Back From the Southwest

Twelve days...1900 miles driven (grateful for unlimited mileage on the rental car!)...face to face meetings with several dozen church leaders and pastors...more New Mexican food consumed on this trip than the last ten years combined...these are just some of the highlights of my trip that wrapped up last night.
Other than missing my wife and sons terribly, my trip to New Mexico and Arizona was an unqualified success and an absolute blast! Thank you for remembering me in your prayers the past two weeks; I was encouraged knowing so many of you are committed to my family and this church planting project.
If I could choose one word to summarize my time out West, it would be 'encouragement.' I was encouraged spiritually, in my walk with Christ; I was encouraged by so many saints in their hospitality and interest in the church plant; I was encouraged by catching up with family and 'old friends.'
In particular, I was struck by the following things during my twelve days in the desert:
1) The Beauty of Creation: I had forgotten the wonder of the Desert Southwest. The soaring mountains, many of them dusted with early spring snow; the sagebrush, cacti, tumbleweeds, and open spaces between towns; the huge skies with abounding sunshine. Having driven from Albuquerque to Las Cruces, Las Cruces to Phoenix, Phoenix back to Albuquerque, I wondered at the beauty around me...which led me to once again wonder at (and worship) the One who created all this. Our God is a wonderful, creative Wonder!
2) The Generosity of People: I lost count how many folks took me out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner...shame on me! Needless to say, I ate well, and enjoyed rich conversation at tables in homes and restaurants alike. Special thanks go to those families who allowed me to stay in their homes: John and Susan Pickett in Las Cruces, Marshall and Susan Burns in Scottsdale, and Jim and Tish Rose in Albuquerque. An extra word of thanks to Glenn and Karin Lingle in Gilbert, Arizona, who offered their home, but because of their "Animal Kingdom" (Karin's words, not mine!) and my allergies, I had to decline their gracious offer.
3) The Growth of Albuquerque: Having left the Duke City thirteen years ago, and having visited only sporadically since then, I was not prepared to see the growth of the city. In particular, the area of Albuquerque that we are targeting (the intersection of Interstate 25 and Paseo Del Norte, in the far north part of the city) has exploded with homes and businesses in the past ten years or so. Albuquerque continues to change and grow, which reminds me that I need to continue to change and grow, and that a successful church, not just in Albuquerque but anywhere, needs to grow and change to reach its community with the unchanging truth of the Gospel.
4) Interested Families: I had the privilege of interacting with three separate families who have some interest in being part of our core group for the church plant. They probably have no idea how encouraging that is to me! And yet their interest confirms to me that God is already working in the hearts of those who will be the front line workers in this new church. Being in a place where God is at work...there is no better place to be!
5) The Need is Clear: Sitting in a pizza joint not far from my old high school, I was struck by the hustle and bustle of a Friday night in Albuquerque. So many families, with moms and dads trying to keep their kids close while juggling their jobs and marriages. Tons and tons of teens, many of whom are looking for trouble and are bound to find it. Some families, obviously well to do, trying to find their satisfaction in their wealth, while other families just scraping enough together to enjoy their once a month outing to grab some fast food.
I want to minister to these folks. I want to live my life among them, not just telling them about Jesus, but applying the gospel to our lives, together, and exploring what it means to bring the Kingdom of God to bear in our families, schools, workplaces, and our city. Albuquerque is where I want to be, not just this summer or next year, but five, ten, twenty years down the road.
There is a need here for another Christ-centered, gospel-oriented community of grace. Thanks for continuing to support me and my family as we seek to follow His call to Albuquerque.