A Week To Remember

This has been a busy but wonderful week.

Wednesday evening we held a conversation on Turbulent Times Ready or Not, what we believe will be the first of many conversations focusing on future trends.  A group of 25 people crammed into our living room at the Mustard Seed House to hear Phil Bauntrager, the CEO of Sauder Manufacturing which produces furniture for hospitals, universities, and churches.  Phil has worked with churches and church agencies in the US, Europe, and Central America and stays abreast of both the changing global economy and the changing character of the global church.

What I found particularly poignant was the issue raised by some of the young people who have just graduated from seminary – most of them with huge debt.  Few of them have been able to find jobs and feel that the church is unaware and unconcerned about their struggles.

Last night Tom & I had the privilege of being involved in a very different type of gathering as we attend an event held by My People International and NAIITS at the Duwamish Longhouse here in Seattle.  It was a wonderful chance to hear more about the impressive ways that NAIITS seeks to help Native Americans worship God in their own cultural way.  I so feel for all indigenous peoples around the world who have been taught that they need to interpret the gospel through European eyes.  

Young Native Americans performing traditional dances