Up in the Air

UP IN THE AIR Greetings from the top of the world's tallest building. Actually, they only allow tourists up to the 124th floor of the burjh kahlifa tower in Dubai. Nevertheless, the view is spectacular at night. The city of Dubai is truly a jewel in the desert. The temperature when we landed was only 108 degrees F with what I would guess to have been a relative humidity of 70%. Being situated right on the Gulf of Oman, Dubai is a virtual crossroads of trade, travel and tourism. After an exhausting flight of nearly 14 hours, we arrived in Dubai around 7:00 pm their local time. By the time we got settled in our hotel - The Copthorne. We freshened up a bit then hit the streets to see, hear, smell and experience all we could in our brief overnight stay. Activities varied: Some ate at a genuine Lebanese restaurant; two people skiid in an indoor ski area. Several of us went up the tower and in the process, also saw a beautiful enclosed aquarium teeming with a vast variety of beautiful fish and a stunningly beautiful fountain synced to authentic middle eastern music. Some toured the city by bus; others shopped. I think we all got to do everything we desired to do. We even got a few hours of sleep before rising to a continental breakfast and a 9:25 am flight to Lusaka. I had the privilege of speaking to a number of interesting people in Dubai. On the bus from the airport, Judy and I met a man from Toronto who was going to do business in Uganda. Standing in the check-in line at the hotel, another toronto resident shared that he actually had been born in Iraq and was returning to visit family. He had worked in the government under Saddam Hussein and had fled prior to the Gulf War. He spoke with gratitude for the changes which have taken place there. This morning on our flight to Lusaka (I am writing this in mid-air and will post later today if I have wi-fi) I am sitting next to a couple who now live in Zimbabwe and are returning home to Harare after a vacation. They are Presbyterians and said they would pray for the Word of God to be heard from and seen in us during our time in Zambia Without exception people seem genuinely interested in what we are doing and those who are from Africa agree that education and sanitation for vulnerable children is an important goal and a most worthy project. So even though we have spent a great deal of time "up in the air" in a very literal sense, we have not been up in the air with regard to our sense of purpose and calling. We are determined, excited and ready to get started. We are tired though. People are getting along well. At last nose count we were all still together as a team. When we arrive in Lusaka, we will get visas, collect or bags, board the van that will be our transportation for the week and head for the Lafe Hotel/Lodge in the Olympic district of Lusaka. We are excited to get there. We are tired of traveling - airline food, though abundant on these flights, is still airline food and leg space is no better on our airline than any US domestic carrier. The anticipation of the unknown adventures that lay ahead churn within us and will only be quelled once we arrive and make our first visit to the school. That will be tomorrow morning (Thursday here - Wednesday night in Enumclaw - a 9 hour difference in time). But spirits still resonate that what we are doing is important. And we continue to realize that we need grace, patience, love unity and strength. So continue to pray for us as we keep families, church, community back home in prayer as well. Colossians 3:12 - 17 reminds us all that "as God's dearly loved children, we are called to live into kindness, gentleness, humility, forbearance, forgiveness and most of all love which is the glue that binds those traits together in perfect unity. Paul concludes with this challenge that was given us at church over the weekend as we were commissioined. "WHATEVER YOU DO IN WORD OR IN DEED, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, GIVING THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH HIM." May that be in all we say and do. More to come when we land and get started. Trustingly, Fred (for the entire team) Post Script - We have arrived safely. George did meet us. We have had dinner, exchanged dollars for kwachas (4,800.60 K per 1 USD) and are now looking forward to sleeping in a bed to get caught .up on sleep.

