One of the high values for Brooke and I is instilling the value to our boys that our lives don’t belong to us.  If we truly believe that we were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19) then we must give our lives to be used by the One who purchased us.  And then when ownership is properly established, the mission of God – to glorify Him by making disciples to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20) comes into focus much more clearly.

So whether it is using our home for ministry, intentionally building relationships with our friends and neighbors, being invitational or going specifically – we are trying to help them see that we are called to live on mission.  And that may be across the street or around the world.  Opportunities exist daily here and of course there are urgent spiritual and physical needs around the world.

We had the opportunity to travel as a family on mission to Nicaragua about three years ago.  We didn’t go with a team, but we were able to link up with a few teams that were there.  We got to visit Nelson David, our sponsored child and you can read about that here.  It was a great first step in exposing our boys to the world and needs that exists outside their bubble.

Well, this time the family joined the college team I was taking.  Most summers, I’m saying “goodbye” and am off serving and leading a team and I have to leave them behind.  But this time, we were not only able to serve together as a family, but a family on a larger team.  I can’t tell you how much this meant to me personally.  It was awesome to have my family with me and to see how they integrated on to the team.  I’m so grateful to our college students for how they embraced my family and were especially patient and inclusive to my little boys.

So there we were in Nicaragua… on mission as a family.  What a joy to see my wife and boys jump right in and find their place of service.  Seeing them catch a vision for why Dad has to leave each summer and getting to experience first hand why I do what I do.  I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity we were given.  And I’m especially grateful to each of you who prayed for us and supported this mission financially.

I’d love for you to read a review (click the links to open a PDF) of our mission.  I’ve attached our family thanks and also one that I wrote as a recap of our mission: nica thanks.  We appreciate your support and if you are local, hope to see you at our Missions Highlight Lunch on January 31!