Worldly Holiness

Looking Over Barcelona, originally uploaded by papalars.

I'm getting a few of my last pictures in before we leave this beautiful city. Here is a shot from Tibidabo, the highest point above the city of Barcelona. Some like to even go a little higher in the vertigo inducing rides at the top of the mountain. Where did I take this photo, you ask? From the top of the church that stands above everything. I'm just under the feet of a statue of Christ on top of the church. By the way, that is a very good place to be because He is above and before all things and in Him all things hold together [Colossians 1:17]! I need to remember that from time to time regardless of how things sometimes seem. Anyway, you can see a picture of the spot where I took the above picture: Under the feet of Christ.

In just a few days I will need to change the heading on my blog. We will be moving back to Seattle so our son can finish high school with his buddies that he has known for 9 years and so we can also attend to some family needs which require special focus at this time. So I will need to change the "Barcelona" to something else in the header. Small potatoes really. Perhaps more importantly, let me make two comments about our move to clear up any confusion that you may have. Some have wondered why the change and what is going on?

1. Ministry-wise, I will continue to be involved with the Mosaics project in strategic ways as well as share the vision of what God is doing with churches and individuals. I will also be sharing in a workshop at the Covenant minister's Midwinter conference in February about important developments in ministry to focus people. At this point there is much that is already scheduled on my calendar for the Fall and it is exciting to see how God continues to move in this very important project to give witness to focus people. I hope to be traveling back to Europe for important events over this coming year as well and to continue to support some of the things we have started in Barcelona and nuture our network of relationships. If you'd like a 1 page synopisis of my strategic objectives for the coming year let me know and I will gladly email you a copy. Suffice it to say, our involvement in the Mosaics project is NOT restricted to what we have been doing on location in Barcelona and it is NOT stopping because of our change of location. In fact, it is becoming very clear to me that some important new aspects to the project are beginning to emerge that I can only attribute to God's continued direction and blessing.

2. Our return to Seattle affirms the healthy commitment that Covenant World Mission makes to issues of member care. I am very glad for the input we have received from trained professionals and wise leaders who are as committed to the health of missionary families as they are to the work of the Kingdom. At one time these were viewed perhaps as competing agendas but I have come to believe they are not. I am convinced God wants whole people and healthy families to represent his work among the nations. So I am grateful to God and also our mission's commitment to this value.

I plan to post some more photos over the next few days from Barcelona and some of the people and stories that have been part of our lives here over the last 11 months. Keep posted and keep praying for the Larsen family. God has provided a place to live in Seattle as well as a house for 10 days before our rental opens up. Continue to pray for our transition, for health, strength and vision for the entire family. Pray also for our children and their needs as the nest moves yet once again. We praise God for his provision and care and also for the many who support us in prayer. Sorry my posts have been few so far this month. We have been busy with packing, visiting guests, ministry events and life!