Africa Team Schedule

Several people have asked to know what our schedule will be while we are away. This posting is simply intended to shed light on our daily schedule, although there are a few unknowns while in Zambia as we have a number of different commitments and projects while there. Africa time is much like time in Latin America - very laid back, requiring lots of flexibility and adaptation on a daily basis. SO HERE IS THE SCHEDULE: 23 July (Monday) Prayer Circle and Departure from Calvary prayer at 1 pm. (PDT) Emirates Air Flight #230 departs at 5:25 pm 24 July (Tuesday) Arrive in Dubais and overnight stay 6:55 pm local time Sightseeing to worlds tallest bldg. indoor skiing etc) 25 July (Wednesday) Emirates Air # 713 to Lusaka 9:25 am local time Arrive Lusaka 2:35 pm local time Staying at Lafe Hotel 26 July Healing Place School Project begins after welcome and introd. 27 28 29 July (Sunday) Worship with Pastor John and Thenny Mpanga Visit preschool that Village Steps sponsors Pick up Karl Teichert from Airport for Pastor Conference Visit Arcades Mall and market, shopping and dinner 30,31 July (M - T) Pastoral Leadership Conference with 40 - 50 local pastors co- sponsored with OC International and Karl Teichert Work Continues at Healing Place Health Ed Classes 1 August (Wednesday) Final Day at Healing Place 2 August (Thursday) Travel Day to Livingstone/Victoria Falls - Zambezi Sun Hotel 3 August (Friday) Safari at Chobe Game Park in Botswana 4 August (Saturday) SA #49 depart Livingstone 1:30 pm Local Time arrive Johannesburg 3:15 pm Local Time Dinner with John and Heather Witherow Accomodations at Ferndale Lodge in Randburg 5 August (Sunday) Worship at Ennerdale United Reforming Church (Fred preaching and doing baptisms Dinner in homes of Ennerdale URC members Visit to Rosebank Market and Dinner 6 August (Monday) Visit Finetown - Welcome Celebration, Lunch, Feeding program, orphan care, etc Dinner at Sitar Restaurant 7 August (Tuesday) Morning - visit with home based care workers Afternoon - lunch, visit preschools (three groups) 8 August (Wednesday) Brunch, debriefing with Witherows and Teicherts 1 - 4 pm - Apartheid Museum Emirates Air #766 depart Johannesburg 10:20 pm local 9 August (Thursday) Arrive Dubai 8:20 am local Emirates Air #229 depart Dubai 9:50 am local Arrive SEATAC 1:50 pm PDT Please pray for safety and health of our group each mile and step of the way. Please pray that we might be blessings to others; that the Lord would put in our way those people he wants us to minister to. Please pray for the Pastors Leadership Conference. OCI has been praying about beginning work in Zambia and has been waiting for an opportune time - this seems to be it as over 40 pastors will attend. Pray for patience, forbearance, adaptability, rest, and renewal for the team. Pray for John and Heather Witherow who are our main hosts in South Africa. They leave to come home for extended furlough and are packing up their house and belongings. Yet they are taking the time to share with us in South Africa and have done an amazing job preparing the way and making arrangements. Please pray for Ken and Suzanne Popp who will leave us in Livingstone to continue back to Zambia for a team build with Habitat for Humanity,Finally, pray for John and Thenny Mpanga who pastor the local church in Zambia and also direct the Healing Place School. Pray for Paul who runs the pre-school we will visit. Pray for the dear children - many of whom are orphans - that God would bring encouragement, faith, better health, and blessing to their lives. Bless you for your love, support, and prayers. IN GRACE Fred

T minus One Day

Anticipation. It is a strange emotion. On the one hand, there exists the worrisome details of what to put in the suitcase so it doesn't exceed the airline weight allowance; last minute details to arrange for someone to house sit; contacting banks; leaving emergency phone numbers; remembering to begin taking Malaria medication; etc. On the other hand, there is the expectancy of seeing new places and meeting new people; building team esprit de corps; eating airline food (ha!); experiencing a different culture; doing something in Christ's name that seems significant and life changing.... From one moment to the next my mind wanders from one detail to another and from one edge of that anxiety to the other. "Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Easier said than done Last night at church, our team was commissioned. As part of that service we were asked if "we promised to serve the Lord with imagination, intelligence and lnove?" With confidence, I averred that I did. Yet after 25 plus hours of plane travel, a short night of sightseeing in Dubai, and the accumulated effects of preparation, will I (will we) be able to do that? We also answered that we would seek God's justice and peace, and represent Christ in everything we will do. Yes, I hope so; I pray that I will. know that on my own strength I will. God has uniquely blessed the team and this trip already. One of the great blessings is that right here in Enumclaw, there is a man who was born and raised in Kabanana - the very district of Lusaka Zambia where we will be working the first week of our mission. Albert and his wife Josephine have promised to make our team a traditional Zambian meal of corn meal (nsima) and boiled cabbage. They will, in addition to providing us lunch, help us prayerfully acculturate to Zambian culture and conditions. I have been deeply moved as I have talked to Albert and sensed his deep love and passion for the people from his home. His gratitude have humbled me. His passion has inspired me. Thank you Lord for giving us Albert to help show us the way. Our prayer as a team has been that the Lord would give us divine appointments. That is to say, that God would put in our experience the people, the places, the needs, the experiences the Lord would have for us. We don't know what those are but past experience has shown us that the Lord goes before us to choreograph the moments of this trip so that in everything we do, we will do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Tomorrow, (Monday) we leave. SeaTac airport at 5:30 pm. After nearly a year of prayer, planning, fundraising, and anticipation the moment of departure is now so close it is hard to believe. a young man named William Bordon committed his life to Christ earlier in the 20th century and set out for Mission work in China. While studying language in Egypt on his way, he contracted spinal meningitis and died. In the cover of his Bible were written, "No regrets, no reserves, no retreat." Lord, may that be my heart's desire and commitment.

