Engage the Nations

Today is the openning of the 2012 Olympic games.  I am looking forward to the rivalries between Lochte and Phelps in the swimming competitions in addition to the mid and long distance rivalries between Kenyan and Ethiopian runners.  But with our mission to Rwanda starting in a few days, it is unlikely that I will have much opportunity to watch the games.  I am running a different kind of race and swimming in a different kind of pool.  Foot washing during our ministry team's family prayer meeting this last Monday.  We thank God for our families that stand alongside as we take the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world. Here, team member Shug Bury washes the feet of one of the family's member Whenever I tell people the name of our ministry, SWIM, many respond with a pun "Sink or SWIM?"  Well, the pun has taken on a new significance this summer.  As I look ahead to our departure for Rwanda this coming Wednesday, there are so many loose ends on so many fro

With exactly two weeks left to go before the kick-off festival event in Ruzizi, Rwanda, the churches and para-church organizations of Ruzizi are working overtime in anticipation of what Christ will do in their community.  Prayer teams are interceeding. Counselors and ushers are mobilized and trained.   Local evangelists, pastors, and church leaders continue to meet to discuss how best to preserve what God will do among them.  Our team from Minnesota and from around the world are equally praying and anticipating great things.  Once again we will be joined by Derek Simpson from Great Britain, Robert Siakimotu from New Zealand and Emmanuel Manleau from France who will provide training at our evangelism and pastoral conference as I focus on preaching at the outreach events. Several hundred Ruzizi pastors and lay leaders receive evangelism and follow-up training in anticipation of the upcoming festival  This year, SWIM is also teaming up with the Lausanne Movement and GoodWor