A Case of Nostalgia

I (Wes) recently completed Isabel Allende's, My Invented Country. It is the first of Allende's writings that I have sampled. Because this post isn't a book review I wont begin to go into detail, other than to say that it is a reflection on Chile and Chilean life. She has spent many of her recent years living in California so she often finds herself reminiscent of her life in Chile.

This morning my heart is heavy with a desire to return to the Chilean port of Talcahuano. To sit atop the overlooking hill that provides a splendid view of the sea, its industry, and all of its hurry. The wind spreading upwards to me the chilly sea air and the noises of the bustling harbor.

There my spirit would be quieted and my purpose renewed.

The Outcome

Last week I (Wes) made a bold statement predicting the outcome of Saturday's big game. I must admit that Man U and Arsenal had to share the spoils after their showdown, each walking away with a point.

Man U fans look forward to another Champions League victory tomorrow against winless Dynamo Kiev. Manchester stands atop Group F with nothing but wins.

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Tomorrow night at HIP (the Wednesday evening service at church) a short series on spiritual warfare continues. Last week's lesson was very challenging. It was a time to get real and be more aware of the spiritual battle that we are in. Such prophetic messages seem to be less and less frequent, but truth is being spoken boldly here about spiritual life and death.

Saturday's Showdown

Q: Recognize this man?
A: He's no wanna be gangsta. That's Sir Alex Ferguson, the boss of Manchester United.

Q: What is he hyped up about?
A: Saturday's clash with current Premier League number one, Arsenal.

Q: What is going to happen?
A: Mark my words, Arsenal is gonna be dethroned.

World Mission Workshop

This past weekend Ellen and I traveled to the World Mission Workshop in Edmond, Oklahoma. It was such a blessing to be there. It just so happens that the couple (the Lukkasons) that is considering joining our missions team lives in Edmond and is going to school at Oklahoma Chrisitian University, the host of the workshop.

Ellen and I enjoy so much the company of the Lukkasons. We all continue praying for God's will to be made known about whether we should partner together.

The workshop was such a great experience. Hundreds of likeminded students and others gather together for a weekend of lectures, classes, worship, interest groups, prayer, etc. The biblical text that the weekend was centered around was Revelation 5:9, ". . . from every tribe and language and people and nation." A beautiful image of what heaven will look like.

In other missions news, ACU and Halbert Institue for missions will be presenting teams in formation tomorrow night. Our team will be part of the showcase.

Update

Recent happenings . . .

A couple from OCU visits us. They are investigating Abilene, ACU, and Missions!

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In Gossip: Reid gets a girl friend. Meriden gets a boy friend.

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Our missions team unites for the first time since being in Concepcion, Chile together almost five months ago. We celebrate relationships, dreams for the future, and God’s love together.

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Deanna* drives twelve hours (one way) to spend four days with us.
*Deanna is one of our teammates for missions and is currently living in Colorado.

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Finished the Graduate School of Theology application process and began considering Organizational and Human Resource Development at ACU. (Wes)

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Blanco turns 6 months and on his B-Day gets neutered.

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Camping trip with the guys for my brother’s B-Day . . . he did not get neutered. (Wes)



*Some pictures coming soon!