AFRICA - Here we come

One week from today, I, along with 13 other members from Calvary Presbyterian Church in Enumclaw, Washington, will have literally traveled to the far side of the world to arrive in Lusaka Zambia. It seems not only like a million miles away, it seems like a distant and alien reality to me today. Even as a newly retired pastor, I find that my life gets so caught up with details of my consumptive and busy life that the daily struggles of a young orphan school child carrying a "jerry can" with her family's water for the day; or of Pastor John who preaches in a church with dirt floors, cinder block seats and no instruments and who raises other people's children in a small 3 room house; or the scores of people by the side of Kabanana Road who sell charcoal, vegetables of small hand-crafted items seem incomprehensible at times. To make that disconnect seem even greater, this morning I had a doctor's appointment to remove a small "basal cell carcenoma" from my face - something that should have been done a few weeks ago but wasn't because I didn't want to sport a big scar during the festivities surrounding my retirement. I have pondered what to do with all the books from my library that I don't have further use for nor space in which to store them. Details of arranging for a housesitter; leaving itineraries and phone numbers for people, getting the grass mowed, stopping by Starbucks, packing, and hosting a guest who is in town as part of a group performing at CreationFest are not mundane activities by any means. But they pale by comparison to the concerns of our brothers and sisters in Africa. So after my Doctor's appointment, I stopped by to see a new friend - Albert Munanga. He is the administrative director for a local Senior Care Facility. He is not only from Zambia, he grew up in the very area where we will be working. Visiting with him - although he now lives a very American life - re-calibrated both our hearts toward caring for and praying for the people of Zambia. Seeing the longing in his eyes and hearing the passion in his voice as he talked of his homeland, and his family members who remain there, reminded me clearly that Kabanana, Lusaka, Zambia, and South Africa are real places, filled with real people. These are people who are loved by our Lord and who, in many cases, have deeper faith and joy in Christ than I do. They are also real people who have suffered from lack of safe water, malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and the effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Flesh and blood; body and soul; loving, hurting, caring folks. They have more to teach me than I have to teach them, no doubt. Yet, Monday afternoon, we will be on our way. The reality will set in and I will once again be asking if my - our - commitment to this project will really make a difference? As our team has prepared for this trip, many have asked me to defend such a high output of money to send a team all that way when the same amount of money might very well have done much more to feed the hungry or shelter the homeless. It is a compelling question. As I think about it, I can't help but remember Pastor John reiterating what we had heard from others: "Many people have said they would come help us, but you came!" Love incarnate; the Gospel enacted; Christ's hands and feet - frail, insensitive, bumbling, fearful, timid, but eager to be used. That is our team! All 14 have the heart to make this more than just a "vacation." It is a calling. We have been blessed and are called to seek - when possible - to be a blessing to others. That's possible by sending money, or a letter, or used clothes. But much more real in person. "God so loved the world, that he sent his only Son... (John 3:16) There is an African parable about a small boy who wanted to thank his teacher for the lessons learned and for her sacrificial efforts. He traveled a great distance by foot for the perfect gift - a beautiful sea shell shining with an opaque, nacre translucence. It was a fitting symbol of his love and gratitude. When the teacher received the gift, she was stunned. She knew they did not leave near any sea coast and it was evident that the boy had sacrificed greatly to find the shell and bring it to her. When she protested that he should not have taken such a long trip to find her a gift, his response was this: "It is no problem. The long journey is part of the gift." This journey, we pray, will be a gift to others - some we know; others we do not know. What we do know is that God has provided for us to make the trip through the generous prayers and financial support of many people. And we know also that God has divine appointments for us to keep. I think I speak for all of us when I say that the long journey is part of the gift and we make it trusting God's grace and provision every step of the way. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel and as we begin our work. THe team members are Cindy Ehlke, Cherie Murchie, Ronda Henry, Lauren Hardman, Dave Dietz, Terry "Swampy Marsh, Tom and Cate Underbrink, Ken and Suzanne Popp, Doug and Nancy Munsell, and Judy and me. Leaving Monday at 5:30 PDT, we will arrive at 2:30 pm Wednesday (Lusaka time - 10 hours ahead). We return home on August 9. We will worship in Zambia at Pastor's John and Thenny Mpanga's small church. We will also worship and share in the life of United Reforming Church in Ennerdale South Africa. We will administer some health care, play with children, build a sanitary toilet facility, teach health and sex education, and sponsor a Pastor Leadership Conference. In South Africa we will visit the Preschools and AIDS hospice in Finetown. It's going to be busy and tiring. It's going to be the experience of a life time. Here we come!

