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Yesterday I read Psalm 101 and didn't get very far into the lines before it made me pause: I will sing of mercy and judgement.

There are songs that get into your head and are easy to remember. Singing about grace, mercy, forgiveness - that is where I live. My soul loves to sing about the things I receive, mainly because they are undeserved and I can never earn them.

So let's all join in on the chorus and sing about judgement. Whoa. That is the part in my soul that sounds like the wheels of the train screeching to a halt.

But it is true. I do need to sing about the change of perspective, the change of friends and influence groups on my life that comes when Jesus enters my life.

Do you know who does not mind singing about judgement? The person that does not secretly love sin and unrighteousness. I am afraid that this is exactly where the rub comes in my soul. Really.

Jesus, that is the kind of perspective I desire. To sing of mercy and judgement.

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It was Granville LaForge, the associate missions director of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International that took me to the side in September of 1980. I was a young 22 year old seeking the approval for missions service. Our youth did not speak well for us, nor did the fact that Debbie had just delivered our first child via cesarean just 36 hours earlier. In light of those factors, he wanted to provide encouragement: "Keith, don't be too discouraged when you are turned down. You are young and still have time to go up for approval at a later date."

In light of that, it came somewhat of a shock when Debbie and I were approved to become Baptist Bible Fellowship missionaries to the country of West Germany.

Those men took a step of faith (or maybe they just had a bad day in assessing) and allowed us to begin what has become a true adventure as we seek to fulfill a calling, a passion to see churches planted in Germany.

Today in Cebu, Philippines, the same group has honored us for 30 years of continual service. We are deeply honored, deeply moved. Someday - someday soon - whatever honors we will have accrued, we will gladly lay them down at our Savior's feet.

In my humble opinion, Debbie is due double honor. For while she serves relentlessly in the shadows, no husband has been better served with a partner that completes his personality and gifting. While others might not see what she does, what she means, Jesus knows and I know.

And without partners who make it possible? Unthinkable. Therefore, you know who you are: Thanks. For hundreds of those in Germany that have come to Christ. For a church-planter in Lithuania. For a a family in Aschaffenburg planting a work. Thanks. The impact grows.

The time has flown by so fast. It scares me to think that in just a short period all of my years will be used up. So much to do. So much.

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The young girl I met in the slums of Manila did accept my invitation and attend church. I asked her if she had eaten that day and she replied: No, sir, I am very poor.

Debbie and I bought her dinner and invited her to return to church. I will pray about her soul, and somehow find a way to continue to touch this live God put in my path.

After coming to Cebu today, Debbie has told me clearly: Thank you for picking the right country in which to serve Christ - I couldn't take the poverty and chaos of this culture. The poverty impacts me deeply and my life will probably never be the same. Every expenditure that I now have is in light of what it could do for those that struggle with daily existence.

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I went into a slum in Manila today with a Philippino pastor. I met these three runaways living in a shack. We have a deal - I will take them to church Saturday night, take their picture and send it to them. Too many heartbreaking stories, yet Jesus gives us great joy and hope.

manilachild

 

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On Monday our team from Germany arrive, minus Marco (whose passport is limitted to travel in Europe). We are bummed that he was not able to make the trip with us. None the less, we press on.

The goal of our first day is simply to get an impression of what evangelistic tools are transferable to us in Germany and maybe someday even to Europe. Getting a coach to get you to another level is so important, and we as a church are asking God that He would help us to discern and be teachable.

Here are the initial photos from the first day. Some 1300 young college students attended this session. Hundreds made a decision for Christ and an early morning baptismal service is planned.

To say the least, our team is overwhelmed with the response they have witnessed.

{gallery}photos/manila01,width=120,height=90,quality=85,root=0{/gallery}

  1. Leaving Shanghai