Seattle Stories

It’s a front-row seat to transformation. The friend we mentioned in our last update who has been submerged in a life of incessant lying and deception has been busy. He not only walked away from two of the major cults he had been deceiving, but he is taking steps to reconcile relationships in his family and prepare a memorable 50th wedding anniversary for his parents (though that event is still a couple of years away).

Yesterday, he and I met at a local coffee shop. I was running late and feared he had left, but much to my surprise he was still there with coffee and a bagel waiting for me that he had purchased! He even gave me an ipod yesterday! I was wondering if this was the same guy I had known for the last eight months. His countenance was even different. He still has deep wounds and is on a journey towards Jesus. Thank you for your prayers which God has honored this Holiday season.

Another one of our friends has his fiancee staying with us as she visits him over her college break. It’s been a fun experience to host her, seeing this young vibrant couple enjoy time together after being separated by many miles. They plan on a May wedding and hopefully will be living here after they are married. They gave us a great evening playing Dutch Blitz, along with another twenty-something couple this past weekend. It was cool to see the other young married couple giving advice about their wedding and young married life.

Last night about six of us gathered in a friends’ house to watch the documentary, “The Call of the Entrepreneur” (http://calloftheentrepreneur.com). We spent about an hour discussing concepts of calling, faith and work, risk, pain, etc. We hope to meet again in a month to continue discussion along these lines. Most of the guys in the group were in their 20’s and 30’s. I am leading another group tomorrow night (Wed) near the Boeing Facility in Everett, WA with several young professionals, most of whom I have never met. My desire is that this film can engage and inspire these new young friends to honor God in their endeavors. Also, that they can realize the adventure of following Jesus in the creative talents, skills and gifts given to them.

Next weekend, January 15-17, is a conference in Portland called “Ignite”. This gathering will incorporate men and women from every age group as we seek to grow in our puruit of Truth featuring keynote speaker Dr. Dan Wallace from Dallas Theological Seminary.

On the home front, many changes abound. Jeffrey is excited to announce his progress in potty training. He enjoys playing his new guitar as he goes about his business. Luke and Lana are chefs-in-training as they take coffee grinds and leftovers to the sink to produce masterpieces all are encouraged to sample. Asha is the aspiring architect and seamstress, poring herself into drawing blueprints of houses and taking up cross-stitching. Matt and Colette have enjoyed simple pleasures of home-made lattes and discovering new ways to exercise around our family’s busy schedule.

Thank you once again for your partnership – in prayer and resources for this strategic movement among the twenty-somethings.

Matt