Jonathan Blomberg's Blog

Something Different

2011-05-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

Language School is pretty routine, so there hasn't been much to blog about for the last couple months. However, it's coming to an end. Only one and half more months, and then I'm on the move again. In anticipation of this I've decided to move my blog over to tumblr because I've heard it is simpler to use, especially when I get to Congo and have a much slower internet connection. So the new blog address is... http://jonblomberg.tumblr.com/

Winter Camp

2011-01-22T12:59:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived in force. It's more snow than I have ever seen. And starting this weekend, Word of Life Bethel (where I'm doing language school) is putting on Winter Camps for the kids of Quebec.

This morning they had the Polar Bear Plunge. I just took pictures. Maybe next week I'll do it.
The onlookers.

Late Christmas

2011-01-21T15:18:00.001-08:00

I just realized how long it has been since I've posted anything on the blog. I'll try to get back in the habit of posting stuff by posting some photos of my nephews who I got to visit in Central Asia over Christmas. Good times.

A Defective view of Hell or a Defective Heart

2010-11-29T06:53:00.000-08:00

I was listing to a sermon yesterday that John Piper gave at a conference in Cape Town last month. He talked about the relationship between evangelism and social justice, which I thought was quite good. It is something I think about often since I will be dealing with it when I go overseas. Here is an excerpt from it:

"If God had not put Christ forward to bear his own wrath, if Christ had not become a curse for us, as Galatians 3:13 says, then all the nations and all Jews would have perished under God’s wrath and entered into everlasting suffering in hell, as Jesus said in Matthew 25:46.

The reason I draw out this implication of the cross is to hold together in this congress and in the church of Christ two truths that are often felt to be at odds with each other, but don’t have to be.

One truth is that when the gospel takes root in our souls it impels us out toward the alleviation of all unjust suffering in this age. That’s what love does!

The other truth is that when the gospel takes root in our souls it awakens us to the horrible reality of eternal suffering in hell, under the wrath of a just and omnipotent God. And it impels us to rescue the perishing, and to warn people to flee from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

I plead with you. Don’t choose between those two truths. Embrace them both. It doesn’t mean we all spend our time in the same way. God forbid. But it means we let the Bible define reality and define love.

Could Lausanne say—could the evangelical church say—we Christians care about all suffering, especially eternal suffering? I hope we can say that. But if we feel resistant to saying “especially eternal suffering,” or if we feel resistant to saying “we care about all suffering in this age,” then either we have a defective view of hell or a defective heart.

I pray that Lausanne would have neither."

It's snowing

2010-11-28T15:03:00.001-08:00

That dreaded day has arrived. Sure it looks nice, but it's cold. And I don't really like the cold. I haven't ventured out to take any pictures of it yet. Instead I stayed inside and took pictures of my beard and other random stuff. It's what happens when I get bored.

It's time for the winter beard. Every white hair is the result of learning a new irregularity in french grammar. There are many.
I also do puzzles of warm places.
And I take random pictures of candles. Just for practice.

Right Now

2010-11-22T17:01:00.001-08:00

I was standing in the kitchen making popcorn, and I looked behind me and thought, "this is a good picture of my life right now." There are only 3 more weeks of school this semester. I have a big exam tomorrow, a chapel presentation on Wednesday, and then more tests. So all my school work is spread out on the table. I have the coffee going to keep me going. I have the cookbook open trying to figure out what I should eat besides popcorn. And of course there's the beautiful christmas decorations in the background. 3 more weeks and then a break.

October Newsletter

2010-10-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

My latest newsletter. If you click on the image it gets bigger.

2010-10-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

This week is my Fall mid-term break for language school. I took the opportunity to ride my bike to North Hatley yesterday, and try the fabled Poutine for the first time.

North Hatley is about a hour ride away. It's one of those small picturesque tourists towns located on Lac Massawippi.

It even has its own Loch Ness monster, named Whippi.

Me and my hat
Poutine was both a let-down and rewarding. It was a let-down because it had been talked up so much. Everyone kept telling me that when I arrived in Canada I had to try Poutine, but nobody would tell me what it was. I was expecting something exotic (as far as Canadian exoticism goes) and elaborate. So when I found out it was composed of french fries and cheese curds covered in gravy, it was a bit of a let-down. However, the good news, the rewarding part, is that there is nothing healthy about Poutine, so it tastes great.
Poutine originated in rural Quebec in the late 1950s. One tale says that Fernand Lachance, from Warwick, Quebec, invented it in 1957. Lachance is said to have exclaimed, "ca va faire une *&^#%$ poutine!" (it will make a darn mess!) Hence the name.
First bite

Random Quote

2010-10-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

My orders are to fight;

Then if I bleed, or fail,

Or strongly win, what matters it?

God only doth prevail.

The servant craveth naught

Except to serve with might.

I was not told to win or lose-

My orders are to fight.

-Ethelwyn Wetherald

Making Bread

2010-10-16T06:59:00.001-07:00

It turned out pretty good.

Canadian Thanksgiving

2010-10-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

It's Canadian Thanksgiving today. All of us language school students had a potluck for the occasion. Good times. And good food.

There was a lot of food. Mostly traditional Thanksgiving food, with a couple of Korean dishes thrown in.

The leaves are almost gone. Now comes the cold.

Mt. Orford

2010-10-02T16:07:00.001-07:00

I went for a hike today to the top of Mt. Orford. It's a ski resort that you can hike during the summer. I've really been wanting to get out and see all the brightly colored leaves before they fall off, and today was the first day it hasn't rained in a while, so I went.

