The one in Traverse City, Mi

We're up in Traverse City, Mi for summer project.
Students arrived yesterday, but we made it up Tuesday night.
The trip had its mishaps, as to be expected with a newly potty-trained Halle, but it wasn't terrible.

i came to Traverse city as a student for project- a summer that was one of the most influential summers of my life. So, we're excited to be here to minister to students and see what God does.

We're also excited for what God will do in our lives.

Coming into the summer, Soo & i were filled with some anxieties.
When we first got our placement, i was disappointed to see how few staff were on the project, and to not recognize names or see many young kids... Then found out we still stayed in dorms here and wasn't sure how our kids would respond.

As the months went by, i found myself trying to see positives and try to encourage Soo about the summer- which maybe she didn't need.

So far, everything has been GREAT!

Being on a smaller project is SOOO good for us. i think a larger project would have been intimidating & overwhelming. A smaller staff team has allowed us to get to know people better. Every night it seems like Soo is commenting on how nice people are - not sure what she was expecting other staff to be like...

Halle has got along REALLY well with the other kids. There is a 4 yr and 2 yr old + some older kids- and she loves them all. She also has enjoyed the staff. Josiah is all smiles - most of the time at least.
We are so thankful!

Halle has done fairly well with her potty training. It's funny, when we say Halle used the potty people cheer, but when i come out and say i used the potty, Soo just laughs...

After the first couple nights, the kids have slept pretty well too.

i like that we don't have a tv in our room and we have people around us, and will have a pretty set schedule.

This may have not been what i would have planned for myself, but exactly what God wanted for us!

TC itself is beautiful. Lake Michigan is gorgeous. It is filled with cool little coffee shops, unique restaurants, parks & beaches. It should be fun for Soo & the kids.

Mostly, i'm looking forward to connecting with the Lord, developing some friendships, investing in students(including an international), sharing the Gospel, and growing.

Thanks for your prayers.

My highest calling

When Soo & I were about to get married, we met with the Main Pastor. We were having a nice time, til he said something about young couples these days. He said it was a shame how many men put their wives above their ministry.

I tried to understood what he meant… but maybe that is just what he meant…

I couldn’t believe it. I was dumbfounded really.

My wife & kids will always be my highest priority. They will be & are my most important relationships and my most important ministry.

As we follow Christ, there is no higher calling than to be a husband & father (wife/mother).

Of course, i am called to follow Christ above all things. And i do all to the glory of God. 

The first & most important way i do that is in how i lead & love my family.

Paul tells Timothy, first watch over your own family, then the flock.

IF an elder can’t lead his own home, how can he lead the church.

Simply, these are the people I spend the most time with and the people I can have the most influence on.

I don’t disciple my wife or kids. I do shepherd them & lead them though. I point them to Christ. I lead us in devotionals. I love them and I love on them. I make it my aim to reflect Christ

There is nothing more important.