It has been a while since I last updated my blog, and a lot has happened. Normally, I focus on ministry, but for this blog, I will spend a bit more time updating on my life events. 

My final year of the CMC program was the fullest yet, having to complete my language requirements and take a full load. On top of all the school work, I was also trying to get my new ministry start going. Despite my workload, I was able to drive up north and drop off items needed for the summer. After a quick trip, is was back home to work on finals and preach at the youth & family conference for the northwest district. In between these events, I was also guest preaching at a couple of churches. Finally, one of the big days for my path in becoming a missionary pastor happened: Call Day at the St. Louis Seminary. 

I was blessed to have my wife, Tina, come; two of my classmates, my boss, and my aunt and uncle were also in attendance to see who their new pastor would be at the church in Iowa. (Pictured are my classmates with their spouses and Dr. Thormodson, who oversaw all our new ministry start projects.)

As classes finished up I began to get ready for my last summer intensive at Concordia Irvine. Just as I was getting ready to leave, my father fell from the ladder in the garage. He had a few injuries and was sent home from the hospital to rest at home. My final summer was 

However, as I was getting ready to head north for the summer, life threw a curveball.

On June 25th, my mom called to inform me that I needed to head to the hospital in Tacoma because my dad was not doing well. While he was initially improving, some complications arose. Ultimately, he developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). He was placed on a ventilator several times, which meant he had to be sedated. During the moments when he was alert, I was able to visit with him. Although he was very weak, he could still talk. We shared with him about me finishing school, the foster grandkids, and, of course, one of our favorite topics: the Seattle Mariners baseball team.

Unfortunately, his oxygen levels continued to drop. He was put on the ventilator for the third time, but his lungs could no longer expel the CO2 that was building up in his body. At 1:40 a.m. on July 7th, while holding his hand, my dad took his last breath. This is the last picture taken of my dad. While it might seem out of place with my dad holding a drink; for me it serves as a reminder of how he enjoyed life especially when the family gathered together. Months before we passed, he shared how it reminded him of his father and the times they would gather as a family and the laughter they shared around the table as they told stories and drank beer. I will miss my dad, he served as a mentor for me especially as I was studying to be a pastor and I always enjoyed our time when we did things together.

After a few weeks off to help plan my father’s funeral and take some time to grieve, Tina and I headed north to help with the last two mission groups serving in B.C. There were three other teams that served earlier in the summer that I was not able to participate with. One was a new team to Old Masset on Haida Gwaii, which was in June, while I was at my summer session. The other two teams were in July, during which my father passed away. 

During our first week, we joined a team that has been going to Witset for the past four summers. Last summer, Tina joined me in helping teach Vacation Bible School (VBS) as part of a summer daycare program. This year, the daycare requested that we run the VBS program for two hours instead of the one hour we had the previous year. While the team was a little nervous about extending the VBS program, it went by quickly and was a true blessing. Many returning kids remembered us from last year, and because of that, everything went smoothly. Several team members even received artwork from the kids to take home.

The evening programs for the adults and youth also went well, though the afternoon water slide saw fewer kids participating. One factor was the wet weather, as did the fact that another kids' program was running at the same time. Despite the water slide being bigger and better than last year, sometimes you have to work with what’s available.  However, the morning activities were undoubtedly a blessing.

 

During the second week, we joined a team that was returning for their second year in Gingolx. The previous year, the group had been short-handed, but this year, they brought along three additional new members. It was a fantastic week of VBS and reconnecting with the community. Typically, first-year mission trips can be challenging as the team learns about the community, so when the team leader mentioned how much easier this year was, I wasn’t surprised. With each passing year, the team becomes more integrated into the community. Every day, the team conducted their prayer walks and connected with more residents. As a result, the team had an excellent turnout for the evening meal on Friday.

 

After the two weeks with the mission teams, Tina and I returned home to prepare for my ordination and installation as a missionary pastor with LAMP. Before that could take place, our granddaughter was born on August 27th to Caleb and Brianna. We are very excited to welcome our first grandchild, adding her to our two foster grandchildren.

 

On August 31st, the four-year journey of becoming a missionary pastor was completed. It was a very exciting day, filled with the presence of many family members, colleagues, and friends who gathered at my home church, Christ the Vine, for my ordination. I felt truly blessed to have my dad’s older brother and his son–both of whom are pastors–attend the ceremony.

 

The question I often get asked these days is, “Now that you’re a pastor, what are you doing?” I want to assure you that my work with LAMP continues, and now that I have more time, I look forward to embarking on more trips to both the communities that I serve and visiting churches to share about LAMP. I also have new business cards with the title, “Missionary Pastor.”