Mt. Orford

The trail up
How the cheaters get up the mountain

View from the top
me

Leaves
The trail down
me again

Apple Orchard

2010-10-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

We took our first field trip yesterday for language school to an apple orchard. Apparently apples are a big deal in Quebec. In class, in the days leading up to the trip, we learned about the different parts of an apple, the history of apples, and all the different varieties and what they are each good for. Interesting.

Unfortunately, it was raining the day of the trip, so I didn't get any outside shots. But basically, we went to a nearby apple orchard that harvests the apples and makes different types of apple treats. We took a tour of the place, went out into the orchard and picked a bag of apples for ourselves, and then ate some apple pie.

This is a picture of pumpkins, not apples, which they also sell.

These are some of the other language school students. We are waiting for the tour to start.

This is where they do something to the apples. The tour was in French, so I didn't catch everything that was said. I did understand the part that each of their apple pies has 2 pounds of apples in them. It was good pie.
The guy facing the camera is the owner of the orchard and our tour guide. He did a good job of speaking slowly and clearly so we could understand.

The Blank Stare

2010-09-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

The Blank Stare seems to be a very common face here in Sherbrooke, at least for me and anyone near me. It's usually the expression I wear to class every day, as I sit at my desk, trying to figure out what the teacher is saying. A number of the other students also seem to like the expression. It's also a common face for any native French speaker whom I try to converse with. For example, when say something simply like, "I would like a cup to buy a cup of coffee." This is the face I am met with. I'm hoping it will eventually change, but for now, it's life.

Murals

2010-09-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

There are many of these big murals around Sherbrooke (I think 8 total). These are 2 that I've come across so far. I think they are pretty cool.

Random Quote

2010-09-05T16:52:00.001-07:00

"Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility."

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Nephew Number 3

2010-09-02T05:28:00.001-07:00

I became an uncle for the third time last Sunday. Surprise, surprise, it's another boy. Jack James is the newest Blomberg. Bienvenue dans le monde Jack!

I was able to chat with him on Skype the other day. He didn't say much.

My Apartment

2010-09-01T08:57:00.001-07:00

It's been a week now since I moved to Sherbrooke, and I'm starting to get settled in. I probably still need to do some decorating, but here are some photos of my apartment, in case anyone is interested.

View from walking in the front door.

The Kitchen off to the left.
The living room straight ahead.
The guest room.
And my room. There is a bathroom also, but I didn't take a picture of it.

2010-08-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Sherbrooke last week (I only just got the internet setup today).

The drive across the US was fun. I'm used to driving 20 hours straight and sleeping at rest areas in my car. However, for this trip I had friends about every 8 hours along the way, so I was able to do short days and then stay with them. Road trips are a lot more fun that way I've discovered.

Sherbrooke is a combination of North America and France. They have a Walmart and a Costco, but everyone speaks French, has balconies with flowers on them, and there are lots of little cafes. I'm looking forward to exploring the city, and Montreal and Quebec city, which are not too far away, over the next year.

Language School starts this week. I'm excited to meet the other students and begin learning French. Thanks for all your prayers and support in helping me get this far.

(I haven't had time to take too many good photos of the city, but here are a couple.)

View of the city from the top of a mini ski slope/hiking hill right behind my apartment.

My very colorfully painted apartment.
There is the Lac des Nations right in the middle of town that you can walk around.
The Magog Gorge that runs through part of downtown.

Some Road Trip Photos

2010-08-20T18:26:00.001-07:00

I haven't actually taken a lot of photos. But here are a few from my drive so far:

A long day in Montana

The Painted Canyons of North Dakota
I toured the company headquarter my friend works for in Wisconsin. It's decorated like a theme park. Pretty wild
Me by some weird statue
My friend being chased a bison in the elevator

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-08-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile since I last wrote. I began the drive from Nampa to Sherbrooke last Sunday, so I haven't had much of a chance. At the moment I'm in Minnesota visiting with relatives on my mom's side of the family. It's been a fun trip so far. I've been able to visit a couple of friends, and the drive through montana and north dakota was quite nice. Hopefully when I get to Canada I'll be able to post some photos.

As far as support raising goes, I'm at 86% of my monthly ministry support, with 90 people and churches faithfully giving each month! I'm very thankful. I'm still hoping to reach 100% by the time language school starts in a couple weeks. Thanks for all the prayers.

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 10:37-39

Arrived in Nampa

2010-08-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

I left Seattle on Monday and arrived in Nampa Tuesday night. It was sad saying goodbye to the family in Seattle, but it's exciting to begin the next step. I passed through Sandpoint, Idaho to visit a friend and the Quest Kodiak facility. While I was there, they were fitting one of the MAF planes with a new cargo pod.

The drive from Sandpoint to Nampa on the I-95 is a really beautiful drive.
Home

Alpine Lookout

2010-08-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

Only two more days until I leave Seattle. It seems like most of this last week has been saying goodbye to various groups of people. I went on one final hike yesterday as well with my uncle up to Alpine Lookout, a forest fire lookout station.

Joshua's Visit

2010-08-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

My youngest brother Josh was in Seattle for a visit the last couple days. He left today. He will be leaving in 2 weeks to spend a year in Congo with MAF, and he came to Seattle to say goodbye to the family. Here are some photos from his visit.

On Uncle Mike's bike.

He came to Seattle via Portland where he injured his foot in an ultimate frisbee tournament. It looked pretty bad.
Josh and nephew Liam.

Getting very close to walking.

August Newsletter

2010-08-03T09:53:00.001-07:00

The support numbers are a little outdated already, which I'm thankful for, but the rest of the info is good.

