Everyone on the FREEDOM TOUR has their own story. It’s the tale of how we arrived at this point, what made us who we are. We spend a lot of time on the tour listening to each other’s stories. It’s the best way to open doors, get to know each other, and build a team. […]
Continue readingAuthor: Rich
Do You Really Get A Fresh Start?
Initial comments on our spiffy new FREEDOM TOUR jerseys often involve the butterfly. Our butterfly comes from our friends at PROJECT RESCUE who operate the HOME OF HOPE. They’re with the kids every day, providing love, encouragement, security, and the daily care they require. They’re the “boots-on-the-ground” part of the worldwide circle of support surrounding our […]
Continue readingWho Remembers Story Problems?
If Train A leaves Station B going east at 60 mph, and Train C leaves Station D going west at 55 mph and the wind’s blowing north at 22 mph and the conductor’s eating a turkey sandwich…Arrrggghhhh!!! Who remembers “problems” like this from an algebra class? If you’re close to my age you likely raised […]
Continue readingMemorial Day
All over Facebook folks remind me today’s Memorial Day. All sorts of memes tell me I’m supposed to remember, and I agree remembering is a good thing. Memorial Day ought to be more than an excuse for a three-day weekend. But I wonder–what’s the point of remembering, if all we do is remember? Seems like […]
Continue readingWhat Inspires You?
At the FREEDOM TOUR, we cycle to bring hope and freedom to kids rescued from human trafficking. In three weeks our team will gather. I’m sure our discussions will touch on the darkness of slavery, sex trafficking, and the devastating effects of this insidious evil. One might think that ‘s what motivates us, that we’re […]
Continue readingI Hope We Win The Lottery?
Winning the lottery would be much easier than fundraising. Just buy a few tickets, hope for the magic numbers, and we could support the kids at the HOME OF HOPE forever. We could buy them a new building, give raises to the staff…the list is endless. All we have to do is hope. It’s right here […]
Continue readingSelfies And Team Pictures
Are you part of the selfie culture? I’m following my friend Scott Acton as he rides his bike around the world. I love getting blog updates (you can sign up here) and reading about Scott’s adventures, but the best part of his reports are the photos. You’d enjoy flipping through Scott’s pictures of the incredible scenery […]
Continue readingSense
Happy Monday! A friend’s sermon title prompts today’s word-of-the-week… SENSE My friend Tom Roepke began a sermon series yesterday: When God Doesn’t Make Sense. I’m sure Tom’s got a great message in mind, but I chuckled when I saw his title. Seriously, God never makes sense. All that nicely worked out theology? The explanations we’ve concocted to rationalize the revealed actions […]
Continue readingWhat Do You Think?
Everyone has an opinion. Dick Foth says deep conversations need to be about more than opinions. He suggests authentic interaction happens around “What do you think? What do you know? What do you feel?” The idea, I think, is that if we’re truly willing to invest in the other person, if we’re willing to listen […]
Continue readingA Chord Out Of Cords
If you’ve attended many weddings you’ve likely encountered the “cord of three strands” image. It’s a scriptural metaphor based on the weaving of husband, wife, and God to form a strong marriage bond. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12) Interesting to notice, […]
Continue readingLamps
Happy Monday! Sorry for a really bad pun, but perhaps you’ll be enlightened by today’s word-of-the-week… LAMPS How often do you switch on a lamp so you can look at the light bulb? “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp […]
Continue readingWhere Do You Stand?
Where you stand…matters. My friend Dick Foth told a story about trying to change a light bulb in a fixture in his bedroom located directly above the bed. (How many preachers does it take to change a light bulb?) Standing on the cushy mattress, wobbling back and forth, struggling to keep his balance while stretching […]
Continue reading