Saturday was Diwali - a Hindu holiday celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.

Ironic and sad, since the religion of Hinduism is in many ways the epitomy of spiritual darkness, and seems more than any other religion, to bring its followers under the terrible power of the evil one. The little lighted diyas that they put out at sundown are a sad reminder of the darkness that Hindus are really in, though they do not realize it.

This house is where two of my good friends live. I do Bible studies with them and they come to our church. They have shown desire to follow Christ, for which I thank God. Their Hindu parents accept their Christian beliefs - but not for themselves. It is a very sad thing to see the bondage of Hinduism on many people. Some will say: "I born Hindu, I going to die Hindu". They may be very tolerant of Christians and even profess to "pray to" Jesus along with their other gods - but turn away from their Hinduism - never.

"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." - 2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV

Though Hindus may be in deep spiritual darkness, no spiritual blindness or spiritual hardness or purpose of the evil one can stand against God's sovereign saving grace, which he works by the power of the gospel in the hearts of those whom He will save. No darkness can stand before that mighty Word when it says, "Let there be light." The gospel of the glory of Christ is powerful. Let us proclaim it to all peoples.

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. - 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 ESV

What is the hardest thing about being an MK?

A friend once asked me that question in a letter. Here is what I find to be the most difficult thing about being an MK (an excerpt from my reply):

"As you said, not fitting in anywhere can be difficult. Thankfully, no Christian needs to fit into this world. We are aliens in this world, and we must be a bright and salty influence wherever we are. While it is difficult to be out of place, I believe that the feeling of being a perpetual foreigner is a good one. It helps us to remember that we are foreigners in this world. And as you said, I am glad for the worldwide unity of the family of God. For me, the hardest thing about being an MK is the temptation to pride. In a third-world country I am tempted to be proud because I have more in education and material possessions than others my age. And as a white person, I have a higher social status in most situations and am the possessor of coveted US citizenship. I have to remember “For who makes you different from anyone else. What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Cor. 4:7) In America, I am tempted to be proud because I’m a “missionary” and people in churches are so admiring of missionaries, so that I tend to feel that I am someone special. In that case I need 2 Cor. 4:1 – “…through God’s mercy we have this ministry.” I don’t deserve anything good, I only deserved punishment. But God not only saved me but gave me good work to do for Him. My good works don’t make Him indebted to me for my service – they make me indebted to Him for His grace. So humility is my crying need in every situation."

For all the hardships of being an missionary kid - it's a great privelege, for which I must be humbly grateful.

Lessons from the Garden


This morning was lovely. The thermometer barely touching 80. The sun clouded and to the west the blue sky spread with those high, clean, wispy clouds that come after a rain. The breeze coming softly over the river, wafting a fresh, woodsy exhilarating scent through the morning air.

A good morning to get some yard-work done. I got my pruning shears and went around cutting dead branches off plants. After I finished, I walked past my bouganvillea again and noticed a totally dead branch lying on top of the fence. Hmm.. must have cut it off awhile back and it didn't fall to the ground. I reached to take it off, but it wouldn't move, so I lifted up the branches and checked the end of the stem. It was still connected - at least it looked like it. That's strange... But when I pulled on it again, I realized that though the outer bark was connected, the inner fibers of the branch had been broken off long ago.

It made me think of Jesus' words,

"Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned." - John 15:5-6 ESV

It made me think - about the possibility of looking like abiding in Christ. It is possible to be disconnected from the life of Christ in the heart and yet maintain an outward semblance of it for a time. Outwardly the religious activity that accompanies true abiding in Christ is the same, but inwardly the connection is not there. It doesn't last. That dead branch was a sober reminder that it doesn't.

The importance of being in Christ is immense. To be really in Him, by faith, is what matters above all else. What good is it to maintain an appearance of being in Christ? It is of no value; it is even damnable. The disconnected branch may for a little while remain green, but it will dry up and be destined for burning.

But to be really in the vine, even if it means being pruned and for awhile not looking like much - to be really in Christ and He in me - that in time I may be "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:11 ESV) ...is the greatest blessedness, for only in Christ will I bear good fruit, and bearing good fruit I shall be proven to be in Christ. Then my hope increases, and God is glorified.

"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." - John 15:8 ESV

"I Sought the Lord"
a precious, beautiful hymn

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.
It was not I that found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of Thee.

Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the storm vexed sea.
’Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,
As Thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole
Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!
For Thou were long beforehand with my soul,
Always Thou lovest me.

- author unknown (circa 1880)

"We love because he first loved us" - 1 John 4:19 ESV