah really is, is really quite special.

The day was spent depositing luggage in homes around the city, sharing meals together and visiting an animal sanctuary. While there we saw animals peculiar to this great nation...you know, wombats, Tasmanian devils, kagaroos, wallabies, koalas, emus and the like. We fed some, layed around with some, pet some, held some, backed off from some and took pictures of all. It was a great time, and a good way to work off the jet lag.

The team was returned to the homes of their host families for an evening meal, time to get acquainted, and (hopefully) an early bedtime. We'll need all the rest we can get, since we have youth games tomorrow, along with a boomerang-throwing session and a welcome meal at Ann Street. Please pray for the team's strength and stamina, as well as initial times of bonding with the young people with whom we'll be spending the next several days.

Here are a few photos of the group as we made our way through this first great day:

To the Land of Oohs and Oz

Tonight's the night! Sunday, the 28th, our KACC GO! Team Australia boards a Quantas 747 and heads for 2 weeks in Brisbane. There are 16 total team members (some shown in this pic) and they'll have a group in the state of Queensland eagerly waiting their arrival.

Australia's a secular county that has seen declining interest and participation in Christianity for several years. And yet there's a spiritual hunger in the lives of many Aussies that is opening their hearts again to the words and path of Jesus. Our team will once again partner with the Ann Street Church of Christ in the heart of Brisbane (where our own Daun Slauson serves as a missionary!), joining them in sports and evangelistic outreaches to local youth, as well as in service projects. We'll serve alongside Ann Street as they host their monthly version of our Community Supper, will spend several days in an outback community building relationships with locals there as we share our message of life with them, and will even take in an Aussie Rules football game (seen on left)!

Our goal is to serve the Australian Church in every way possible as we learn about God's work (and our part in it) in another culture. We'll continue to build on relationships begun by prior teams and leave a good base on which future teams may continue to add. Please pray for our effectiveness as servants and witnesses, opportunities and boldness, safety and new life perspectives. And for lives to be touched for eternity- theirs and ours.

And check back here for updates through July 13. Good on ya!

Really Down Under

As our summer is now here, we look forward to GO! Team opportunities with extended time in other cultures. Our Australia team is preparing to depart for Brisbane Sunday evening, the 28th, where they'll serve until July 6. I'll fill you in about that team and trip next blog.

But I wanted to let you know that I have gone ahead of that team, and will meet them in Brisbane next Tuesday morning when they arrive. I left last Sunday evening to spend some time in New Zealand before moving on to Australia. I made it to Christchurch, a city of 400,000+ Tuesday morning and met up with a team of three young church planting couples (pictured on right) who have come to this city on the South Island to establish a new work.

Partnering with South Pacific Christian Fellowship (www.spcfdownunder.com), and led by Hamish Taylor (himself a New Zealander, on left with Molly and Liam), this group arrived in April after an extensive search and refining process to determine where in NZ God would have them. Their goal is to launch a new congregation by February 21, 2010 and to see it at 200 or more by the following month. KACC is partnering with them in this endeavor, providing financial support and hoping to develop a relationship that will grow with them as they grow God's Kingdom.

I've been blessed with what I've seen and heard so far. We've driven through the city (Christchurch Cathedral seen on right), seen the area they're targeting, prayed over a dozen different possible meeting sites they're looking at (ranging from schools, businesses, old church buildings, and taverns), and talked about their plans and process. NZ is much like Australia, spiritually speaking. The culture is considered post-Christian, highly secular, with only 5%-10% of people attending any church. Spiritual interest may be low, yet people are looking for ways to connect in meaningful relationships. This team spends much time developing such connections, that they may introduce the people of Christchurch to the One who desires a relationship with them like no other.

Please pray for this team and the ambitious challenge before them. Pray for open hearts and open doors. Pray for protection from the evil one in the midst of the battle. Pray for clarity of vision, provision of funds and team unity as they press on. And please pray for me as well, as I spend another day here before leaving, that I might see more clearly the role God has for us in possible support and encouragement of this project, and beyond.

