It is amazing that Peninsula has seen several of our own arrive at the century mark, and beyond. Each story is unique and each one begs to be told. I really don’t dare to tell her story on the Back Page, because details get fuzzy in my brain. But this much I know: she was born in the South, which proved to be a challenging region to grow up African American in 1922. But she never thought it to be a challenge, not at all. She lived her life with a daily dependence on God and a deep trust in His Word. Nothing else mattered.

She became an accomplished woman with influence in her community and in the world of California politics. Her husband was a judge, but he passed before I met Ida. She married again in 2001 in a very small ceremony I led for immediate family only.

Ida is the sweetest and most loving and supportive person. When I was in my interviewing process, we were at the home of Dennis Frost, and she pulled me aside. There had been no official offer of a job yet, but there was something she wanted me to know as I considered my options. She pulled me aside and said, “If you come here, do not let all of these women run you off.” My reaction? Oh wow. Really? What am I getting into?

I listened — and tried to figure out what God intended. I guess I didn’t let them run me off, but I think of that moment because it taught me that Ida really cared. About me. About all pastors, most likely. They have a special place in her heart. And she in mine.

In the last few years, she has had significant health issues and is more immobile than mobile, but through the pandemic, Ida called me regularly. She would ask in her thick southern drawl, “Pastor, how you doing?” The calls were every couple of months, and when I missed them, I would initiate the call only to discover that she was struggling.

Happy 100th, Ida. I celebrate you today. Faithful to Jesus. Faithful to family. I am blessed by your prayers for me. You have been a fixture in my life for 28 years. I love you.

Water is so important, that the tribe of Dan whose land was much farther south (and surrounded by Philistines) decided to move up north (no Philistines) where the water flowed in abundance. It would be much easier to live up there than deal with all those water tunnels and shafts. We walked next to a stream this week that flowed with water and was in stark contrast to the barren landscape of Judah. Life is all about water.

Tonight, after dinner we were on our own little quest for water. We walked a lot today (and every day) and sweat a lot, even in the cooler altitudes of Jerusalem. We had gone through our huge Galilean stash of water, and we need some replenishments. There is a gas station on our route from the Damascus Gate to our hotel. And guess what they had? Water. A huge six-pack even. 

We asked how much and were told 60 shekels (about $17). Seemed a bit pricey, but our options were limited and it’s all about the water. Even in our modern world. I gave the guy $100 NIS (shekels), and he started giving me all this change. I’m like, what’s going on? He said, it’s 60. Yeah, so why are you giving me over 70 NIS in change? Because it’s 60…one six. Oh, you mean 16 NIS? Yes. We got six huge bottles of water for just over $1 each. Wow, that’s a great deal. It’s all about the water, and a bargain doesn’t hurt!

But I thought of the woman at the well who expended so much effort to supply her own water, and Jesus offered her living water. In the end, that’s what we all need. Living water. May our hearts thirst for the water that comes from God. May we live as if we are in a parched desert and cannot wait for the river of God to quench our thirst. Be thirsty for Him.

We have been in a never-ending series of meetings which have proved encouraging and profitable. They definitely want to see the annual medical mission relaunch in 2023. And they are definitely willing to enlarge their leadership footprint. The medical services we provide are a vital piece in the medical care system in Uganda. The local health authorities are asking for it to return.

It’s all about what you are used to, and to be honest, most health care in the Bombo community is a luxury only those with some money can access. They are not used to affordable health care.

Our final meeting will be with the pastors of the Bombo church and its church plants. There will be 40 for lunch at 2 pm today. Forty. Wow. It might be the highlight of the week. Saturday is Ojera Family Day, according to Pastor Alex. For whatever reason it is very important to him that he gather all who live here in House Ojera to spend as much of the day together as possible. Most have been scattered as the guests have overtaken the bedrooms. Our care has been the top priority.

It’s all about what you are used to, and they find beds elsewhere when a guest needs a place to sleep.

Though we are outsiders in this environment, there is an overflowing sense of love and joy and appreciation for how God has used Peninsula. It is unmistakable. The Elders told of a Finnish group that visited as the church was first planted back in 1998. They were excited about the ministry, and they promised many things, but they were never seen or heard from again. They are used to that sort of reaction.

