Happy New Year

We've been saying "Happy New Year" to each other for several days now. And I've heard a few resolutions. But the transition to 2012 is not a great one, cause I don't feel great need for anything new.

I have more money and things than I deserve. 18 short-sleeved shirts and 2 pair of sports shoes and 4 pair of Levi's, a house and a car on 2 continents. What could I ask for?

I have as much work as I have time to do. I advise the Made in the Streets Team, do strategic planning for street ministry, plan and design construction for MITS. I'm also working on book number 2 about street kids, reporting to supporters, pleasing my wife, spending time with a daughter and grandkids, serving as liaison with the sponsoring church and board. That's enough at my age.

I have many friends who love me and who love those whom I love.

I have dear ones who made good decisions in 2011. A grandchild baptized into Jesus in August. At Christmas 3 street kids were baptized. Alex, one of our students in computer studies, enrolled in preacher training school. One of our newer girls, Lydia, decided to stay at MITS when a girl running away urged her to run. My wife decided to stay with me another year (I never assume...). So there is much to feel good about.

I have many books in my library I have not read, and at my age I can read some of them again. And I have 8 books recommended by friends.

I pray that 2012 will bring more of what we had in 2011.

More kids from the streets -- we had 46 new ones in 2011. We don't have enough beds for that many more in 2012, and we want each kid to have his/her own bed. But we can take some.

More visitors from the US Christians to MITS - coming with skills and encouragement.

More growth in spirit and skills for Team members. I pray for them to know their strengths and grow their strengths and use them for Jesus.

More Christians in US who love homeless and hopeless kids and who want to help us find these kids and redeem them and help them be responsible for their own lives - and for those Christians to give generously.

More time with friends who bless my life with affection and encouragement.

That will make a happy year!!

During the Holiday

I was walking to Starbucks with Darlene. It's 20 minutes. It was Dec 29, and I was thinking about Anna and Simeon, waiting in Jerusalem to meet Jesus. They were heralds of the new year, the new age of King Jesus. I like that woman. I was close to tears, unable to talk to Darlene about it, remembering another time I cried in the middle of a seminar over the absolute goodness of God. I like Anna. Her whole life was worth living for the moment she met Jesus. We have no idea what she may have suffered, what griefs she had, what joys. But this was the big moment, the moment she was living for. As Simeon says, "now I can die in peace." I like him too. And it is so for us. When we meet Jesus, life is made. We could die in peace. What is truly wonderful is that we get to keep on living, with Him, knowing him every day, walking to Starbucks with Jesus. And always the surprising work he has for us to do.