Change

A year ago, or even 6 months ago, no one could have predicted how the world would be today.  At first Covid was just a novel thing, with so many people making parodies on Facebook or Youtube, talking about toilet paper and the quarantine. However, as the weeks and months have gone by, a different reality has begun to set in. If we're honest, it's been hard. This time in quarantine has forced many of us to really spend more time with those we love, seeing each other's faults more closely but also offering us a chance to love each other more deeply, as Christ calls us to. 

Whether it's the irritability that comes from being stuck inside for so long, or the racial injustices happening in our country, our response needs to be the same: turning to God in repentance for our sin, and walking in the Spirit more each day. Here is a link to a great sermon I heard recently from a black pastor on the need for gospel conversations around the issue of ethnic unity.

Even though many places throughout the world are opening back up, life will not be the same for any of us. How will we adapt? Once again, as Christ followers, we have an amazing chance to shine the light of Jesus through our love. This love will most likely be in the form of patience. As our churches, small groups gatherings and events for our kids start back up, how will we move forward in beautiful unity instead of ugly division? Here is a great article about Christians living out practical grace during this time of transition. As James 1:19 says, we should be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry". What opportunities is God putting in front of you today to show His love to a desperately messed up world?

Ministry Adaptation

As I mentioned in our last update, my trips for this year have been cancelled, and one or two postponed until next year. However, just as schools and universities have had to adapt and put many resources online, I have had to adapt as well. For instance, instead of traveling to a college campus, I have been invited to teach about Creation Care and Missions via zoom with students. Emails and video calls continue, but in-person visits/travel are on hold for now.

TEAM, our mission, has also had to adjust how they train and send new workers to the field. As a result, much of the training has been adapted into an online/virtual format. I'm excited to be developing a mini-course on Creation Care for our missionaries on the field as well as those preparing to go.

One learning resource I really encourage you to look into is the Lausanne Global Classroom, specifically the series produced on Creation Care (https://www.lausanne.org/lausanne-global-classroom/creation-care-episode). Lausanne has also produced a user guide for discussion in a small group setting, academic course or Sunday school class. Take some time to learn something new, yet so crucial for Christians to be involved in.

Family Time

In February, I (Ben) had right hip labrum repair surgery. Thankfully, I've healed well and am almost fully recovered. Like many other families during quarantine, we also added a puppy to our family. We named him Toby (Mac) and enjoy playing with him and watching him explore. He is growing so fast! We've finished school with the kids, and love having the extra time to mountain bike, kayak and go to the mountains to swim in the cold water. 

As a family, we have played more games in the last few months. A few of our favorites have been Monopoly Deal, Azul, Splendor, Catan, Uno, and Stratego. Even though we homeschool, our kids have had to learn how to play together for longer periods of time since all of their extracurricular activities were cancelled.
Becky has been extra busy at the hospital the last few months and has started working exclusively on an oncology (cancer) unit. We have been thankful for her job and the ministry opportunities she has as a nurse, though it can be very draining. Please pray for God to give her the strength she needs at the hospital, and for both of us at home with the kids. Thank you for your prayers and support.