In Retrospect

It has been awhile since I last posted and now I am in the throes of preparing for another trip to Africa. We leave on July 23 and will be going once again to the Kabanana District near Lusaka Zambia to work among vulnerable children. Our project this year is to provide a more sanitary latrine facility, additional classroom space, health and sex education and community based school support for a preschool and for Healing Place - a school run by Pastor John and Thenny Mpanga. July 1 marked the end of nearly 15 years of pastoral ministry at Calvary Presbyterian Church. It was an emotional time - a bittersweet mixture of tearful goodbyes, unfinished ministry, and people that we have grown to love and care for on the one hand and joyful anticipation of a new chapter in life. As I look back over the last 15 years of ministry there are a number of things that stand out in my mind as vital details and profound memories. - Challenging a congregation steeped in traditional mainline Presbyterianism to step out of that box and engage the community and the world with a missional commitment - 3 mission trips to Mexico to build houses, 3 trips to Africa, 1 trip to the Gulf Coast to help rebuild after Katrina hit. I can recount nearly every detail of those trips; the people we met and ministered to; the jobs we accomplished; the team members; the funny incidents and stories; the heartwarming bonds of love and fellowship; the deep satisfaction of knowing that even if we hadn't made huge dents in the problems of the world, we had changed the lives of some forever - Along those same lines is the gratitude of knowing that over 275 people - from age 15 to age 70 - have participated in one or more of these trips or one of the many other mission trips our church has supported to Mississippi, New Orleans, New York, Boston, Jamaica, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. - A group of folks that met every week in a local Ale House for Bible Study, prayer, laughter, tears, fellowship, food and more. I am also reminded of people like Thomas, Bonnie, and others who served us and watched us seek to live out the Christian life in a real world setting - Attending AA "birthday parties" with brothers and sisters who were celebrating months or years of sobriety and knowing that I had supported them in some small way. - Over 550 erudite, inspirational, biblical, applicable, life changing sermons preached - Person after person who either wrote a card, a note for the scrap book or who stood and spoke at the party. As I heard those comments and read and re-read the notes and letters, the thing that stood out so clearly to me about 15 years of ministry was not my preaching or my insistence on challenging people to step out into the world; not my Bible Study or classes on current topics; but on personal relationships. Mention of any of my sense of accomplishments was minimal. People talked about supporting them in their Christian life or encouraging them in some ministry. Someone mentioned a life-changing experience on a backpack trip and another on a bicycle trip through the Rocky Mtns. Some mentioned my support of music program, others spoke of things I had said or done. But most simply talked about having a relationship that helped them. Sometimes you don't know the effect your life may have on another person. And sadly, people don't take the opportunity to say kind things about the way another person has affected their life until they are leaving or they have died. I feel humbled and grateful that people were able to share with me and my whole family what 15 years has meant to them (and in some cases an additional 5 years in Renton, Maple Valley and 14 years in Las Cruces). I pray I didn't do anything or act in any way that held ulterior motives of self-advancement. I tried, I believe, to simply act as a "Christ-man" (a term my grandson Davis coined after watching the movie Courageous). In the course of that, God brought dear friends, co-workers, colleagues, accountability partners, and, in some cases, those who challenged, opposed, made me think more deeply about my positions int my life and thereby caused me to grow. I have not deserved the favor God has bestowed on me and my family. As the say in Africa, "God is Good - All the Time." As I look back, I have no regrets, only deep satisfaction mixed with a desire to keep pressing forward in some way. Retirement from professional ministry does not mean quitting the challenge of "living for Christ and bearing fruit." (Phil. 1:21) It simply means finding new ways of doing that. Judy and I decided to attend church last Sunday even though we didn't have to. Neither of us had any responsibility to be there, no sermon to preach; no program to lead, no question to answer; no complaint to listen to. For the first time in many years both Judy and I were able to sit in church and simply focus on God and let others worry about microphone batteries, time going over, sermon content. And through that we encountered God in a new way. Wow. That's what it is like to go to church to worship and not to work. I had no idea. So, we press on. Next stop is Africa. I guess I have to put on a leader hat again for a few weeks as this trip was planned before I knew July 1 would be my retirement. But we are excited to extend Christ's love in tangible ways and to know that though retired, there is lots to look forward to and not just fond memories to nostalgically remember. If you are interested I will be posting from Africa (maybe even from Dubais where we have an overnight stop)on this site. Feel free to read or comment if you wish. Gotta run now and straighten out some technical problems I am having with my email and computer. Keep the faith.

