Warfare versus Vacation

We just got back from the annual Christian Associates Conference in Sopron, Hungary, where Kevin was instrumental in bringing Greg Boyd over as the keynote speaker. The CA crowd loved Greg and the message he brought. He spoke at 5 main sessions on The Kingdom of God: “Revolting Beauty”, plus held some extra Q and A seminars.

One of Greg’s talks focused on spiritual warfare, his first point regarded the need for a “Warfare versus Vacation Worldview”. I was struck by the realization that even out on the mission field I can get caught up in a “vacation” mentality. Meaning I can all too often primarily be looking out for my own comforts and interests, rather than being continually aware of the spiritual battle we face. As we begin another year in The Hague, our desire is to be kingdom bringers by the love we show and by looking like Jesus to the world over here. Thanks Greg, for sharing your heart for the kingdom with us.

Throughout the week both Kevin and I relished the experience of bringing our worlds together. It was great to share Greg and Shelley with the CA folks, and to share the CA crowd with them. We also had the privilege of taking Greg and Shelley into Vienna one day and had a great time touring.