An honest reflection

We received a report from one of our new missionaries in Africa and in it she shares what I think is the truth for today. Here is what she said. "Apparently missions is tough. You know, if it weren't so much fun I'm not sure we'd be doing it!" So here is the wisdom. If you are not positive that this is what God wants you to do....don't!! Sure, it is a kick....but sometimes kicks hurt.

Know what we did last summer??

You may be wondering what our missionaries learn during their summer training program. Well, here you have it. Oh, there are some other things too, but this pretty much tells the story. More pix are available at a new blog promoting OC's Internship. Here is the address http://www.oc08internship.blogspot.com/

Don't I look interested?! My focus is on the director of our International Ministries Team, Daryl Platt. His group is an interesting one, doing globally focused ministry all over the world. They definitely get the frequent flyer miles!! God is at work. It is exciting to be swept away by the current of his passion for the world.

Thought for Thursday

It is just as rebellious to pursue cross-cultural ministry (missions) if God has not led you to it as it is to pull a Jonah if he has.

From the "Inside"

My brother, Chris, is a prof at Drew University. He just did a teaching gig inside a medium security prison. His "take" from this experience impacted me, so I thought I would share it with you.
The most powerful part of the experience was leaving, after 3 hours of great hospitality and conversation. [We realized] that as soon as we left, they would have to go back into survival mode and re-enter the system where they are no more than a number. Simply by being present we had created a small bubble of time wherein they could feel themselves being treated as human beings. This suddenly made so much sense of Jesus' enduring concern for the prisoner, and the inclusion of the prisoner in his teaching about what the Kingdom of God means - that we are to include and treat the prisoner as our neighbor, whether they deserve to be in prison or not (I don't think Jesus makes any qualifications here), because it is the prisoner who has their "neighbor" status deliberately and explicitly revoked and denied by society (again, even if deservedly so).

Back to the Mountains

Deänne and I just returned from our Northwest trip. I was a horrible blogger and didn't get any pix. Sorry. The trip was completely encouraging. For those who understand the support raising missionary thing, we were thankful for the number of people who said they had just read our most recent prayer letter. To be honest, at times we wonder if anyone reads them. God humbled us with the honest love and care given to us over the last weekend. Thanks to all.

Every once in a while the Boesel men get together. Jeff, Scott, Dad (Don) and Chris.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment!?

Two Important Things

Just thought I would pass on two of my favorite things, of late.

1) Life is ministry. 'nough said.

2) A missionary is someone who does the ministry they would be doing in their home country in obedience to God, in another country. (Joel Malm)

Another shot from Copper. Kelli (with the headband) and I just made our semesterly trek to Waco getting her back to Baylor. She keeps telling me that she can do it on her own but I don't want to miss the father/daughter road trip opp. She is safely there and started with school and I am home. Lots to do before leaving again this Friday for the Northwest.

Royalty

Actually, royalties. That Christmas song that I mentioned a couple posts ago, I guess, has sold about 3000 copies (only 997,000 copies short of going gold) so far. Keep passing the word along! It was fun to get a check for a couple dollars as a result. Maybe I better try that again!

Catch up a little

Just thought that since I learned how to put up a slideshow with Kassen's senior pix that I would also put up a show of Alec and Emmalee's wedding. It took them next to forever to get their pictures so in reality I am not that late in getting them on the site. Thanks for praying for them as they learn what it is to live life together.

Kassen, the senior!

Kassen's senior pix are in. We all knew she was beautiful but these pix help to make the statement apart from her family. We are proud of her (as we are of all our children). Often I wonder if there might be a way to bottle whatever grace God poured out on us in our children. We would be rich!!

A missions link

Just so we get some business in here. Our agency website is www.ONECHALLENGE.org and I have the honor of writing a column for the site called Honest Answers at http://www.onechallenge.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=42 Just some thoughts about doing the missions thing.

A little Christmas music - late

I do a little music, for those who don't know. By God's grace I had a piece I helped to write find its way to being published. Here is a link to hear it in its complete form on-line. Lots of fun to do and hear - for me, that is. I hope you enjoy it too. http://listeninglab.stantons.com/item.php?stno=326648

It's not too late for Christmas is it?

First volleyball of the club season

Kassen had her last first club tournament today in Denver. She played great and it was sure fun to watch. We are keenly aware that our time of seeing her play is short!! If you want to catch her in action, if not quite "live" you can find her profile and some video at http://prepathletes.us/coach_profile.php?id=440&sec=sN50Dq

Done for now

Well, here it is, phase one. For those who know us, you will know that if we can keep this updated for more than a week we will have accomplished a great feat!! Thanks for checking in. My hope is to actually talk about some "serious" stuff too. We shall see...

Kassen and Kelli, doing the brew at Copper Mountain. It was not balmy but Kelli is a little over-bundled. Remember, she goes to school in Texas!!

Getting Started

Here it is. Getting started in the blog world. It is a big world and we are late into it, as usual. Here is our thought for the day. It doesn't matter when you take the step, as long as you do, in time, take it. God is patient (normally).