The Philippines…..

We as a family visited the Philippines about 5 days.

Statue of Ukon Takayama. 

(I wish I could share pictures of the family, but the kids refuse.)

Riding a Jeepney. We also enjoyed their food.

We visited the Filardos and their church (2nd floor behind the Jeepneys).

They work among the poor.

I really enjoyed the time in the Philippines. They are wonderful people.

Naho and I

Naho and I after Hosahna's graduation.

Joshua and Hosahna graduated from high school and junior high recently.
(I wish I could share photos of our kids, but they would not want us to post them.)

In the Philippines. Enjoyed a Mango Smoothie.

Life….

Naho and I on our weekly date. What a precious wife!

The boys (with friends) and I went skiing at Hakuba Goryu. It was beautiful.

Men praying at Abundant Life Christ Church

Great to see men humbling themselves before God.

Billy Graham and Racism

I admire Doctor Billy Graham, who went to be with His Lord the other day, not only for his faithfulness to the Gospel of Christ, but also for diligence in dealing with racism. 

Read What Is Billy Graham’s Friendship with Martin Luther King Jr. Worth? | News & Reporting | Christianity Today　

“I remember Billy telling me he regretted not doing more to remove the ropes of racism,” wrote John M. Perkins. “He repented and asked for my forgiveness. Even though he had done so much, Billy had humility and I admire him for this.”

Japan: Past and Present.

Please read. At Japan’s suicide cliffs, he's walked more than 600 people back from the edge. Suicide in Japan averages about 30,000 per year. Pray that Japanese will put their 'hope in God'.

5 Psalm 42:5, "Why are you in despair, O my soul, and disturbed within me? Hope in God, because I will again praise him, for the salvation of his presence."

Read the book Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission. A true story. Rangers successfully rescue 500 dying 'forgotten' soldiers from a Japanese POW camp in the Philippines. It was riveting.

Hospitality and church planting

“In many ways, church planting is about learning to practice hospitality well. It’s about meeting, welcoming, listening to, and loving people.” Tony Merida

Read Why Hospitality Is Vital to Church Planting

Here are some quotes.

Robert Karris says, “In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.”

"Good hospitality is an outworking of the gospel. In the gospel, God is hospitable to us."

"Be on the lookout for that lone person at your church."

"Aim for warm (hospitality) rather than wow (hospitality) ."

More: Saved by Faith and Hospitality - The Presbyterian Outlook, Cal Lutheran offering hospitality degree | California Lutheran University

Breaking the Yoke of Sin

Excellent sermon by Tim Keller, from James 1, Breaking The Yoke Of Sin - YouTube. For ministers especially. 

What is your "fatal attraction" (wanting things badly)? What do I love more than God?…. Answer to temptation? "Fall in love with Jesus. Look at what He has done." 

Thomas Chalmers wrote: “The only way to break the hold of a beautiful object on the soul is to show it an object even more beautiful.” 

Keller says, You can’t just say no when you find out sin is due to the fact that your imagination has been captured by something. Therefore, the answer to temptation is spiritual passion, not just negation, not just discipline, not just to say no. You have to fall in love with Somebody.

Read also The Expulsive Power of a New Affection