A home of their own

Where to begin? Today started out with an early breakfast and then off to the reservation. Half of our group did a prayer journey, stopping in different locations, praying for each area they stopped in. The other half went out to a house under construction. We spent the morning, painting, electrical work, installing a tub surround, hanging doors, cutting the kitchen countertop and preparing the sink and faucet for installation. There is so much work to be done in such a short amount of time. In the afternoon we all headed to the Youth home only to find out at the last second that the kids there were headed out. It was frustrating because we were making real progress on the house we were working on and stopped to head out to the Youth Home. There was not enough time to go back to the house and restart our work so we decided to treat the team to Fry Bread! It is soooooo good! A new cafe opened on the reservation so we stopped in. God always has a plan! The waitress who took our order said “are you the one’s building houses?” That started an amazing conversation of how desperately she wanted a home. She was living with her father in his small house, with her 3 children, her sister and her sister’s children, and several other family members. She didn’t want to be the only one working and paying the bills for all of them and wanted a place where she could raise her girls. After hearing her story, I would have given her a home today. The staff at ARM has to go through many, many applications and make tough decisions, choices that can be heart wrenching. Please pray for the staff here as they go through this process, pray for wisdom and discernment, please pray for those who desire a home of their own, please pray that we will accomplish the tasks God has for us here and at home, please pray for the Apache people who do not know Christ, please pray.....

San Carlos Apache Reservation

Well, we made it safe and sound. It was a long drive on top of an early morning. Having said that, it was an amazing day. We got to play with the kids at the same park we got to paint the playground equipment at. WOW, what a strange sentence that was...Anyway the paint was peeled off almost as soon as we painted it over a year and a half ago. When we got there we saw it was painted again, by a group of high school kids from San Carlos High. This time it has lasted over three months. Awesome! It just goes to show how God can change hearts and lives. I know he has opened my eyes. For the first time I can see a hope in the eyes of some of these kids, not all of them, but there is definitely a change.

Thank you God for opening my eyes.

Robert

Kenya in my Rearview

As quickly as we got here, my time in Kenya has come to an end and I'm preparing to head back home today (Wednesday). Though our connection here was short, both Stanley and I believe it was of tremendous value, especially in the young life of our new church, Masii Christian Chapel. The opportunity for teaching and connection was rich, and will prove to be a valuable tool for this young congregation as they continue their formation and development. Please keep them and their pastor, William, in your prayers. They have a golden opportunity to bring a fresh look to the whole idea of the Church in their region...and people are already taking notice.

Tumaini Ministries continues to grow. I've been excited to meet several of the "kids" in Masii, Machakos and Nairobi. Actually, they aren't kids anymore. They've grown into young adults who are working, running businesses, finishing studies and already making their imprint on those around them. It's great to see a bit of the fruit that so many of you have invested in for the last few years. Please keep Tumaini and its leadership in prayer. They have much on their plate and God continues to open doors for them.

Finally, times like these always remind me just how good we have it. We take so much for granted, assuming that we will have things that are not always present for the rest of the world. You think our streets have potholes and need work? You should have your teeth rattled here for awhile as you get from one place to the next. Electricity is a staple, almost a right, to us. Loss of electrical current is common here, especially in outlying areas. And there's nothing you can do about it. We may have traffic and congestion, but the idea of crowded streets takes on a whole new dimension here (pic of a bit of traffic outside my hotel), especially in Nairobi. Driving (or riding!) here is not for the faint of heart. Even crossing these busy city streets is like a real-life game of Frogger! And make sure you look right and not left as you step off the curb, as traffic comes from the opposite way!

Sometime today, would you simply stop and take a few moments to thank God for the many blessings you have at your fingertips. And would you take inventory again of some of the everyday things you have and use that may seem commonplace to you? Things like hot, running water on demand, food on your table, a consistent dial tone, clean streets, somewhere certain to lay your head, stocked grocery stores and reliable transportation. Such seemingly simple things, and yet in much of the world these are the extras in life. Maybe God has blessed us with them so we might use the extra time and energy they create to invest in the lives of others in need.

