Two lepers—they exchanged places—offer a powerful lesson for us.
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Edinburgh, 26 May 2021
A walk in the woods with Darcy (our Bernese Mountain Dog).
Good afternoon!
This past week, besides the pleasure of our daily walks with the dog (photo above), we enjoyed dinner with friends in their home. Eating, or otherwise associating in others' houses, became permissible in Scotland just last week. This was a first for us, since we moved here last autumn. Further, hugging friends became legal again! (England began permitting this the week before.) And a neighbour even shook my hand. (I'm not sure whether we violated a health regulation.) Personal contact certainly feels better than the isolation felt by most here in Europe.
My second COVID inoculation is tomorrow, a few hours after my wife flies to Atlanta to receive U.S. citizenship. Vicki will become a dual national. (In 2026, I'll be permitted to do the same—acquiring U.K. citizenship.) Of course we realise that, in most of the world, travel is not feasible, and especially in nations hardest hit by the virus. So many persons we know are heavy-hearted over the loss of friends and loved ones.
Otherwise, the ministry continues much the same: studying, teaching, preaching, consulting, and my M.A. course for Lincoln Christian University. The past week ministry highlights include:
Addressing churches in Atlanta (on Pentecost), the Hawaiian Islands (the launch of the Athens Institute of Ministry—Pacific), the Far East(iFaith), and the UK (Acts 2).
The continuing series for churches in six nations in the Middle East (in the Gulf region).
An interview with Kyle Spears of Truth Trauma Theology. Some of Kyle's questions:
"What direction do you have for people who feel the church has inappropriately used the Bible?"
"Many feel the God of the Old Testament is a tyrant. What's your approach to this?"
"What counsel do you offer for those who have been hurt by Christian leaders and don't seem able to move on?"
"What are some practicals for those interested in developing their teaching gift? What kind of work ethic does this require?"
Next week: Watch the full interview,linked from this newsletter.
A Tale of Two Lepers
The Bible (both testaments) contains numerous stories about lepers, for example in 2 Kings—where we find seven in all.
In iFaith message 81, learn from two lepers who traded places. There's a lesson here for you and me. The video is 15 minutes in length. Please CLICK HERE to view.
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