But of Peninsula they are overwhelmed that we have not abandoned them. We have returned year after year, we have prayed together, done ministry together, sought the Lord together. You see, it is all about what you are used to. And they are used to warmer weather. We are used to greater individualism. They are used to being forgotten. But we have not forgotten them.

To end the medical mission now would make life more comfortable for us. And it might not surprise them. They are used to being forgotten. But I assured them that we would not forget. Why? Because we know a God who has not abandoned or forgotten us. Even when it was difficult and uncomfortable for Him, He still loved us. And we follow Jesus. Right?

As I type, all that seems like the distant future. There is so much packing and so much travel between now and Sunday morning. It sounds exhausting. But, a new member interview happened this week that encouraged my soul. A lot. The person attended CLASS 101 and applied for membership, and so we sat down to share how God had been at work in life.

And I must tell you, wow, I was blessed. To hear of the hand of God moving behind the scenes through different countries and different ministries – it was a testimony of His grace. It even included an invitation to come to Peninsula from a neighbor who is so excited about Jesus and what He is doing here (note my carefully worded Back Page to avoid even the pronouns which may tip off the identity, since I don’t have time to gather permission for this intriguing missive). That contact has started something wonderful among us.

The journey of God for this person spanned continents. Asia. Europe. The Americas. The journey to Christ began with someone opening their home to a foreign exchange student (what a huge ministry). It was God who orchestrated it all for His glory and for His good. That’s the nature of the work of God in our lives. We do have a role to play if we will just be open to God’s leading and not try to manipulate things in our direction. Anyway, the person is working through the language barriers and creating new friendships here that I pray will last a lifetime. And finding a place to serve is just around the corner.

God is at work. God is using YOU to be His light and His hope in our neighborhoods. Way to go! I am excited to head to Bombo, but I’m more excited to get back home and grow together this fall. There is so much planned for which we will be able to unite in prayer and in study and share in our spiritual lives.

I pray it will be a fall where people invest in their neighbors, and we see people connecting with God, even if for the second or third time. You rock, Peninsula. Fall’s going to rock. See you soon.

This morning, I want to give a huge shout-out to the staff who really make all you experience around here happen. Without Bruce, 40 Days of True Religion would be in shambles, and probably just another hair-brained idea in the trash can of great ideas that never came to fruition. But he has stepped up (as usual) and really crafted the details so that we are going to be able to launch something life-changing on October 9. I’m really excited to see what God will do in our hearts over those 40 days.

We are about to launch into full-construction mode in the Fellowship Hall. The staff managed the workday (those who didn’t have previous plans to play around with their families…which is important, don’t get me wrong). Danny and Bruce rocked it.

And we are about to welcome a new staff member on board, which takes a full team effort. The legal stuff with Linda, the creative and technical stuff with Christina and Danny. The cheerleader stuff with Andrew (he’s just glad he doesn’t have to oversee children’s ministry in a couple of weeks). And then there is the packing of tubs for Bombo (there are always tubs to pack for a trip to Bombo, right?) where Linda always shines.

And then there is normal stuff, Worship Folder and Update and social media (I’d still be typing if Christina weren’t around). Oh, and Andrew went bowling. He says it is ministry related… But Andrew is a rock star, working hard to develop our ministry to youth and young adults, and they are both about to flourish beyond our wildest dreams.

So as I pack my bags for the trip to Uganda, I do so with a sense of gratefulness to a staff that is working hard to serve our little corner of the Kingdom. We will be creating major dust soon in the Fellowship Hall. We have welcomed an Afghan refugee family. New prayer ministries are launching. We are days away from having a new Children’s Pastor on board. We are working on Harvest Festival and Christmas and…40 Days.

And while the Spirit is at work here over the next few weeks, I’ll be in Africa (with Andrew and Danny) planning for a 2023 Medical Mission. Oh yes, and I get a week in Israel on the way home. I will write Back Pages, and you may see our faces at some point. But know I love you. And be nice to the staff for me while I am gone.

What matters, of course, in discussing the success/failure of both topics is:  what are the expectations and purposes? Let me wade in this morning (get the pun?).