Seems like more than a fair trade to me.

Things I Wish My Mother (or Pastor) Would Have Taught Me

(Taking a timeout from a great Kenya trip to share a great, new book with you...)

Finally. A book that speaks to the stuff of life that Christians (and others) actually deal with. OK, I'm sure other books have been written that cover the same kinds of ideas, but I just read a new one that's fresh, timely and overdue.

Larry Osborne, pastor of North Coast Church in Vista, CA, and author of books such as Sticky Church, Leadership as a Team, and Spirituality for the Rest of Us, has another winner hitting the shelves (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, your favorite Christian bookstore) this week. It's called 10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe and it looks over and responds to ten common spiritual urban myths. This special sort of belief is described as "a belief, story, assumption or truism that gets passed along as a fact. In most cases the source is a friend, a Sunday School class, a Bible study, a devotional, a book, or even a sermon." (p.2,3)

Some myths in this category are minimally damaging ("God helps those who help themselves," or "Cleanliness is next to godliness" come to mind), but the ten Osborne targets have far greater ramifications for those caught up in them. Without going into detail on each (or any) of them, I can tell you that Larry takes each of these ways of thinking to task, dispelling the supposed truths surrounding them, pointing out the fallacies and dangers in each as he shares many pertinent life examples. He then provides a correct Biblical framework for each idea, complete with Scripture (in context, thankfully!) that helps to amplify and clarify.

Each chapter is a stand-alone piece of work, and the author deals with some issues more completely than others. I felt as I read the book that some of these topics have had greater life significance for Osborne, and they are probably the ones he attacks with even greater passion and depth. Although each chapter was helpful, I found his analysis surrounding the truths about forgiveness (ch.2), God's plans for our lives (ch.4), godly homes and the kids they produce (ch.5), and the meanings of life's valleys (ch.9) particularly insightful for my life and ministry.

There are valuable discussion questions for each chapter at the end of the book, which is a perfect idea, because this could make a GREAT small group study. The things tackled here are the stuff people either want or need to know, and I can easily envision a small group being a perfect venue in which to wrestle with them.

Whether you read it as a group or on your own, you need to get a copy of 10 Dumb Things... and chew on it awhile. It may surprise you, challenge you, even make you a bit angry or uncomfortable at times, but I guarantee it will strengthen your understanding of God's Word and will help you make better sense of ten "Christian" ideas that you may have wondered about (or maybe even bought into).

a weekend to remember

Wow, what a weekend! Stanley and I spent Saturday and Sunday with the members (and neighbors) of Masii Christian Chapel, a new church planted because of the impact of Tumaini Ministries (www.tumainiinternational.org) in this part of the country. The congregation, begun in September, is excited and growing, looking to become a solid, Bible-based church that will plant daughter churches throughout the region (and beyond!).

Saturday's seminar drew more than 80 (some seen here on the right), and we discussed basic elements of the New Testament Church, namely baptism and the Lord's Supper. There was great interaction and interest as we went from mid-morning until the end of the day. Some of the teachings and concepts that you and I may take for granted are new thoughts and practices for some of these believers, and they are finding great freedom in them.

Sunday's morning services (one in English, the other in Kikamba) drew more than 150. You would have loved the time of worship in praise! So much enthusiasm, excitement and expression. And believe me, it's infectious! We continued the seminar in the afternoon, teaching about leadership in the Church, and the place of elders and deacons. MCC does not yet have recognized leadership, aside from the pastor and a few other volunteers, but they are preparing to put leaders in place, and they want to make sure they do it well. Their ultimate goal is to grow a model congregation that they can reproduce in other places in hopes of becoming a movement of churches.

