Jan and I enjoy going back to places we have known in the past. In 2025 we plan to travel together to the Dominican Republic, to Ecuador and Colombia, to Honduras, and to several stateside locations. Going back to special places from our past is always a blessing. I am reminded of how my life reflects Christ’s promises of rest and blessing in multiplied lands and houses and families. The opportunity to reconnect our lives with friends and spiritual family is always special.
I’m also reminded that God is at work behind the scenes when we cannot see. I pray with gratitude for the blessings I see–also for those I do not see. I remember a trip Jan and I made to Guatemala several years ago. She went to language school–I also spent a few days reviewing and sharpening my language skills. But primarily I worked on sermon planning and writing. Along the way, we renewed friendships and encouraged the churches where we traveled. But….we are often troubled by the question: could we do more during such travels?
I remember the first time I met Pablo Molina. He had come to OVU for a campus event. Pablo is originally from El Salvador. Our conversation quickly turned to Central America. In response to his question about my involvement and plans, I said, “Yes, this summer I am flying to Honduras, then going to Guatemala for two weeks in early July, then back to Honduras to meet a group for a one-week mission project in eastern Honduras.” He responded by outlining plans for a two-week campaign in Guatemala in early July. Wow! We would be in Guatemala at the same time. Where? It turned out that his campaign site was about 30 minutes from where we would be staying. “Could you help us with the campaign?”
How could I turn down an invitation that was so obviously from God? I hope you are not troubled by my description of things such as this as “God things”–I believe he is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating, coordinating, working his will and purpose. I see these things as evidence of God’s providence. The only other explanation I know is coincidence. It just happened! We Christians know better!