If the purpose of fishing is to provide a meal, then we failed. Danny won the derby this year with two fish. We did each wrestle a huge one that got away. We will be investing in new leader line before we fish again, who knew it would snap after 20 years in the tackle box? The fish next to —  but not in — the boat were big, but you won’t believe me so I will stop.

However, if the purpose of fishing is to enjoy creation and leave behind the stress of life, then fishing was a success. The joy of a few days with the whole family together in Mammoth was good for the soul. And fishing (what little we did) was relaxing.

And in a similar way, if I simply talk about the activity happening around the church, that can be misleading. Is it really a success simply to hire staff or remodel a building? No. The answer depends on purposes and expectations.

Your response to the financial crisis of April-June, has been overwhelming. Therefore, we signed a contract to begin the Daring Hope projects. And we hired an amazing Children’s Pastor, who can’t wait to get started. The future is bright, because of God, not because of activity itself.

Why do I say that? Because we cannot forget our purpose. We have a Children’s Pastor coming who will transform our ministry to children and families. In about eight months, we will have modern spaces to disciple each other and introduce the community to Jesus. The success is not found in the activity but in doing the work of God. And I sense God’s activity on Sunday mornings as we sing and laugh and share God-stuff together. Life is rough for many right now. We have some weeping to do. But we also have some rejoicing to do. Because God is at work.

As we keep our eyes on our purposes, we will be transformed by the Spirit to live together in peace. I’m not excited about the tools for ministry. I’m excited about the One who works within us. It’s all about Jesus.

Do you know the Pek family?

That’s my point. I didn’t either. Not really. I shook their hands just about every Sunday for over a year. But I didn’t know them. A couple of weeks ago, I got a letter from them with a request to speak up in their defense before an immigration judge on June 6. In preparation for that meeting, I went to lunch with them last Sunday. And, in a very “God-thing” moment – Robert and Shirley Lie joined us. Robert is from Indonesia (just like the Peks!) and facilitated much better communication!

In the middle of lunch, I almost cried. My heart was broken. The Peks came to the States within the last couple of years. They lived in an Islamic section of Indonesia and are one of the few Christians in their family. As they gathered on Christmas evening to worship a few years back, some folk came into the service to demand payment if the church was to remain safe. According to Dewi (mom), that was a turning point. No longer could they raise their children with constant fear of attack because of their faith.

To make a very long story short, they came to America for asylum and are working their way through the system to remain. They live in Lawndale and have two students at Torrance High. They are working on their English, and Mom and Dad are both employed in the food service industry – he makes sushi for Whole Foods! They have quite a story…and it continues to unfold.

As we drove home last Sunday from lunch, Christie and I both marveled at the fortitude it must have taken to leave home and family to come to America. They didn’t speak English. They didn’t know very many people. There is no family around. Except Peninsula. There are two things which grabbed my heart. First, can’t we do something to help them develop their English? They sit through worship and struggle to understand what they hear.

And second, when we shake hands on Sundays – take a moment to build a relationship. Use the patio to deepen bonds. We are one in Christ, and we need to minister carefully and thoughtfully to each other. And then, maybe, just maybe, invite a stranger to lunch some week. Practical acts of Christian kindness. You will be blessed! And maybe even moved to tears like me. There are some amazing stories of faith sitting around you this morning. Explore them.

He was able to diagnose the issue rather quickly. “Buy a new one.” After seven years, our fridge was considered too old and too expensive to repair. So, we did. But it wouldn’t arrive for a week. When that truck pulled onto our street and brought us a brand-new refrigerator, I was thrilled. It makes ice cubes. It keeps the ice cream hard. It keeps us from eating spoiled and rotten food.

A week without a refrigerator is…inconvenient. I still turned around to grab the butter. Every day. My mind is distracted, and I kept opening the refrigerator door only to be deeply disappointed. Out to the garage. Again.

I thought about our friends in Bombo, most of whom don’t have much in the way of reliable refrigeration. To live like that is not impossible, it is just more difficult. It’s inconvenient. Without a refrigerator, meal prep takes more thought, more time, and must be repeated on a daily basis. It steals from the time we could be using for hospitality or serving other people or spending more time with God.

But maybe living my theology doesn’t mean I need everything to be as convenient as possible. Maybe I can learn and grow in my walk with God as life is inconvenient?