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-08-02T11:33:00.001-07:00

I gained 1 new ministry partner this week, and a couple of onetime gifts. That brings the total up to 86 individuals and churches giving faithfully each month. I now have 82% of the monthly support I need! Only $1,000 more needed per month. Thank you to everyone who is giving and praying.

I have 1 more week in Seattle before I begin the drive to Quebec for language school. My brother Josh also arrived yesterday and will be here a couple days, before he heads of to Congo for a 1 year assignment with MAF.

Please continue to pray that the remaining support would come in before school starts on August 30th, pray for all this month's transitions, pray that I would learn french well, and pray the Congo. Thanks

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

-2 Peter 1:16-21

Desperate

2010-07-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

This was a blog post from www.desiringgod.org that I read this morning and thought was quite good:

"A few days ago I listened to a sermon by a man who is preparing to lead a missionary team that will plant itself into one of the least reached nations in the world.

The most optimistic estimates of the number of indigenous Christians in this nation is less than the number of people who attend Bethlehem Baptist Church on a Sunday morning. A lot less.

Listening to him was like listening to the writer of Hebrews. This man knows what he’s getting into. He’s planted a church in this nation already. The cost to follow Jesus in this nation is high. A good week is when no one in the church has been beaten.

These brothers and sisters are experiencing a “hard struggle with sufferings” (Hebrews 10:32). There are beatings, property plundering, heresies, divisions, and immorality. Most church troubles we read about in the Epistles, they have it.

Listening to this missionary left most of us American Christians wondering if we’d be able to hack it. And that’s unnerving.

The New Testament teaches us that whether or not our treasure is really in heaven is most clearly seen when it costs us our earthly treasures in order to obtain it. But American Christians live in the most prosperous nation in world history and the one in which it costs the least to be a Christian.

This environment can be deadly to faith. It allows false faith to masquerade as real very easily. And its power to dissipate zeal and energy and mission-focus and willingness to risk is extraordinary because it doesn’t come to us with a whip and a threat. It comes to us with a pillow and a promise of comfort for us and our children. The former makes us desperate for God. The latter robs our sense of desperation.

And it’s the lack of a sense of desperation for God that is so deadly. If we don’t feel desperate for God, we don’t tend to cry out to him. Love for this present world sets in subtly, like a spiritual leprosy, damaging spiritual nerve endings so that we don’t feel the erosion and decay happening until it’s too late.

So we must fast and pray for and support the suffering church in the diseases that can set in from harsh adversity. But we must also fast and pray for God to deliver us from the diseases that set in from prosperity. We need him. We can discipline ourselves in various ways. But we cannot manufacture our own desperation. Only God can make us desperate for him.

So God, whatever it takes, increase our awareness of our dependence on you in everything! Keep us desperate for you so that the deceitfulness of sin does not harden our hearts (Hebrews 3:13). In Jesus’ name, amen."

Maverick Flying Car

2010-07-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

Someone told me about this at the last church I presented at. Steve Saint, the son of Nate Saint, one of the early MAF pilots, has built a flying car to help the indigenous people of Ecuador. You drive to where the road ends, then pop up the boom, attach the parachute, crank up the fan on the back, and fly away. It looks pretty cool.
There website is http://www.mavericklsa.com/

Mark's visit

2010-07-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

My brother Mark came for a visit last week. He and his family work for a Christian NGO in Central Asia that provides aviation and communication services for other NGOs. They are back in the US for a couple months to have their second child. Mark was in Spokane doing some flight training, and was able to stop in Seattle for a couple days before heading down to Phoenix to be with his family.

One exciting thing about the visit was that he was able to meet his nephew (my other brother's kid) for the first time.

Liam is almost 1 now. He's pretty darn cute.
Having fish and chips in front of a lighthouse. You can't really get fish where my brother is at, so he was hungry for some.
When we were young, living in Africa, we had a trampoline in our yard and spent countless hours jumping on it. We still do the same when we get near a trampoline. Except now we are quite a bit soarer the following day.
Playing bocce ball at the family BBQ.
It was fun to have my brother for a couple of days. It was also exciting to hear some stories of how God is using aviation where he is located.

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-07-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

I didn't do a great job of updating the blog this last week. My older brother was in town for a couple of days, so I spent most it hanging out with him and the rest of the family. It was a lot of fun.

I did have a good week of support raising though. I gained 3 new ministry partners, so I now have 85 individuals and churches supporting monthly. And I have 81% of my monthly ministry support! God is good. It only took 1 week to get through the 70s, compared to over a month in the 60s.

I have 2 more weeks in Seattle before I start the drive to language school in Quebec. I can't wait! Please continue to pray that the remaining support would come in before school starts on August 30th; and also for packing, driving, goodbyes and new beginnings.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.

-Proverbs 3:5-8

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-07-19T13:21:00.002-07:00

I reached the 70% mark this week for my monthly ministry support! It's nice to be out of the 60s. I gained 4 new supporters, which brings the total up to 82 people giving faithfully every month.

I'm hoping to get to 100% before I start language school on August 30th, so I can just focus on learning french. Please pray that that might happen. And also for the transition of finishing up support raising in Seattle, packing, driving across the country and beginning school, which will all happen in the next month.

