My American Tour

What a fantastic time I had in the States! It was a perfect 2 weeks, full of surprises, challenges, opportunities, and fun. A plethora of divine appointments! Being with my family was wonderful and even our cat, Lucky, was overjoyed to see me!

My parents and I went for a week to the Los Angeles area to visit lots of friends. It was an unfathomable 95 degrees (Fahrenheit) there (it was snowing when we left Colorado)! I spoke in an amazing church that has supported my grandma, AND my parents for many years. I challenged the kids in the youth group to dream God's dreams, and to take initiative in seeing those dreams come true.

I also saw my uncle Lynn (who works in the film industry) and his wife Georgette. They have a great little house in Mission Hills, and we enjoyed an afternoon of fish tacos, cold beer and soccer there. Gezellig!! Awesome to see them again.

Back in Colorado Springs, I had the chance to connect with a number of friends. The DTS running there in The Park invited me to share with them about my work in Amsterdam. It was a very good experience--the class was very engaged and asked many questions. I love to raise awareness about what is happening in the red light district, almost nobody knows!!

Then I flew over to Kansas City to visit one of my good friends and supporters. He invited me to speak in his church, and it was probably the highlight of my trip. It was an African American church, you see...

Out of the thousands of short-term missionaries that go out of the States each year less than 1% come from the African American community! They are a whole people group within the States that have yet to be mobilized for global missions. It was such a joy to share with them God's heart for the nations, and to let them know how desperately we need their contribution on the field.

I got lots of positive response from young and old. I think they really were challenged to get more involved in world missions. What a great church! The music! The energy! ... The hats!

I then spent many hours at the International House of Prayer, also in Kansas City (my friend lives just down the street). I randomly met a number of people I know from various places around the world! The IHOP prayer room is the most refreshing place to be that I know of, I always love being there.

Of all that God blessed me with on this trip, spending time with my family was of course the most precious. It was so cool just to have dinner together like a "normal" single-continent family! It was difficult to say good bye to them. I'll miss hanging out with my sister especially. BUT.. of course the thought of my girlfriend waiting for me back in Amsterdam made leaving quite easy! =)

All in all it was a very fruitful, very timely trip. I saw God's hand in everything--thanks for praying for me! I really look forward to coming back to Amsterdam. There is much work still to be done!

Be blessed,

SPF