Home! I'm back home safe and sound. I will send out a more complete report via email. Thank you for your prayers. I felt them throughout the trip.

On the way HOME

The Lausanne meetings in Seoul have come to an end. I'm at the airport in Seoul (Incheon) waiting for my plane to depart. Can't wait to get back to Los Angeles.

Please pray for:

• Some rest on the plane
• A seat open next to me
• Staying healthy

Thank you for your prayers. I've felt them throughout my 2 week trip. I felt like in both Japan (for Asian Access) and Korea (for Lausanne), significant progress has been made. We are moving in a way that will really advance God's kingdom in Japan, Asia and the entire world. This summer will be a critical time for both organizations to get funding to move forward. The effects of the economy are being felt across the nonprofit world as giving is down. I'd appreciate your prayers that God will provide and show us how to use the provision in His way.

Seoul Overload

Wow, what a first day in Seoul. I find that the first day in any country is sensory overload. New sights, new sounds, new smells, new language, new everything. Today was like that. After registering for the Lausanne Biennial meeting, I had 2 hours to do my favorite activity--hop on a subway system I know nothing about, get lost, and find my way back. It is the quickest way to learn, and I really enjoyed two hours exploring just a little bit of Seoul.

I was immediately struck by the huge number of street vendors. Not so unusual in Asia, but somehow I didn't expect it in a city the size of Seoul. I walked one section that seemed like half a mile of just florists!

After that, I met everyone else here for the Lausanne Biennial and loaded up on buses to go to Seoul Presbyterian Church (pictured is Doug Birdsall preaching for the worship service) who hosted us for dinner. We were in for a treat. We enjoyed a phenomenal time of worship with musical presentations that highlighted the talent of the Korean church. Everything from children's choirs to percussion groups--and a handbell choir that was absolutely amazing.

But more important than any of that was being reunited with friends I have made over the past two years from around the world. Men and women of deep evangelical heritage who are leaders from around the globe. In addition, there are all of us on the administration/logistical teams that will do the behind the scenes work for Cape Town 2010, the III Congress of Lausanne. There is important work to do this week to make way for that.

Key prayer requests:

• Of course, continued health. I'm doing very well thanks to YOUR prayers
• I've seen most of the people I need to meet with, but still need to actually meet with them. Pray we find time in a packed schedule.
• Enough sleep. The schedule is full from early morning to late evening each day.
• Enough food (okay, I know I'm a picky eater--and yes, I've already found the closest Starbucks)!

Japan to Korea

There was a whole lot of shaking going on today (pictured me leading during one of our meetings)! Okay, the meetings were pretty exciting, but the 5.9 earthquake was even more exciting, especially on the 12th floor of a hotel near the Tokyo airport. In old Disneyland terms, it was an E ride!

I really do appreciate your prayers. For one, safety. Earthquakes are a reminder that God is in control, not us. Also, God really answered your prayers for our meetings this past week. We made significant progress on several fronts. I'm eager to continue pressing forward with the ministry in Asia. Pray for God's provision of resources to keep doing just that.

Sunday I travel to Korea (my first time in this country!) for The Lausanne Biennial Leadership Meeting. The venue for this meeting is the historic Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary. Some 200 Lausanne leaders will gather from 60 countries for three purposes:

• To conduct LCWE business
  The Administrative Committee, International Deputy Directors, Communications and Intercessory Working Groups, in addition to many others, will be meeting.
• To confirm plans for Cape Town 2010
  The Participant Selection Committee will be finalizing the list of invitees for Cape Town 2010. The Programme Committee will make a major presentation and conduct a prototype session. All committees will give an update of their progress and plans for the next 16 months’ work.
• To fellowship with the wide range of Korean church leadership
  Three special events are being organized to maximize the fellowship of the international Lausanne constituency with Korean church leadership.

Key Prayer Requests:

• Safe travel
• Health (fighting just a little bit of a dry/sore throat)
• Transfer in Seoul from the airport to the seminary
• Connecting up with several key people I need to find and then find a time to meet with

Leadership Team meeting wrap up, LD Asia meetings start

This afternoon we wrapped up our Asian Access leadership team meetings. We have been working on our strategy for 2015, especially in Japan. We had good meetings with lots of ideas on the table. I feel like we made good progress. Thanks for your prayers.

In just a few minutes I start meetings with a new group, our leadership development planning team for our 9 countries in Asia. This team will be focusing on our plan beyond Japan. Please continue to pray for:

• health
• good sleep
• sharp minds
• attentive spirits to God's leading

Thank you so much!

Ready, Set, Go

Joe (A2's president) and Bruce (VP) arrived today (Tuesday) from the U.S. I helped them fend off jet lag by taking them into town to the Hard Rock Cafe. The four others joining us from all over Japan arrive tonight and tomorrow morning. So we are ready to go.

Key prayer requests:

• Alert minds for those who are tired from traveling
• Presence of the Holy Spirit to give us counsel in our planning
• Wisdom
• Since of unity

Long Day, Good Day

Got up Monday morning at 5:00 AM and was on a train by 6:30 AM to make a 2 hour + trek across Tokyo to our Asian Access office. This picture is something I'm very unaccostomed to--an empty train station! Train stations in Tokyo are rarely empty. But at 6:30 out at the airport when I got on, I was the ONLY person in the station. But by the time I got about halfway to Tokyo, the train was packed with morning commuters.

I had a very good day at our office. In the morning several of our families in the Tokyo area gathered for a brunch and a chance to say goodbye to a couple of families returning to the U.S. on home assignment for a year. The rest of the day was spent with our operations staff discussing issues and getting updates. Then I made the two + hour trek back to where my meetings will be for the rest of the week near the airport.

Key prayer requests:

• Good sleep so I'm ready to start meetings on Tuesday afternoon
• Safe travel for those arriving on Tuesday
• God's counsel to us as we meet