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

-2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent

2010-07-18T23:05:00.001-07:00

A hymn from church this morning

Let all mortal flesh keep silent

And with fear and trembling stand

Ponder nothing earthly minded

For with blessing in His hand

Christ our God to earth descendeth

Our full homage to demand

Rank on rank the host of heaven

Spreads its vanguard on the way

As the Light of light descendeth

From the realms of endless day

That the powers of hell may vanish

As the darkness clears away

At His feet the six winged seraph

Cherubim with sleepless eyes

Veil their faces to the Presence

As with ceaseless voice they cry

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Lord Most High

--from the liturgy of St. James

Raspberry Picking

2010-07-16T12:13:00.001-07:00

I went Raspberry picking the other day with the family. It was something to do. My cousin who looks like Johnny Depp in his glasses came along.

Raspberries
Artistic leaf shot
Mr. Depp picking raspberries
A bug eating a raspberry
All the berry pickers
Me wondering why I'm picking raspberries when I don't really like raspberries

Prayer

2010-07-14T15:35:00.001-07:00

Two of MAF's planes in Congo, a Cessna Caravan and 182, are in the process of being re-registered. They have been held up in this process for about 6 months now. Please join with the MAF staff in praying that they would be registered and released, so we can fly them again. Thanks

Flying

2010-07-13T18:13:00.001-07:00

I got to go fly today for the first time in 6 months. A former MAF pilot who lives here in Washington took me up in his Piper Warrior. I needed to do my Biennial Flight Review, so he offered to do it for me. It was a lot of fun!

He has a hanger at a little airpark on one of the islands off of Seattle. It's a paved strip, but people have their houses along it and park their planes in the grass out front.

He also has an old MAF Cessna 185.

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-07-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

This week my cousin's church hosted a benefit dinner for me where I was able to present my ministry. I had a great time getting to know and sharing what God is doing in Congo through MAF with members of their church. I've also begun planning my long road trip from Seattle to Quebec, that I will begin next month for language school. It's exciting!

I gained 3 new monthly supporters this week, so I now have 78 people giving faithfully every month. What a huge blessing! My monthly support level is at 66%. I need about $1,800 per month to get to 100%.

Please pray that the remaining support would come in before language school starts in August, pray as I pack and prepare for language school, and pray that I will learn French well and fast.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

-Galatians 2:20

Tried to go sailing

2010-07-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

I tried to go sailing today with my uncles, but there was no wind. So we just sat on the dock.

And I got a haircut. Another reason I can't for language school to start is so I don't always have to be clean cut and presentable. I'm thinking about not shaving for the whole 10 months, so I'll look like a Canadian lumberjack when I'm done.

Recipes Needed

2010-07-08T12:43:00.001-07:00

Starting language school in Canada in August also means I have to start cooking for myself again. I've been spoiled this last year with support raising because I haven't had to do a lot of cooking. But that is about to change, and I figure I should get better at cooking in general before I head overseas. So, I'm looking for recipes.

The requirements:

-Limited ingredients. I don't want to buy a huge jar of some random spice I will only use for one meal.

-Can be made in under an hour.

-Not a huge seafood fan.

Heaven without Jesus

2010-07-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

In the above video, Piper asks, "if we could have all the blessings of heaven but without Jesus, would we still want to go to heaven?" I think he is implying that for much of the church the answer is "yes." You can see it in many of the ways we do church. Jesus is the means to an end; he will make you happier, successful at work, have a better family life, etc. He is rarely the end himself, the treasure we are striving towards.

I think we do a similar thing in missions today. Going overseas and telling people that their beliefs are wrong and that they are going to hell if they don't trust Jesus, is offensive to the world. So to make it less offensive and gain their respect, we make missions be about creating the world's idea of utopia, and we put a christian label on it. We make it be about helping the poor, social justice, education, health care... and Jesus is a nice, but not necessary addition. A means to the end, but not the end.

Trampoline Time

2010-07-06T11:11:00.001-07:00

My brother got a new trampoline this last month. We used to have one in Africa growing up, so it's always fun trying to do the tricks we used to know how to do. It's a lot more tiring when you get older.

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-07-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

I made it safely back to Seattle this week. It was a long and uneventful drive. I spent most of this week catching up on work I wasn't able to do while in California, and planning the next couple weeks before I leave for language school. I have a number of presentations lined up, so that is encouraging.

I didn't gain any new monthly supporters this week, but one supporter increased the amount they are giving, and I received a number of onetime gifts. So I am at 65.5% of my ongoing monthly support. I still need about $1,800 per month. I'm thankful for all the support I have received so far.

Please pray that the remaining support would come in before I leave for language school in August. And I would appreciate prayers for the next two months as I finish up support raising (for now) and move to Canada.

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

-1 John 2:3-6

Doorknobs and Dinner

2010-07-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

My nephew Liam is learning to crawl and pull himself up on things. He likes doorknobs

He also loves to eat. He eats a lot of a skinny fellow. As soon as you put in one bite, his mouth is wide open for the next one.

After dinner Cheerios.

Josh vs. Cooper

2010-07-03T10:42:00.001-07:00

Wrestling match between brother Josh, who is in town for the weekend, and Cooper

Cooper
Josh

50 Years

2010-07-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

June 30th marked the 50 year anniversary of Congo's independence from Belgium. Unfortunately, the 50 years have not been good. As possibly the wealthiest African country as far as natural resources, the wealth has led to corruption and rebellion, and Congo has yet to see its potential.

Click here to see an interesting Photo Slideshow by the BBC to mark the occasion.

Greatest Fundraising Video Ever

2010-07-01T23:32:00.000-07:00

My cousin got a new camera today. So we were messing around with it. Someday we will make a real support raising video.

Language School

2010-07-01T12:12:00.001-07:00

I just mailed my Canadian visa paperwork so I can start language school in September. In 2 months I'll be in Sherbrooke, Quebec (just above Vermont) at Parole de Vie Bethel studying French. Can't wait!
I love my visa photo from a year ago.

