Archive for January, 2009

The view from here of the inauguration

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

We lived the inauguration “live” here in Europe with all ears and eyes tuned in to the happenings on the Potomac. It took place at 6 PM our time, those who came to the Geneva weekly Bible study (at 7 PM) told me what news they had heard before leaving home or while on the road.

As a church, we sang praises to the King of kings and quietly prayed for Obama along with the leaders of other countries in the world.

The BBC covered major parts of the speech as I was driving home to Lausanne. The French were interviewing Americans in Paris and correspondents on site. There were reporters in Birmingham, Chicago and London, all interviewing Mr. or Ms US citizen, voices filled with emotion, sure that America was on the “right” path again.

Don’t doubt it: Obama is a star, not only in the USA, but throughout Europe. One of the members of the Swiss Executive Council stated on TV recently: “Obama is not just the hope of America, but of the whole world.” I think I know what she meant: That he’ll open doors to dialogue; that change can be more easily affected; that he will correct a downward spiral.

I pray for Obama. (God, bless the man.) But I’ll build my hope on something else.

Posted in Current events, Politics, Prayer | 3 Comments »

Exchange student

Friday, January 16th, 2009
About a year and a half ago, Nikki, a student at the Lausanne Hotel School (“the Leading Hotel School of the World”, she says), told us about Joel, a 15 year old from her church in German speaking Basel who was interested in studying French and English in either Lausanne or Geneva. We asked around if any families wanted to welcome him into their homes, but got no responses. So Wife and I, with Son 1’s agreement, decided to take Joel in.

He wants to be a carpenter, which implies a trade school, so his mandatory studies are already over. This “tenth” year is a time for learning languages and reinforcing math and writing skills, after which he’ll start his 3 year-long apprenticeship consisting of 4 days a week in the shop and one day in class.

It’s fun having a 16 year old in the house again. He is passionate about FCB (Basel’s football – soccer – club). He can stay on a computer for hours. He needs tremendous sleep time. He loves his iPod. And when there’s something on the table he really likes, he’s a ravenous eater. He’s a good kid, and I think he enjoys being with us. But I’m sure there are times he’s got to be thinking: What in the world is going on here?

Ever had an exchange student? Any pointers you could give?

Posted in Education, Family | 3 Comments »

In the year Uzziah died

Monday, January 12th, 2009

During preparation for Sunday’s sermon (from a short series on texts from Isaiah, this time on his vision of the Lord, chapter 6) I ran across the following passage in McGuiggan’s book on the prophet, and found it even more meaningful knowing that he is a man of compassion for the suffering, so they are not words glibly written. 

God grant that if and when tragedy comes into our lives, we’ll find ourselves in “the temple” discovering that God is sitting on the throne. Maybe you’ll be able to say one day: “In the year that my business fell apart, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne…”. For someone else it might be: “In the year that my wife (boy, girl, husband, parents, closest friend) died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne…” Perhaps: “In the year my child became a drug addict (my marriage folded, my little girl became pregnant while unmarried, my baby was born crippled), I saw the Lord sitting on a throne…” 

Posted in God | 3 Comments »

24 years ago today

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

Today we celebrate 24 years in Lausanne. Yes, it was on January 8, 1985 that we came to Switzerland with the mission to bring people to Christ and to build up the local church. Our energy was high. Our hopes were higher. Our confidence… Well, that’s always been a tough one for me.

I was just thinking today of people I am thankful for who have supported us financially and spiritually every month since our arrival: Jack and Joyce, Steve and Donna, Guy and Holly, Dad and mom, Uncle Dick and Aunt Judy (not forgetting my other most favorites Uncle Doyle and Aunt Kathleen who started helping us later, but prayed for us from the beginning)… And I know I am missing some of you (but just wanted to remember those who have been there from Day 1).

Many who helped us in 1985 were only stopped by death. We have been loved by some amazing people.

Today, more than ever, we covet your prayers. We have been far from successful in reaching our goals. But we trust. And are thankful.

Posted in Ministry, Missions | 2 Comments »

Christmas Vacation

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

We have had many guests these last weeks. Daughter (who is NOT a guest) was back from the Marseilles Church Internship. She is doing great and has a busy beginning of the year ahead of her. What a pleasure to have her back!

While our exchange student was away, Dan, a Pepperdine student who needed a home for two weeks, stayed with us for Christmas and New Year before heading to Egypt. Son 1 finally has a room to himself this week. He’s got exams soon.

A. and C., a young couple from Lille, France, visited us for 4 days. The ping pong games were exciting, the Jenga towers scraped the ceiling, and the time of communion was enriching.

We have a sister in Christ arriving for a two day stay. We don’t see her much as she lives in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.

Through it all, Wife cooked and baked and cooked some more. (She even got a few runs in.) The smells were fantastic and assured that all who came had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Posted in Holidays, Hospitality | 1 Comment »