I have been  blessed way beyond anything I deserve. God has allowed me to travel and minister in over 50 nations and to meet some wonderful people along the way. But, of all the many fabulous experiences I have had, this annual trip to Amsterdam is right at the top of my list of the things I enjoy the most. I love this city and the friends I have made over the years. More than anything, though, I love seeing people light up as the profound nature and significance of God’s mission begins to sink in.

This same material is something I have taught many times in other places and circumstances, but there is just something very special that happens when I teach this to someone who is outside their normal environment and a bit out of their comfort zone. The discussions, the interaction and just hanging out together in the context of learning more about the people who make up God’s world is a powerfully enriching experience.

Kasteel de Haar

Today, we began to work our way through a brief history of missions from 1500 to the present. We will finish this up tomrorow. In the afternoon we took the train to Utrecht, rode a bus and walked to a beautiful castle called Kasteel de Haar. The castle is still open even though it is undergoing major renovation. Most of us seemed to be dragging a bit by the time we got back early this evening, but no one wants to miss a single moment of this shared experience. It’s been great to see new friendships blossom among the six churches represented in this little group.