Back in Seattle

2010-06-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

After 15 straight hours of driving, I finally arrived back in Seattle last night.

Oregon coast

On the Road

2010-06-29T07:36:00.001-07:00

somewhere in central California

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-06-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

I'm just about to start driving back north to Seattle. I've had a slow, but good week in Hollywood. I was able to take a couple vacation days and hang out with some old college friends. I also had the chance to share about my ministry with my friend's church yesterday, which was very encouraging. And I met with some people I missed on my trip down here last Fall.

I didn't gain any new monthly support this week. So I'm still at 65% of the $5,300 I need per month. I know God will provide, and I am very thankful to Him for all the people who are supporting my ministry. Thanks!

I found out last week that I will for sure be starting French language school in Quebec in September. I have to try to remember all the French I once knew. This means I have about a month and a half left in Seattle before I start driving east. Please pray that I will get 100% before I begin.

The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

-John 12:23-26

Prayer with the President

2010-06-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting story by Jon Cadd, another MAF pilot in Congo:

"I had an interesting flight to Congo a few weeks ago. I was flying Rune Edvardsen, a Norwegian man working in a ministry providing homes for abused young girls, and also schooling, and counseling. We work with him quite a bit. They also do pastor training and musical concerts sharing the Gospel.

"After we finished there, we flew over to Bujumbura, Burundi, to visit with their president, Pierre Nkurunziza.

"We had a meeting with the first lady, Denise, in the morning. She is very involved in community service and hoped that Rune would help with schools. After that we drove to the home town of the president to visit him. That was the most dangerous part of the whole trip. Winding mountain roads with lots of traffic, and trucks with bunches of bikes hitched on back. It was really crazy.

"We had supper with Pierre from about 8 to 11pm and sat around talking. There were only 4 of us, and I had a chance to ask him many questions about his life. Pierre was a university professor when the genocide began in Burundi, and he ran to the hills and joined the Hutu rebels. He was just a 'private' starting out, and as leaders died or left the country, he worked his way up the ladder until he was their leader. He showed us his bullet wounds from the war. He said he had been left by the rest of the guys to 'heal' if he was lucky. He said he spent 4 months hiding, lots of the time in the bottom of a boat on the lake.

"Rune's dad was an evangelist and came to this whole region for crusades for many years. Pierre heard about a crusade in Bujumbura, and came by night to hear and gave his heart to the Lord. He then announced he wanted peace, and talks began. He was elected President in the end.

"It was fun talking. Before going, we had prayed that we would be able to encourage him in the Lord and focus him on the important things. That we could also encourage him to serve his people and be an example of a true Christian leader, unlike so many of the leaders who seem to only care about themselves. We really were able to do that and before leaving I asked if I could pray for the president. He was very happy for that. I put my hands on him and he put his arms around me as I prayed. It was strange, but cool. Amazing to think that God might use even me to help change leaders' minds for good."

Getty Museum

2010-06-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

I took a day off yesterday and went to the Getty Museum in LA. Unfortunately, I didn't get too many photos of the actually artwork because security kept telling me to stop every time I went to take a picture.

The courtyard
The gardens
The Getty from the gardens

Los Angeles

Dead Aid 6

2010-06-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

Chapter 5 - A Radical Rethink of the Aid-Dependency Model

Governments need cash. Regardless if they are capitalist or socialist, they need money to provide for their citizens and grow economically. African countries cannot depend on aid for their cash for two reasons: 1) aid doesn't produce growth, and 2) the donors are growing weary. Africa must begin weaning itself from its addiction to aid.

DEAD AID

Dead Aid - 5

2010-06-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

Chapter 4 - The Silent Killer of Growth

One of the major obstacles of growth in Africa is the corruption of its governments and leaders. With the help of aid, corruption breeds corruption. When corrupt governments receive aid, it props up their governments, they pocket the money, they don't spend it on the necessary things, the country gets poorer, which leads to more aid being given. And the cycle repeats.

Aid is continually given because it is a business which employs 500,000 people. Success for development agencies using the aid is based on how much aid they give out, not on whether or not it is doing any good.

DEAD AID

How Many People Does it Take to Support a Missionary?

2010-06-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

For MAF, it takes an average of 80-100 individuals and churches giving monthly or annually to support 1 missionary (or family). I have 75 people and 65% of the $5,300 per month I need. I think I am going to be closer to 100 people by the time I'm done.

Dead Aid - 4

2010-06-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Chapter 3 - Aid is Not Working

"Africa's failure to generate any meaningful or sustainable long-run growth must, ostensibly, be a confluence of factors: geographical, historical, cultural, tribal and institutional."

Does aid work?

The model of the Marshall Plan, which helped get Europe back on its feet after WWII, has not worked in helping Africa. This is because in Europe the economic infrastructure was already in place, and all that was needed was a short-term boost of cash. It was reconstruction, not development. In Africa the infrastructure was missing, and the aid turned into long-term dependency.

Conditionalities attached to aid, while good in principle, are usually not carried out. Yet knowing this, the aid still pours in.

For many, democracy is seen as the key for economic growth. However, even though democracy may be good for countries that already have a good economy, it is not good for countries trying to build a good economy. Democracy is not the prerequisite for economic growth, economic growth is the prerequisite for democracy. What is needed in the early stages is a benevolent dictator.

The short-term effects of aid tend to look good, but when we look at the big picture and the long-term effects, aid does not produce sustainable development. In fact, it does more damage than good.