Now, let me be honest. We have an extra refrigerator in the garage. It was one of the perks of having a college student move home after college. We fill it with unnecessary things, except during the holidays when it is crammed with delicacies. Life without a refrigerator in the kitchen was no hardship. It just meant walking out to the garage to get what we wanted. We learned to plan ahead a bit. But habits are tough to change.

I am enjoying the new kitchen appliance and the joy of just turning around and finding butter again. But do I make my convenience a necessity? If I did, I would never have met anyone in Bombo. I’d never have taken students to camp. Or Mexico. Or reached out to an Afghan refugee family.

God can use our inconvenience for His glory when it makes us dependent on Him. And on Him alone. Abram left Ur. Inconvenient. But as he lived with that inconvenience, he became the father of many nations. Faith is not always convenient. Don’t let convenience be the most important thing in your life. Ever.

As we made our way past all those obtrusive windmills, it struck me:  I don’t think Danny knows very much about his old stomping grounds. He was born in Palm Springs but left for the South Bay when he was 18 months old. As far as the desert is concerned, he knows Belk Farms and Tesoro, not Rancho Mirage and Bermuda Dunes.

So, I decided to give him a desert tour. We were late (my bad), so we couldn’t drive by our old houses or the school his brother attended or the church in which we served. It wasn’t much of a tour. But, I discovered a Chick Fil-A off Monterey. That’s huge.

Danny wasn’t too interested in what the tour guide had to say (don’t blame him at all), but he was patient. When we arrived at Belk Farms, it was only 100 degrees — at 10:00 am. I couldn’t convince Danny to enjoy the 100, because it was about to get worse. The eventual high crept to 112. After you’ve lived through two summers in the desert, you adjust. You do get used to it. Sort of. Danny is not used to it. Not at all.

Danny was patient with my tour guide prattling, but the patience evaporated once he opened the car door. I wanted to pass along stories of our desert life. I also needed to pass along some tolerance for hot weather. But I didn’t even attempt to do that. Some things we learn by experience, and by experience alone. I couldn’t teach him to tolerate the heat. Stories aren’t enough, some things you learn only over time. Two summers in the desert teach you to acclimate.

Walking with God is the same. I can tell you what it looks like and what it feels like, but unless you walk with God yourself, you’ll never learn His ways. Doing trumps the classroom. The writer to the Hebrews says there are things in the spiritual life we learn – only through practice. I could show Danny where he was born, but I couldn’t help him survive in the heat. I can tell you what God is like, but you need to taste and see His goodness for yourself. I can describe the refreshing waters in the springs of God, but, until you drink from the well yourself, you will not be drawn into His love. So, give God a try. Drink yourself. I beg you.

But, I may consider doing the swim in 2023. It’s a South Bay institution and attracts over a thousand swimmers. I hear most of them survive. I did one ocean race back in my youth. I had no goggles, and we left from Seal Beach. I swam out and made the turn to swim parallel to the shore. All was going well. Until. Yeah, something tingly covered me. The tingles began to hurt. I stopped and looked around and discovered I was swimming through a lovely group of unkind jellyfish. I made an easy decision: get out of the water, ASAP.

That was my first – and last – competitive rough water swim. But maybe after 50 years and the invention of goggles, I am ready to take the plunge again. Since it is over a year away, I think I’m safe to allow the thought to ruminate around in my brain. It’s a nice goal to consider at least. The coach at my master swim class thinks so. It’s a two-mile swim from the pier in Hermosa to the pier in Manhattan. Sounds fun. Maybe.

For me, it would be the introduction of goggles that would revolutionize the swim. Why? Because it’s sort of nice to see where you’re going. Swimming “blind” is not fun, especially with the abundance of sea life roaming freely. Closing your eyes adds an uncomfortable level of stress. I don’t want to run into unknown sea things or end up in Redondo.

Many try to follow God blindly. They close their eyes and swim–or flail. They don’t take advantage of the Word to let it lighten and guide their path. They just jump in and go, but we need to see where we are going if we are to make progress. That’s sort of essential if we don’t want to veer off the race course. God’s Word marks our path, it illumines our way. It is goggles for our eyes in salty water. So why don’t we let it do that? Oh, that’s right…we know better. But do we really? Put on your biblical goggles and get swimming. Swim the race set before you.