Thank you Scott for taking the time to express your thoughts through this post. Amen! In His grip, John

Jeff (and Tim and Branden), What a great job on updating the blog and for sharing your journey with me and others. In regards to your subject matter... keep the faith bro! You are not the only one that is trying to "reconcile" the vast differences that we are seeing Christ do around the world in contrast to the "Western Church". I have read both those books (and the Bible... which is more radical than both those books :)). I actually brought 10 copies of Radical with me to give away to Christian leaders. Although it was written to the "American Church", I think it has a lot to say to many "non-western" Christians who tend to emulate what is broken. :) Let's talk over a java when I get home... lots to discover together about following Jesus! Until then, keep fixed on Him! From Gulu, Uganda, -jg

Thanks Lance! Everyone is asking about you and of course all send their greetings! You should have come with me. :)

Thanks Juli! We miss you a ton. I trust your doing fantastic!

I leave in a few hour for the airport to head to Uganda, but I wanted to get a quick update on how you guys are doing. I am praying for you as you venture forth with the Gospel! Praying also for your families! Keep your eyes fixed on the Master and trust that the Holy Spirit will lead you moment by moment. God will continue to use you to engage the spiritually unaware and to bring Glory to the Father. I look forward to read more from the other side of the world. :) Blessings to yawl! -jg

I trust you experience the Heavenly Fathers love in a very special way during this time of challenge! i pray for you and your family today! It is a privilege to be your friend!

Seth, I just realized that your comment was stuck in my inbox. It has been there for a long time! I am so sorry I did not respond to yo sooner. Outside the walls... for sure! The Body of Christ is beautiful, diverse and God's chosen method to take the Good News of the gospel to the world. But often our local fellowships can become myopic--causing us to only see the church as where we meet on Sundays. The church should in many ways be a "holy huddle", but no team stays in the huddle. We must actively get into the game and that game (mission) is played outside the walls of the church where the spiritually unaware reside and the neighbors God called us to love are as vast as the nations. I hope your trip to Rwanda went well. I would love to hear an update! Blessings, -jg

Mark, I miss you too! Why don't you move to Portland and we can be neighbors! :) Or come and mentor young men in women on their journey as "heirs of the promise" through Immersion? HMMM... sounds fun! I love ya bro!

Tiffany, Glad to be home! thanks for following the blog. - jg

Jeanine, You are a special lady! Thanks for taking the time to comment. We all have different experiences and predispositions in life based upon our experiences and our varied encounters with the authentic and the counterfeit (I am afraid I have been both in my lifetime). The world is made up of beautiful people, but we all carry with us different battle scars that alter our interaction with each other. Christ has given us not only a model to pattern our life, but a person to interact. We have all been "dippy" (OK, I often still am :)), but the important thing is to keep focused on the Creator and His plan for us--ultimately made clear through Jesus Christ and his love letter to humankind. Thanks for being on the journey with me and I pray that you have many genuine encounters with our loving Christ and His followers in days ahead. You are special! I hope this doesn't sound rushed, but I have 3 beautiful kids reminding me that we have a date to go see "A Christmas Carol" in 5 minutes. :) Where faith and life converge, John