DEAD AID

Introduction Chapter

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Hiking in the Hollywood Hills

2010-06-22T14:24:00.001-07:00

Smog
My hosts while in Hollywood
It would have been a good shot if that van wasn't there

Dead Aid - 3

2010-06-22T08:17:00.001-07:00

Chapter 2 - A Brief History of Aid

1940s

The birth of aid. After WWII, 44 countries resolved to establish a framework for a global system of financial and monetary management. The main purpose was to reconstruct Europe's economy and prevent another Great Depression. An infusion of cash into already established systems was viewed as the best option.

1950s

After the success of aid in rebuilding Europe, why not try Africa? European countries were loosing control of their colonies, so aid would be a good way to maintain some control. It was also a way to fight the Cold War; giving aid to countries willing to be allies.

1960s

Aid is given to fund large-scale industrial projects, such as roads, railways and dams.

1970s

The focus of aid shifts towards the poor. It's redirected from large infrastructure projects to agriculture, rural development, social services, mass inoculation, adult literacy and food for the malnourished.

1980s

With increased borrowing, high interest rates and then a recession, the debt of many countries became unsustainable. Instead of defaulting on the loans and causing a financial crisis, the loans were "restructured," which meant giving more loans to pay off existing loans.

Also, the new idea was that excessive governance was the major obstacle to growth. So aid was directed towards privatizing state-owned enterprises and encouraging free trade.

1990s

In the early 1990s the amount of money being paid to the West to service the loans exceeded the money being given as aid to Africa. The new problem- corrupt government. Now aid must also be used to promote good leaders and democracy.

2000s

The rise of glamour aid; celebrities, not African policymakers, are calling the shots. Their cry is to cancel all of Africa's debt and then give more aid.

DEAD AID

Introduction Chapter

Chapter 1

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-06-21T11:03:00.001-07:00

I arrived in Hollywood a couple days ago. This is the view from my friend's apartment I'm staying in. Living in the city is very noisy at night, but it's a great view.

I had a good time this last last visiting some old family friends in southern Oregon, and then a friend in the Bay area. It was encouraging. This week I will be in LA, hopefully reconnecting with friends from the Biola days, and then sharing at a church on Sunday.

Last week I jumped up to 65% of my ongoing monthly support. I gained 2 new supporters, which brings the total up 75 people giving monthly or annually! It's quite humbling to think of all the support I have received so far. I continue to praise God for His goodness.

If you would like to partner with me in this ministry through support, please the support page on the blog. I would encourage you to prayerfully consider partnering with what God is doing all over the world, by finding some missionary or organization you can stand behind through support. It's truly a joy to be part of what God is doing.

One thing I ask of the LORD,

this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

and to seek Him in His temple.

-Psalm 27:4

Forever with the Lord

2010-06-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

"Forever with the Lord!"

Amen, so let it be!

Life from His death is in that word

'Tis immortality.

Here in the body pent,

Absent from Him I roam,

Yet nightly pitch my moving tent

A day's march nearer home.

My Father's house on high,

Home of my soul, how near

At times to faith's foreseeing eye

Thy golden gates appear!

Ah! then my spirit faints

To reach the land I love,

The bright inheritance of the saints,

Jerusalem above.

"Forever with the Lord!"

Forever in His will,

The promise of that faithful word,

Lord, here in me fulfill.

With you at my right hand,

Then I shall never fail;

Uphold me, Lord, and I shall stand,

Through grace I will prevail.

So when my latest breath

Breaks through the veil of pain,

By death I shall escape from death,

And life eternal gain.

That resurrection word,

That shout of victory:

Once more, "Forever with the Lord!"

Amen, so let it be!

-hymn by James Montgomery

Dead Aid - 2

2010-06-19T23:10:00.001-07:00

Chapter 1 - The Myth of Aid

The State of Africa

Even though there have been some signs of improvement in the past 5 years, compared to the rest of the world, the overall picture of Africa remains a challenging one.

"Why is it that Africa, alone among the continents of the world, seems to be locked into a cycle of dysfunction? Why is it that out of all the continents in the world Africa seems unable to convincingly get its foot on the economic ladder? Why in a recent survey did seven out of the top ten 'fail states' hail from that continent? Are Africa's people universally more incapable? Are its leaders genetically more venal, more ruthless, more corrupt? Its policymakers more innately feckless? What is it about Africa that holds it back, that seems to render it incapable of joining the rest of the globe in the twenty-first century?"

What is aid?

There are two types:

1) Humanitarian or emergency aid; charity-based aid, which is distributed by charitable organizations to institutions or people on the ground.

2) Systematic aid, which are payments made directly from government-to-government (bilateral), or transferred via institutions like the World Bank (multilateral).

This book deals with systematic aid

DEAD AID

Introduction Chapter

Hollywood

2010-06-19T20:14:00.001-07:00

I arrived at my friend's apartment in Hollywood this evening. It's on the tenth floor. One street over from Hollywood Blvd. I went up on the roof before sunset and took a couple photos.

Dead Aid - 1

2010-06-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

The book Dead Aid: how aid is not working and how there is a better way for Africa by Dambisa Moyo has been recommended to me a number of times, so I thought I would read it. And I thought I would summarize what it says as I went along, so you would know too. Then at the end maybe I'll write what I think about it.

Introduction Chapter

We live in a culture of aid. We are taught that the rich giving to the poor is the morally right thing to do, both individually and as a society. Governments are judged by it. Celebrities promote it. In the last 50 years over 1 trillion dollars in development-related aid has been transferred from rich countries to Africa.