I wish you could sit with these people and hear their hearts as they share. You'd be moved and challenged in your own faith. As thankful as they were that I took time to be with them, I think I got the better end of the deal. I'm stirred and encouraged to deepen my walk as I realize what my brothers and sisters face each day here. And I'm convicted to pray more fervently for them as they live for the Lord in southeast Kenya. You'd love the people here, I know you would. And after you were here awhile, you'd try to figure out how you could return as soon and as often as possible.

I know I am.

Kenya bound, Kenya found!

At last! We touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi yesterday afternoon (Thursday) at 2:40, and I was so thankful to be finished with flying for awhile! Arriving in Kenya is always a great experience for me, and this time was no exception. After clearing customs (always an adventure!) we were met by Paul Mutendwe from Tumaini Ministries (Paul was at our church last fall). He brought Jackson, the Tumaini chaplain, and Geoffrey, a US intern. How great to see them again!

After a much needed night's sleep, Stanley and | are in Nairobi this morning taking care of odds and ends (exchanging $$, making copies for our seminar and touching base with people). We'll head to Machakos (about 2 hours southeast) after lunch, and get ready for tomorrow's time with the new church. I'm growing more excited about this opportunity as Stanley and I talk over all the possibilities with the planting of this new congregation. People are hungry for something fresh, something challenging, something with substance and hope for their souls. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare and share what God has given us.

The weather is pleasant, we're healthy, and God is good. Those are fine ingredients for us as we launch this time of connection with our brothers and sisters. I'll post again when we're settled in Machakos. Thanks for your concern and interest in what God's doing in this part of His world. It's a blast to be connected with it, even in a small way, isn't it?!

Our Emirates Connection

I wanted to check in along the way and let you know our travel progress. We're sitting at the airport in Dubai (in the United Arab Emirates), having concluded our 12+ hour junket from NYC, and looking forward to 5 more wonderful hours in the air in order to reach Nairobi.

We're flying Emirates Airlines this trip, and I have to tell you, except for one kinda crabby flight attendant (she must have hit my shoulder 15 times either walking past or pushing the food carts), we had a tremendous experience. Service was great, everyone (sans the one) was out-of-their-way friendly, and the entertainment system for each seat was almost beyond imagination! You ADD-types would have been satisfied completely with the hundreds (that's right!) of movies offered, music, games, up-to-date news, even the ability to create our own music playlist. Additionally, each seat had the ability to connect mp3 devices, ipods, and computers with power! Needless to say, we enjoyed the longest leg of our flights and are looking forward to the final link.

We're anticipating an extremely positive response from the young church in Masii. Stanley was with them a couple of months ago, teaching about church dynamics, and they were enthusiastic, absorbing everything he shared with great excitement. They've spoken to him more than once about starting other congregations, but he's encouraging them to take a step at a time, making sure they're grounded and firm before they spread themselves out.

Thanks again for the prayers. Pray earnestly as you wrestle on our behalf, will you? And don't forget to bring your umbrellas!

On the Road Again

As I write this, I'm sitting in JFK Airport in the Big Apple with Stanley Mutunga (that's Stanley and me feeding Jeffrey!). It's Tuesday morning, and we just arrived on the red-eye from Los Angeles on our way to Kenya (man, those seats are small!). We'll fly through Dubai this time (a first for me), a 12+ hour trip, then about 5 hours back to Nairobi. It's long, but exciting, as Stanley and I talk much about our opportunities for the next nine days. We'll teach at the new church started at the Tumaini Center. The congregation is averaging about 125 after last September's launch, and they want to know more about what it means to be a non-denominational, New Testament church. And even more exciting is the news that they already want to plant more churches like themselves throughout the area. Our teaching will be foundational to what they will teach and pass on to others as they reproduce themselves among their own people.

Quite honestly, that makes me a more nervous, knowing that what we/I say during these days of teaching and discussion will be carried on to others. My topics this trip include the place of baptism and the Lord's Supper in the Church, and the place and ministry of elders and deacons in the Church. Please pray for us as we share, that we don't simply impart knowledge, but that we pass along the lessons and insights God has given to us through our years of service to Him. Thanks!