Finishing and Beginning

In two days Suzanne and I will conclude our ministry at East Vancouver Community Church. There will be our closing service, a potluck dinner and farewell time. This days are a time of reflection accompanied by some feelings of satisfaction about progress that was made, as well as some feelings of disappointment over some of the goals and plans that were incomplete or unstarted. Yet, with the perspective of one of the older generation, that's little different than most things in life.

Next week we'll begin our new focus on international ministry. Isaiah 55:4-5 says,

Listen to me, my people;

hear me, my nation:

The law will go out from me;

my justice will become a light to the nations.

My righteousness draws near speedily,

my salvation is on the way,

and my arm will bring justice to the nations.

The islands will look to me 

and wait in hope for my arm. (NIV)

Since God's challenge to us in 2011 to move to "the Islands," Suzanne and I have had a passion to see Japanese men and women, girls and boys hear the Good News of Christ and choose to follow Him. Our plan is to use our home in Vancouver, Washington as a base from which we will first, travel to Japan and South Korea training and coaching national workers to rapidly make more disciples who will repeat that process. Second, we will work domestically to improve our knowledge and skills so that we can coach our international partners to a greater harvest of souls.

Pray with us - and for us - as we move into this new phase of our walk with Christ. In 2007 our friend Darrell Willis called this "Bob and Suzanne's excellent adventure." It has been that for the last 10 years. I believe is will continue to be an "excellent adventure" in Christ.