But has it worked?

No. In fact, the recipients of aid are worse off. It has made the poor poorer and growth slower.

If the evidence shows that aid is not working, then why does the notion that it is still persist? If aid is not the solution, then what is? These are the questions this book will try to answer.

Everyone's Favorite Airstrip

2010-06-18T09:40:00.001-07:00

Kalimantan, Indonesia

Jephthah

2010-06-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

In my devotions this morning I was reading Judges 10-12, the story of Jephthah. Jephthah was a son of Gilead, by a prostitute, and because of this, Gilead's other sons sent him away. Later, the Ammonites made war against Israel. Gilead's sons went to Jephthah because he was a mighty warrior, and asked him to save them. He agreed on the condition that he would become the head of Gilead. They agreed. Jephthah vowed to God that if He gave him victory than he would sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house when he returned home. Jephthah defeated the Ammonites, and when he returned home his daughter, his only child, came out of his house first to greet him. Though torn with sorrow, he fulfilled his vow to God and sacrificed his daughter.

This is one of those stories that troubles me. I don't understand God in this, because He could easily have made an animal come out of Jephthah's house first, like Jephthah expected to happen. But He didn't. Instead He made Jephthah choose.

The story can easily be seen as pointing to the Gospel. Just as Jephthah had to sacrifice his only child to save Israel, God had to sacrifice His only child to save us. Both fathers were torn with sorrow. And both children went obediently to their deaths.

It also makes me wonder if the righteous will always suffer more than others. God made Jephthah choose, fulfill his vow to God or save his daughter. Why God made him choose I don't know. But only someone truly committed to God would choose fulfilling his vow in that situation. A half-hearted follower could easily rationalize not fulfilling his vow, and no one would blame him.

Random Swedish Video

2010-06-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm hanging out with a friend in Sunnyvale, California for a couple days. It's been great to leave the rain of Seattle and see the blue skies. I have missed the sun. My evenings here have been fairly busy with visiting various people, but the days are somewhat slow because I just sit in front of the computer. So I was flipping through some old photos again for a break, and I came across this random video I took a couple years ago.

After the tsunami hit southeast Asia in 2005, my brother and I went to Indonesia with MAF to help out (a story for another blog post). We basically ran a little internet cafe for all the NGOs so they could have free, high-speed internet access. Our cafe (tent) was located at the UN base camp, which was a tent camp setup and run by a Swedish organization. It was like a little village with engineers, medical staff, cooks, etc.

It was a lot fun staying there for 3 months and getting to know some of the Swedes, especially since I'm half Swedish. Anyway, all this to say, one day we were in our tent when we heard singing coming from the other side of the camp. So we walked over to see what was going on, and found the Swedes dancing around a weird palm tree thing singing. I think it was a midsummer celebration, but it was just very random; not something I was expecting to see when I went to Indonesia.

I didn't have anything profound to write today, so here is the video...

Reverse Engineering

2010-06-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

Reverse Engineering is one of my favorite concepts for the Christian life. Basically, it means if you want to do something, you need to figure out where you want to go, and then identify the steps that will get you there. For example, the Bible says we should be such and such type of person, but we are not that person now. So we need to figure out what steps are necessary to become that person and start doing them, even though in the immediate context the steps may seem strange.

Reverse Engineering only works, however, if you have an end goal in mind. Fortunately, as Christians we do; God in His Word tells us the end of the story. History has a purpose, the Church has an end goal, and Christians are becoming a certain type of people.

Unfortunately, in most of western society there is no purpose. There is no story. There is no end we are moving towards. In response, most people either choose any random thing to give meaning to their lives, like sports, music, work, marriage, etc. Or they simply live for the day; do what feels right in the moment.

The reason I was thinking about this lately is because I think a lot of our community groups are church are community for community sake. They are not community to serve the greater purposes of God, but substitutes trying to give our lives meaning. I think our church is too influenced by society. We forget what God says is our purpose, and we either 1) start searching for other "Christian"purposes. We pick certain aspects of the Christian life and make them the center. I think this is what most fades and trends are. Or 2) we adopt the "live for the day" mentality. We do short-term mission trips, instead of long-term. We use authenticity as an excuse not to try to become more holy. We avoid all responsibility and commitment that could tie us down.

Maybe the problem is that we have become so Biblically illiterate that we no longer know what God said our purpose is.

Plane Basketball Shot

2010-06-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

MAF needs to incorporate this into their training somehow.

Monday Memories

2010-06-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

I'm spending the night in Grants Pass, Oregon this evening, and will be heading down to San Francisco tomorrow as part of my 2 week support raising trip. I was looking over some old family photos this evening and just thought I would post some. 4 brothers in Lesotho
in Germany
in southern California, posing by the beach couch
in Hawaii. I know it looks like we are depressed, but we are actually just tired
last year in Washington

Disc Golf Tournament

2010-06-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-06-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend I began my 2 week trip to Oregon and California. I arrived in Hillsboro, Oregon last evening and spent the day with my old college roommate, who hosted a Disc Golf Tournament as a fundraiser today. Good times! I leave tomorrow for Grants Pass and then the next day for the Bay area in California.

Last week, I gained 3 new ministry partners, so I'm now up to 73 people supporting monthly! I have 61% of the monthly support I need. $2,000 remains to be at 100%. I would like to begin language school in September, if I can get all my support in time. But if not, then I'll have to wait until January. Please continuing praying for this support raising process, that people would catch the vision of what God is doing in Congo through MAF.

