Touching base
Green grass, blooming flowers, beautiful spring days were traded for snow flurries, cold (which is apparently a relative term), and winter jackets. We have become softies. When we left Germany a week ago Roberta and myself (Mike) were going home while our girls were going to a foreign country. Of course they can speak English and know the grandmas and grandpas, but everything is different to them. Food is different, customs are sometimes strange and family is uncommonly curious about life in Europe. Missionaries are probably familiar with these issues, but family and friends have no idea what it's like. Culture shock brings out the critical side of me. I get fed up with American customs, food and superficiality. "Oh, nice to see you. How are you?" Then the very same person will turn away like they never asked the question. Americans stuff themselves with fast-food and then drive when you could just as easily walk. Like a said, critical.
We have been doing a lot of visiting of old friends and relatives. Last weekend we drove out to a church conference gathering in North Dakota to see leaders from the area and touch base. We enjoyed that time to share and pray with them. This weekend we plan to be in Bemidji at the 1st Assembly of God to share some and hang out with old friends from those times when we called Bemidji home. The week after that we will be back in Strawberry Lake for Easter and celebrate the reason for all of this. We go to the nations because they need to hear the good news of Jesus who wouldn't stay dead. He rose from the dead showing the world who the real boss is. We go out of a heart filled with compassion for people who have never experienced the grace of God. We are still there to equip young people and send them out into a broken world full of needy people. It doesn't matter if they're German, American, African, Asian, or Martian; they need to know about his amazing love for broken people. That is why we go.
If you would like to support us as we start a new term we would be appreciative. We need to raise our own finances. We can't thank the German church we work with enough for the part they do. But it's not possible for us to be there without your help. Please think about this and ask yourself if this is something you could get behind. We definitely need and appreciate everything that comes in. My email addy is mikelotvola@hotmail.com or facebook message me for the details on how to support us.
We I'm off to see my grandma. I think I'll walk.
Peace,
Mike
We have been doing a lot of visiting of old friends and relatives. Last weekend we drove out to a church conference gathering in North Dakota to see leaders from the area and touch base. We enjoyed that time to share and pray with them. This weekend we plan to be in Bemidji at the 1st Assembly of God to share some and hang out with old friends from those times when we called Bemidji home. The week after that we will be back in Strawberry Lake for Easter and celebrate the reason for all of this. We go to the nations because they need to hear the good news of Jesus who wouldn't stay dead. He rose from the dead showing the world who the real boss is. We go out of a heart filled with compassion for people who have never experienced the grace of God. We are still there to equip young people and send them out into a broken world full of needy people. It doesn't matter if they're German, American, African, Asian, or Martian; they need to know about his amazing love for broken people. That is why we go.
If you would like to support us as we start a new term we would be appreciative. We need to raise our own finances. We can't thank the German church we work with enough for the part they do. But it's not possible for us to be there without your help. Please think about this and ask yourself if this is something you could get behind. We definitely need and appreciate everything that comes in. My email addy is mikelotvola@hotmail.com or facebook message me for the details on how to support us.
We I'm off to see my grandma. I think I'll walk.
Peace,
Mike
Comments
You start off light and then dive into a dark area. I travel all over the world and deal with many different cultures. Each one very different and yet very similar. You can give your opinion on Americans being superficial and lazy, but this can be found in all cultures.
Sometimes you may need to step back and reflect why people treat you this way. You may be too critical of people around you and not as accepting. Remember people can care about you and your family by being silent.
God bless...