FISHING OUT OF THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BOAT

"Go to the other side of the boatand you'll catch your limit!" I wish it were that simple but its usually not. I can be in the same boat, fishing the same exact gear, using the same technique as others - With rare exception I will be the one who doesn't catch fish.

After the resurrection the fishing disciples went back to their old fishing grounds. Having fished through the night, their luck was equal to mine. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
Tired and discouraged, they were ready to pack it in when off in the distance, standing on the shore of the lake, Peter saw the faint silhouette of a person who was calling out to them - "Throw your net on the other side of the boat and you'll find some."

I have often wondered why would they have listened to someone they didn't recognize. But if you know anything about fishing and fishermen, you know that when your not catching, you'll try anything. So they did...they dropped the nets on the other side of the boat and they caught so many fish they needed help hauling them all to shore.
It was only when they got closer to shore that they realized that it was the risen Jesus who had called out to them.

It was a great, joyful moment. Peter, in typical fashion stripped down to his civvies and swam to shore to greet the Lord. Pure exuberance and unrestrained emotion. It all culminated with a fish fry and beach party.

Food is always and has always been a great way to celebrate and to draw close. No wonder the breaking of bread is sacramental. It does draw a person closer those sharing the meal as well as to the host. In another place, on a road to Emmaus, this same Jesus appeared to two disciples and only became known to them in the breaking of bread.

This story from John's Gospel is one of my favorite post-resurrection stories. I love it that Peter was overjoyed to see Jesus again. I love it that they got to enjoy a meal and the fellowship that goes with it. I love it because it involves boats and fishing. I love it most of all because at the Lord's suggestion, they decided to fish differently and for that step of blind faith, their efforts were rewarded...beyond all expectation and hopes.

That is what knowing the resurrected Christ does to a person's life. The Lord tells you to stop doing things in the same old way with the same old results that you have been using. Knowing Jesus should give us courage and faith to change; to not settle for the same old, same old.

A lot of people do not like change. Its difficult. Its not that the future is bad, its just uncertain and when a person is accustomed to doing things in certain ways, well, its just hard to recalibrate.

Obviously, as retirement nears for me, the Lord will be asking Judy and I to fish out of the other side of the boat and engage in new, different ways. Yes, I am retiring from serving Calvary. But I am a disciple of Jesus and I can't see not serving in some way - voluntary or otherwise. It is and will be a step of faith for us. Jesus Risen calls out though and asks us to do things differently. I'm up for it.

It will also be an important time for our church as this change occurs. For nearly 15 years with me as Senior Pastor, Calvary has graciously adapted to my weird ideas, big plans, and sorry jokes, you have kindly adapted, put up, responded to and shared in ministry with me. You have grown accustomed to doing things in a certain way. It would be easy - and perhaps natural - to slip back into a complacency, continuing to do things the way they've always been done. But that may not be the most effective way to do things; "to catch fish."

Now seems the perfect time for you to hear the call of Christ and go to the other side of the boat, try a different method, and do things just a little differently. That's what Jesus in risen glory calls us to.

And it's even more important in your personal life. After you've finished your Easter dinner, visited with family and friends, done your annual (or bi-annual) church thing, don't be content to go back to things the way they were. Step out in faith. Hear Christ's call. Know that in risen power and glory, the Lord is calling out to you to do things differently. If you just try it, who knows, maybe you'll be so blessed, you won't even be able to haul in the catch.

