water

Embracing the simple concept, "every child has a right to clean water," the Washington State-based non-profit organization A Child's Right is about to make an enormous announcement: it has received approval and funding for outfitting every single orphanage in China with clean water filtration units.

"This means, simply, that every institutionalized orphan in China will have clean and safe drinking water," explains Eric Stowe, the NGO's Director. The scope of the work will cover all of China's 31 provinces and municipalities.

out of the shadows

watch this

on the rise

Rev. Jin Mingri peered out from the pulpit and delivered an unusual appeal: "Please leave," the 39-year-old pastor commanded his followers, who were packed, standing-room-only on a Sunday afternoon, into a converted office space in China's capital. "We don't have enough seats for the others who want to come, so, please, only stay for one service a day."

A choir in hot-pink robes stood to his left, beside a guitarist and a drum set bristling with cymbals. Children in a playroom beside the sanctuary punctuated the service with squeals and tantrums. It was a busy day at a church that, on paper, does not exist.

Christianity — repressed, marginalized and, in many cases, illegal in China for more than half a century — is sweeping the country, overflowing churches and posing a sensitive challenge to the officially atheist Communist Party.

Read the full article at Chicago Tribune

better days

Today was a good day. For sure. The time with our staff team this morning was genuine and meaningful. We finished up a book we had been reading together since August. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya tells the history of Christian missions and movements beginning in the earliest days of the Church.

Conclusion? God uses broken people and Grace always wins.

Knowing I was driving to Anderson, SC tonight I took the afternoon off. We went to a park, had lunch, swim lessons, worked out, grilled out, took a walk as a family, and now we are calling it a day. I felt like this afternoon was straight out of a too-good-to-be-true family sit-com, but it wasn't. It was real.

Not to mention, April was singing some of the 90's greatest hits during our moonlit trip around the neighborhood. So, there you have it. A day in the life.

hooked on phonics.

Some people have asked what we are using to start teaching our little guys Chinese --

hooked on phonics - mandarin.

mu shu chicken

Dear Josh,

Dinner was a lot of fun tonight. You are not likely to remember this, but just you and I went out for a special dinner. I am so honored to be your dad. You have changed my life. I genuinely enjoy your company. Playing sugar packet football on the table, and waiting for our dumplings to arrive was hilarious. Not to mention, this was the "first" time you got to make your own pancake with chicken. Pretty cool huh? The chopstick lessons are going great and soon enough my little friend, you'll have that down too. Today was one of those days where I have been constantly reminded of how I need God, so thanks for being quick to pray with me this afternoon while we were taking care of Luke. Tonight at dinner, you told me I was a great dad, and believe it or not - that meant the world to me. Psalm 127:3 says "Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him." No doubt, this is true!

Dad

PS -- don't be jealous, but you are asleep, and Caleb snuck downstairs and is up later than you. We just took random pictures on photobooth. See?

playpens are overrated.

improvisation is one key to parenthood.

don't have a playpen? laundry baskets work better.

seven wonders of china

The Martian Child

Yes, this movie released a while ago. Yes, I do like movies. Yes, I was semi-surprised by the plot. No, I'm not a sci-fi fan. But what I did love about this movie was its unique picture of grace. Widower turned father: Unlikely father. Unloved child. Pretty clear picture of what love looks like. Turns out its based on a true story. And that true story, is based on another true Story.

snow much fun