RIMI

The church Karen and I joined has brought several answered prayers. The most life impacting change that has come from Uptown is an opportunity for me to join a missions organization, Reaching Indian Ministries International.

RIMI is a church planting, missions organization. Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the number one priority of RIMI. However, my involvement with RIMI does not include a permanent move to India. The strategy of RIMI is to train Indians in leadership development and church planting strategies. There are 24 Bible Training Schools in various states, but the main training ground is in Nagpur, a 32 acre seminary, Mission India Theological Seminary. Through these facilities there are currenly over 1,200 missionaries and 4,000 house churches. RIMI also provides aide to the impoverished children throughout India with Mercy Homes.

Saji Lukos founded this missions organization 15 years ago because of the burden he felt for his homeland. God has given him a great vision and blessed him in many ways as he has followed the call to fulfill such a great task of taking the Gospel where there is no witness and strengthening those in need of suport. I am thankful to serve with this man and take part in what God is doing through him and this organization.

As a minister associate with RIMI, I have the opportunity to speak at churches and missions conferences to share what is going on through RIMI and describe how people can get involved. I even have the opportunity to go to India in two weeks. I will cover a lot of land during my two week trip beginning in Kerala on the southwest side of India and working my way to Nagpur in Central India.

Living in Chicago has not been as easy as I would have liked, but God continues to bless. I thank God for the way that He continues to provide grace in my life. Joining a missions organization and traveling to India was definitely not in my game plan or Karen's game plan. At the same time, we praise God for the way that He provides for us. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I look forward to talking to many of you and sharing what God is doing in our lives.

When can I run?

Before winter set in, our dog Bosworth was in the best shape of his life. Once this bitter winter iced over Chicago, Bosworth has been one sad pup.

Avant What?

On Monday afternoon I took advantage of a sunny day in the punishing Chicago winter and made my way to the Art Institute of Chicago to take advantage of their Free February days. I enjoyed my brush with art walking through various exhibits such as American, Modern, Contemporary, European of various years, and Impressionism.
As I looked at various pieces reflecting on the work, the historical period of the time of composition, and the overall meaning, I was sure of myself as cultured.
Then I came to Sunday on la Grande Jatte. When I looked at the painting, I didn't think about the strokes, the lighting, themes, or any type meaning. Rather what came to my mind was, "hey, I've seen this before, almost like I've been in this exact spot before. It was in that movie . . . oh yeah, Ferris Beullar's Day Off."
I laughed out loud, then left.

Football Season's End

Last night's game concluded my favorite sport's season - football. At the same time, Karen feels no remorse for this season's magnanimous ending. Her excitement for the last game has been hilarious. I've enjoyed Karen's jokes for the past two weeks about the Super Bowl. She aimed her jokes in conversation to Bosworth telling our dog, "we're going to watch the 'Stupid Bowl.'" I laughed everytime she started her routine.

Even so, Karen watched the it with me and cheered throughout the game. However, we were cheering for opposite teams. I cheered for history to happen - the Patriots,19-0, the Perfect Season. She riled against New England and their controversies from Spygate to restraining orders. Moreso, she cheered for the young Manning to emerge as a great quarterback and lead his team to victory.

Football season is officially over, and sports goes into a slight hibernation for me. Karen, on the other hand couldn't care less about the season's end. But there's more excitement for next season. Prior to this season, I loved to simply watch the game. Now I love watching football with my wife. I must say that's been a typical discovery; I love to spend time with Karen (even if that means no football!). I'm thankful God has blessed me with such an amazing woman.