John Simons

Walden on Theology, Church and Mission

I love to follow James Walden’s blog.  He doesn’t post very often, but when he does it makes me slow down and think.  I love the fact that he isn’t posting unless he has something to say.  Sometimes I struggle to keep up with his line of thought - James is a very deep thinker - but I love having to slow down to read something deep.  I have put off reading his latest blog post for a week.  I just haven’t had time to sit down and work my way through it until tonight.

As usual it is very good stuff.  James writes about the lack of theological depth in many of today’s churches compared to Paul’s very theological teaching to the churches of his time.   James also touches on the false dichotomies between theology and mission, or theology and real life.  As I have said before, theology touches on everything and is a deep part of our lives.

Read James Walden on Theology, Church and Mission.

Tags: Faith, Theology, Walden

I think Josh is enjoying this

I have been posting photos over at my new Flickr account.  If you look, you can see pictures of Josh playing futbol (soccer to us Estadounidenses), climbing brick walls, and hanging out with his new friends.  Before we came, he was concerned about not be able to communicate with those around him.  He has found the universal languages of fun and love.  He said tonight that he wants to come back next year.  I am glad that he is enjoying it.

He is also doing great things here.  This morning, we visited a Christian school.  They asked Josh to share his testimony with the children. He did a great job!  Afterwards, the principal came to me and said that Josh was a great blessing for her to see.

It has been another long day.  I have been keeping more detail in my paper journal, because I am able to write during lunch time.  After I get back, I will have to add some updates.

Oh, by the way to see the photos on Flickr, just click here.

Tags: Faith, Family, Fun, Missions, Paraguay

Ten Days and Counting . . .

Yesterday marked ten days until departure.  The details are all falling into place.

I sent this e-mail out to those who have supported my trip, and to several friends who have encouraged me in taking Josh on this adventure: › Continue reading

Tags: Faith, Family, Missions, Paraguay

Mission Trip - Details

The details are starting to fall into place for our trip to Paraguay. I am learning more about the details of what we will do from chatting with others who will be on the trip. This is both building my excitement, but also helping to remove some of the unkown.

Today, Josh and I will go up to the health department in Gainesville. That is the closest place that we can get a yellow fever vaccination. I suspect that I will get one or two other shots as well. Josh should be mostly up to date.

I think that we have all the travel arrangements in place. We need to start gathering the things that we will need to pack. The real challenge will be to not pack too much.

I am sure that there are many more details that will need to be put into place in the next three weeks. (Wow that sounds soon!) The greater challenge will be to keep our priorities in place and focus on being prepared spiritually. I am trying to pray daily for the people that will on the trip with us, and the people that we will encounter and talk with once we are there.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Tags: Faith, Family, Missions, Paraguay, prayer

Mission Trip - Excitement is Building

We are 23 days from heading to Paraguay.  23 days from today, Josh and I will be on a plane over the Carribean Sea, on our way to Sao Paolo, Brazil, where we will catch a connecting flight to Paraguay.  The excitement is starting to build.  We spend some time tonight reviewing information about the country and about sharing our faith.  We also spent some time praying for the other folks we are traveling with and the people that we will be meeting.

Tonight, I also had the chance to chat online with one of the other guys going on the trip.  That really has built my excitement level.  I got to hear from someone who has been on similar trips in the past just how great the experience can be.  I am looking forward to being stretched in my faith and seeing God challenge and amaze me.

Please pray for the group, and for Josh and I in particular.  I will post a prayer calendar in a few days.

Tags: Faith, Family, Missions, Paraguay, prayer