Musings for the days leading up to Christmas

What's most important? How do I understand the true message of Christmas. How is the way I celebrate this blessed season a reflection of my passion and commitment for my brothers and sisters in other parts of the world?

I realize that in the hectic, crazy schedules which define our lives, Judy and I have had to struggle to maintain balance. We have immersed ourselves into the wonder of some amazing lighted Christmas displays. Zoolights (in spite of a long walk from a distant parking lot) was amazing. The creativity, patience and skill of those who designed and constructed this lighting display at the Pt. Defiance Zoo stunned us with beauty, dazzling light and animated displays. I thought to myself, this can't be topped.


Thursday, I took a group out on the boat to follow the Argosy Christmas Ship in a lighted boat display. It is always one of the highlights of our boating experiences. This year was no disappointment. About an hour before we needed to leave the dock, the dense fog lifted and we were treated to a crisp clear cruise around to Dash Point where a lighted tree and giant bonfire shone brightly as we waited for the Christmas ship to arrive. It's always an adventure to travel at night by boat. But we missed any logs, other ships and docked safely in the warm glow of carols and lights and good friends.

A number of people had told us we really should go see the Holiday Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. So last Friday we jumped in the Hybrid Sleigh, set the GPS, turned the stereo up high and headed out to see another awesome display of lights - even better in my opinion than the previous week's. Wow. I came home determined to do something more creative and complex in our yard next year. Just wait. Now, we have tickets for this Friday to drive through a neighborhood in nearby Spanaway (that's right. You heard me. Tickets to drive through a neighborhood) to see an entire community decorated.

In the midst of all the happy twinkling of colored lights, elaborate displays, joyful music, and throngs of people, one thing seemed to be missing - JESUS.
Last I checked, Christmas is a time to remember and celebrate the birth of God into the world. Incarnation. The divine taking on human flesh. God in a manger; born to give his life in sacrificial love for a lost and hurting world.

And lots of people are hurting. This year more than any other Christmas in my memory, I have heard of and talked to more people who are going through rough times than ever before. Serious illnesses, deaths, loss of jobs, financial pressures, family strife, depression, worry and anxiety are as much a reality and maybe even more so as the dazzling lights and happy music; the parties, dinners, and gift exchanges.

It struck me this year then that the reason God became man was not simply to give us another holiday or reason to party and spend money. It was to bring hope and healing in those places of brokenness, hurt, and fear. That is why the angels told the shepherds not to be afraid. There had been born in the city of David a baby, who was Christ the king. Truly a reason to see glory and experience God's peace and favor.

I was emailing back and forth with one of our missionaries in South Africa and she recounted how Christmas is not really a sacred or special time there as much as it is a chance to go away on "holiday."

That got me thinking about our dear partners and friends in Zambia. They won't be sitting under a brightly decorated tree or in front of a cozy fireplace with a warm, seasonal beverage. They won't be sitting down to a big feast or dashing off to the mall the day after Christmas to return unwanted or ill-fitting gifts. For them, Jesus entry into the world means something much more organic and authentic: eternal hope and profound love - love that is stripped of all the sentimentality, glittering lights and canned music.

The love of God that brought Jesus into human life for them means taking in, feeding, and educating orphans. It means for the first time they have safe drinking water. It means that there is a unity and connection with Christians from half a world away to are inexorably tied in Christian fellowship and service with them.

That is a world and a life that is probably much more like the world into which Jesus came 2000 years ago. How easy it is for me to forget that as I get so wrapped up with all the trappings of Christmas here in my culture and my world. So as I look at brightly lit holiday displays, I also think of darkened fields and dirt paths leading among the small homes of my brothers and sisters in Zambia. As I marvel at the beauty of our statuesque tree and the decorations so lovingly placed on it by Judy, my mind's eye is etched with the picture of a tower supporting a water tank and all the people of a small community gathering underneath it to draw water from it. As I open cards and presents and overeat delicious holiday treats, I remember that the greatest gift ever given was not a present - but a presence; God making his dwelling in our midst. That reality shines through no matter where in the world we might be or what our circumstances are. And it is what unites us with God's people everywhere. I pray I won't forget them and that I can continue to share in the partnership that is ours because Jesus was born.