When I read the book of Exodus, I often have a hard time understanding, much less relating to, the Israelites. Israel suffers, performing back-breaking labor under an Egyptian king who stops at nothing to keep them in slavery, including killing their children. God hears their cries, demonstrates his power over rival “deities” and “kings,” shows that nature itself obeys his command, and frees them.
Not two months later, as they wander through the desert, the Israelites complain about their lack of food (Exod 16:1). Wait, what?! God just defeated the Egyptian army, the most powerful fighting force this side of the Euphrates without a gun, a drone, or a single casualty. Now they’re worried about food. What’s wrong with these people?!
That’s what I used to think. But then I thought about wandering through the desert. It’s hot, dry, and, well, food is sparse. My kids need a snack about an hour after their last meal. If I’m honest, I’m thinking about lunch about as soon as I finish my morning coffee. Maybe the Israelites aren’t crazy; maybe they are normal people worrying about normal things liking keeping their kids alive.
Then I thought about my own life. I’ve never missed a meal. I’ve never lacked anything that I truly needed. And I worry all the time about all sorts of things. Will we have enough in retirement? Will we be able to send the kids to college? Will we have everything we need to make it back to Peru in July? Oh. Wow. Maybe I’m a bit like the Israelites after all.
The Israelites worry about real problems. God hears them and provides so that “you will know that I am Yhwh your God” (Exod 16:12). He brings a daily provision of “manna.” Here’s the catch: although there is more out there, they can only get what they need for one day. They must trust every day that God will provide more the next day. Gulp. Easier said than done. My prayer these days is that God would help us to trust in him for our daily manna.
Ministry Updates
From March 4–8, I will be in Santiago, Dominican Republic teaching Survey of the Old Testament for the Seminario Teológico de Santiago. In this class, I want to help students see the missional trajectory of the Old Testament. God created this world full of potential for flourishing, vibrant life. Not even the scourge of human sin can stop God’s vision. After humans turn from God, he enacts a plan to bring his vision to reality. The end goal is for God to live with his creation: Immanuel, “God with us!”
This course serves as a great example of the need and demand for theological education in Latin America:
- I will have 60 students in this course—20 in person and 40 via Zoom. The students come from around the D.R. Most likely some will be in full-time ministry. The majority, however, will likely work outside of church, but desire to grow in their ability to know and serve the Lord. There is a high demand for theological education!
But there are serious challenges:
- Lack of resources: I’ve searched for hours for an appropriate textbook. All the options I’ve found (all three that is) are translated from English. One is out of print. Two are 20+ years old. I settled on the best I could find. It is so frustrating to have an entire bookshelf of books in English and not even a handful in Spanish! Translations are great. But they are not the endgame. We need resources produced in Spanish from and for the Latin American church!
- Lack of professors: I visited this seminary in August of last year. I LOVE what they are doing and am honored to support them by teaching. One of their biggest struggles is finding professors. Most of their teachers come from the US and do not speak Spanish, so a live interpreter makes the lesson understandable for the students. This is great. But it is not the endgame. We need highly trained profs from Latin America who teach in Latin America.
That is why my dream is:
To teach pastors, writers, and professors who go on to teach others so that the next generation does not have to leave their country (as I did back in 2013) to gain the training they need and desire!
Ministry Partner Tracker
Monthly support pledged
60 % of goal
We are planning on moving to Peru in July… our lease ends at the end of June, so we’re really trusting that God will provide by then. Our mission requires that we reach 100% before we can buy our tickets.
Family Update
For a variety of reasons, Adriana has decided to leave her job at Wedgewood. She has enjoyed working with children on the autism spectrum for the past few years. Going forward, she will be focusing on the countless things we need to do to prepare to move this summer.
Ph.D. Progress Tracker
- March 19: Oral comprehensive exam
- March 20: Dissertation defense
Please Pray
- That we would find joy these last few months in the US while we also prepare to leave.
- That God would give the kids peace during this transition. They are beginning to think about the practicalities of the move… can we bring this or that toy? We have to say goodbye to all our friends here and then find new friends in Peru?
- That God would open doors as we seek to finish raising our monthly budget goal by June.
- That God would give us energy and wisdom as we manage the details of an international move.
Asi es la vida... 