We spent four awesome days together, much of it relaxed in the majestic out-of-doors as this picture demonstrates. We met at Savage Wilderness Camp in Kenya. We had some fabulous worship and personal reflection time led by Jeff Biddel, a  visiting pastor from CA. We discussed numerous situations and questions that are before us as leaders of AIM on this African Continent.

I left feeling very encouraged and tremendously privileged to be a part of this Godly leadership team.

It is great to be back on the African Continent. Our 2 month home assignment was very good, but in a new way we realized that flying back to Africa felt more like coming home than did returning to  Pennsylvania.

One of the reasons I so much love to sail is for the vivid connections between the physical realities of sailing and the spiritual realities of living this Christian life. Jesus said, “”The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Jn 3:8.

Out on Lake Victoria there is amazing power even in a gentle breeze. If our boat is properly rigged and our sail properly set it is such a thrill to experience the quiet effortlessness of  leaving a brisk wake behind. Meanwhile, the vast expanse of the lake and far reaches of the invisible wind compels  the tiny presence of our sail to seem so small and insignificant and yet so empowered and blessed all at the same time. At these times you may hear my usually unmusical self burst into song, “Wind, wind blow on me. Wind, wind set me free. Wind, wind my Father sent the blessed Holy Spirit.”

Let me invite you to, with Linda and me, on an experiment.  Lift your face into the breeze, turn your head side-to-side until the sound is the same in each ear. Your nose is now pointing to the direction of the wind. Adjust your sail accordingly and you will feel the thrill of an effortless power thrust you forward. Can we similarly experiment with Holy Spirit to better capture more of His power. Dare we pray for the Biblical command to “be filled with the spirit”? Will the fulfillment of that prayer empower us on our quest for “Christ Centeredness”?

Happy Sailing!
Captain Phil

Our days are filled with connections with our supporters here in central Pennsylvania, where we used to live and work before moving to Africa. The weekend was exceptionally warm and we were able to enjoy the spring temperatures as we shared with our good friends!

Even for our Boston family, the day was too cold for an outdoors picnic. When the adventure castle did not welcome our picnic in their playground, we asked the fire hall and they not only  let us use their tables but enthralled our boys with a hands-on firetruck adventure. No buildings burned down on our watch!

Building experience begins at an early age at these family gatherings.  Grandpa Afika quickly realized that supervising preschool play is as challenging as missionary leadership

  The little Ethiopian dress found at the end of an exciting treasure hunt was indeed a treasure. But the true treasure was this little angel who stole the hearts of her Africa Grandparents by dubbing  us  “Mee-ma and Pea-pa”.

These two generations stayed up long after even our own bedtimes chatting  in our spacious weekend retreat house offered by one of our sending church members and supporters. We are truly blessed.

The little guy in white will never remember as a 3 week old, but his older sibs will help him anticipate this tradition of our visits to Orange County, CA. Africa night with finger foods after properly washed hands. Beans purchased at the tree-shaded market cooked over a three stone fire. Hunting wild animals on our back yard safari after a satisfying meal. How lucky can it be to have Africa-American grandparents?

The leaders from the Central Region joined together for four days of ENVISIONING–our passion for JESUS, our empowering of members, and our fruitfulness for the Kingdom of God.  As different leaders shared on the various aspects of our leadership focus, we questioned and evaluated our effectiveness, and asked JESUS how to move ahead in a better way!  Finishing up with a demonstration of being “hooked together” on the climbing rope…

Going back to Torit, Sudan, and visiting our friends was great!  We loved hearing their stories and seeing their children. However there was a mix of joy and sadness, as we heard of lives transformed by JESUS and others neglecting to follow their leader JESUS.

Our two week trip to South Sudan AIM team members and national missionaries took us into the hills in the Southeast corner of the newest country in the world!  Here is a unique team of short and long term personnel gathered around a special Sudanese couple who have a vision and heart for this people group!

The work of the Episcopal Church of Sudan is aided in this town by the work of Margit and Nicola, pictured here with the Bishop and Phil.  These two single ladies from Germany have followed JESUS to this spot where they are assisting with the ministry to children and youth, and with the church medical outreaches in the villages.

For those of us who delight in driving multi-lane interstates, Orange County California is a dream come true. With five to ten parallel lanes flowing with brisk, smooth traffic, Phil’s driving joys are satisfied.

Better than multi-lane interstates are the charming personalities of these four grandchildren. Our afternoon at the Pacific coast tidepools with newborn Judah and his adoring siblings was a grandparenting delight.