Lou Wagenveld
Retired already twenty years from 35 years of service with CRWM and CRHM in Latin American (Spanish) as a "missionary pastor."
With Mary Anne we have five children and 14 grandkids. I try to maintain involvement in projects both local (Holland MI in the summer,
occasional preaching; and in Escondido California with Interrfaith Community Services and two CRC hispanic ministries).
In El Salvador I accompany/support a Word and Deed ministry with the ES CRCs (see ElSalvadorProject.com) and other reformed leaders
in that country.
Posted in: Rev. James R. Kok: Celebrating 50 Years of Ministry
Petite wife Linda doesn't come in for a mention in this otherwise great article about Jim.
Posted in: But Is It Safe?
Thanks, Liam, for a sensitive thought process yet in the end decisive resolution to this dilemma. Scriptural, and good missiology.
Ground for the kingdom has been lost in the past for lack of what I'll call "staying power." Witness El Salvador in the 80s.
fraternally, Lou Wagenveld
Posted in: Can You Recommend a Good Devotional?
Thanks, Shannon, for sharing some resources; of the ones I recognize they will be a blessing to those who pursue them.
What did disappoint me was the very top recommendation - Richard Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation. Based on just the last week's worth of postings it can easily be demonstrated how far away he is from the faith "once for all delivered to the saints." The presumption shown by his disdain for historical Christianity is saddening; more pretentious than charitable. Does he really think he/CAC leads a "New Reformation"?! The OSJ can do better than that.
PS If anyone wants an analysis of the last week's "worth" of postings, send me an email: [email protected]
Posted in: A Different Kind of Short-Term Missions Trip
Que Dios les acompanye.
Posted in: Redeeming Halloween
I was so relieved to see at the end of the article, the awareness of the coincidence (not) with Reformation Day. On almost the cusp now of the 500th Anniversary of that historic happening, we should redouble efforts to both educate the next generation and also figure out how we are going to engage our Roman Catholic neighbors constructively.
Posted in: Right Here and to the Ends of the Earth
Grove City is a nice place, and the college a good one. (we have relatives there). Enjoy, and blessings.
Posted in: Your Feedback = Chance to Win
Ok then, just to say "hi"! Will post something also...
Posted in: Concept of a Global Missions' Agency
Great to get your input, Mike. Your dad (who forwarded my note to you) and I have been friends and missionary colleagues two continents apart for all these years; so good now to get some perspective from the next generation. Our son John is presently in Tanzania and South Africa doing what you suggest: training trainers (in church strengthening and growth.
You've put out a lot of suggestions that our leaders, in the various dimensions of mission, will have to take into account. Those are in many ways more complex than some of the things we did in our roles. But if that is what it takes then we must gear up for that. -Lou
Posted in: Concept of a Global Missions' Agency
Thanks, Wendy... I'll likely need more clarification as to what you mean by "fiscal autonomy." You say "our agencies...."
In relation to what Daniel writes an hour later, I'm a bit puzzled. Not sure who you are in Ethopia with (I know the OPC has had a lot of work there years ago; had to leave, I believe. You mention "presbiterians." What I'm wondering is if you have seen what a CRWRC spin-off - Partners Worldwide - is doing. Check out their websire, see if you can get some ideas from them. They have quite a bit of info online, and some publications.
Limited time just now, but this to keep us going. Fraternally, Lou
Posted in: Concept of a Global Missions' Agency
Lots of good information, and perspective, in your two posts, Daniel. Steve and Wendy, strikes me now is the time to get someone from the "business as mission" people into the conversation (not really my field, tho it interests me, having translated last year for a PWW conference).
Also Mike Kiekover, who may not be seeing this again - I'll contact him directly. As you can see on his July post, he has insight and first-hand experience with this kind of topic. -Lou
Posted in: Concept of a Global Missions' Agency
Hello Mark and Steve. Anyone else?! This convesation supposedly started in March; I haven't seen much of anything on this. One marginal comment from someone said this wasn't going anywhere... I hope that isn't correct.
Who's at the plate? Lou
Posted in: Concept of a Global Missions' Agency
Fronse, greetings, where ever you are (you referenced travels to parts of Africa earlier)... If you haven't seen the book "My Business, My Mission" you will get some good perspective from people who are doing that. But you sound as if you are already into things like that; in which case, carry on the conversation with some of the staff people perhaps. Steve VZ can put you in touch with them ( I have it on his grapevine that someone may be contributing soon to this conversation also) - Lou