March 13, 2023

Romans 12:2. Trent returned from Tokyo Saturday night with amazing stories of sharing Jesus with people in Tokyo. In Japan less than 2% claim to be Christian so the country is a desert of believers. He explained that it’s so difficult to break through with the Japanese because nearly all are so focused on being Japanese. In other words, there is an extreme focus on being perfect in the Japanese culture. When you introduce Jesus it’s counter cultural. The weak are strong. The poor are rich. Reject power, wealth and status. So presenting Jesus is counter to the prevailing Japanese culture. But really we have the same issue here in America where we are chasing “the American dream.” In our busyness we don’t see the neighbor in need, a family member who is hurting emotionally and spiritually or a friend who is grieving. Bottom line, the Japanese and the Americans need Jesus. And if you and I can’t travel to Tokyo we can certainly check in with a neighbor, family member and friend. In Romans it says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” I pray we all do not conform to the culture around us and find ways to proclaim Jesus.

Trent snags a MLB baseball, Rangers win!

I took Luke and Trent to see the Texas Rangers play the Kansas City Royals last night. I am still a deeply devoted Rangers fan. The Rangers were losing 5-1 and came back to beat the Royals 11-5. When David Murphy hit a grand slam in the 7th inning (the first grand slam I've seen in person) many of the Royals fans started to leave the stadium. That was our cue to move up 20 rows which positioned us three rows behind the Ranger's dugout. Trent was able to grab a baseball from the Ranger's First Base Coach, Gary Pettis. I grew up watching Gary Pettis patrol centerfield for the Rangers so it was a small thrill for me. At the end of the game I was able to shake hands with the Rangers GM Jon Daniels and give him some fan encouragement regarding the team he is building.

Successful Mission Trip to the Philippines

We had a successful Medical Mission Trip to Bogo, Cebu, Philippines. This is a photo of our good friends Carlo Jurani, MD and Danielle Stebbins, MD who invited us to join them in Bogo. If you want to learn about the trip, please visit the website Sonja created at http://web.mac.com/sonjabart/Philippines_2008/Welcome.html.

We are in the Philippines

Sonja and I successfully arrived in Cebu, Philippines after missing our flight in Chicago and being re-routed from Cathay Pacific to Korean Air.  We have met the group that is going to Bogo, Cebu on Monday for the Medical Mission trip.  And we have been able to visit Magellan's Cross.  This is the site where Magellan placed a cross when he first arrived in the Philippines.  

Easter Egg hunt in May?

The next day we participated in a belated Easter Egg hunt at Dan and Barb Rowe's home. It was too cold to do it in March. Trent had a blast!

Sonja & Sydney

A photo of Sonja and Sydney after the concert.

Violin Concert

This past weekend, Luke performed in his teacher's annual end of the year violin concert. He did a very nice job.