As always, if you know of a Church or small group that would interested in letting me share about my ministry, I would love the opportunity. Or if you are in California the next 2 weeks and would like to get together, let me know. My email is jonblomberg@maf.org. Thanks!

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.

-Ephesians 3:14-19

My June MAF Newsletter

2010-06-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

Giving

2010-06-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Support raising makes me think about tithing quite a lot. To be honest, it's rather discouraging to see how American Christians spend their money. Jesus said choose one: money or God. And the vast majority of Americans, by their actions, though their words say otherwise, choose money. If we honestly look at our lives, do we use God to serve our money (succeed at work, be financially secure, be more educated, be healthier, etc.), or does our money serve the purposes of God.

Never in the history of the Church has it been so wealthy. We were given a golden opportunity to do good: to finish the Great Commission, to serve the poor, to show Christ to the world. Instead, we squandered it on ourselves; on comfort, luxury, and entertainment. And we created a church that tells us it is ok.

Our lives as Christians are defined by the story of God, of which the core is the Gospel. It tells us who God is, what He has done for us, who we are, what the world is like, and it shows us how to live. So modeled on the example of the Gospel, what would our giving look like? I usually come up with three key principles. 1) We give joyfully. For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. 2) We give generously. In Christ, God lavished His blessings on us. 3) We give sacrificially. The gift that Jesus gave was costly, His life. Worship is costly, like the woman pouring expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus. If our giving doesn't begin to hurt us financially, then it's probably not enough.

It's a shame that missionaries have to spend years trying to raise support. Trying to pry a couple dollars out of the hands of Christians and churches, as if making disciples of all nations was an annoying burden to the Church, instead of a joyful adventure (and necessity).

Bean

2010-06-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

Someone at my last church presentation told me I looked like Mr. Bean

Discipleship

2010-06-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Christian ethics is something best learned by following the example of our Christian elders. It is not common sense; something we will do if we just think straight. Nor is it something we will naturally drift towards. Nor is it something best learned through books or sermons (though they do help). Nor is it something possible for us to do by our own strength.

It first requires God to save us and fill us with the Holy Spirit. Then He puts us in the Church to teach us how to live. Jesus taught His first disciples by having them follow Him around for 3 years. In the Church, we follow the example of mature Christians as they show us how to follow Christ. It's called discipleship.

One reason it's still important to send longterm missionaries overseas, is to have a living, walking example for people to follow. For nonbelievers, it is a demonstration to go along with the words of the Gospel. For young believers, it is an example to follow. Sending books, sermons, and short-term teams is not teaching discipleship. They may aid in the process, but having one mature Christian living in the community will be more effective in making disciples (Christians living like Christians) than 100 books.

OEIL

2010-06-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

On the night of September 4, 2002, thousands of heavily armed militiamen active in the occult and witchcraft surrounded Nyankunde, a town in eastern Congo. They hid in trees and in the brush... waiting until morning. At dawn they descended on the town, and the killing began. Gunfire, loud explosions, and screams of panic filled the air. Christian leaders spoke of a sense of unbridled evil. Some local Christians reported seeing a large, demonic presence moving with the attacking troops as they marched down the main street. The carnage was terrible. Thousands fled into the forest. In all, an estimated 2,000 people died, many through horribly brutal means.

The war that has ravaged eastern Congo is largely ethnic- tribe against tribe. This means that for the Congolese people, the enemy is not another country, not another city, but a neighbor. Fear, suspicion, resentment, and bitterness fill people's lives, leaving deep scars. Who can you trust? Sadly, even the church is not immune, and the lack of unity and trust has left it wounded and weakened.

Daniel Mombassa Kasereka was in Nyankunde in 2002 and barely escaped with his life. In 2003, after things had settled down a little, he started a biblically-based reconciliation ministry called OEIL (Organization, Evangelism, Intercession and Liberation) in the town of Beni, 70 miles south of Nyankunde. The organization works by inviting church and community leaders from different tribes together for a 3 day seminar. During the seminar, they hear the Gospel message and how God loves them and how He uses suffering, they share their stories of what they have been through, they pray with one another, and in the end they ask forgiveness and bless each other.

One amazing testimony to the work of OEIL and the work of the Holy Spirit comes from Pastor Abel. After being relocated to a new location, Pastor Abel soon found he was being given the cold shoulder by his colleagues because he was from a different tribe. This hurt him deeply and he became resentful of them. One day he woke up and found that he could no longer walk or stand without the help of his wife. His situation continued this way until an OEIL seminar came to his town. Since Pastor Abel was a pastor, he was invited to attend. Upon hearing the lessons, he became aware of the great anger and resentment in his heart, and he felt the need to repent and forgive his colleagues. After praying, he amazingly stood up and walked! Giving glory to God by a living and fresh testimony to the effect of forgiveness.

The OEIL ministry in Beni was a huge success; achieving what many thought impossible. Soon there were requests all over eastern Congo (and even from neighboring Rwanda and Uganda) for OEIL to come and hold a seminar. The MAF staff in east Congo, seeing the importance of the work and the transformation taking place, offered to fly OEIL for free, anywhere in the country. OEIL is very close to the hearts of the MAF staff in east Congo and we are thankful to be partners in it.

Just a Thought

2010-06-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

What if, instead of only using the Bible to answer society's questions, we let it ask the questions as well?

The Kodiak

2010-06-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

One of the difficulties MAF has been facing the last number of years, is the expense and difficulty in obtaining AVGAS (the fuel small piston-powered aircraft use) in several of our locations around the world. Outside of developed western countries, AVGAS is not used frequently. So getting it to the remote locations where we serve often ends up tripling or quadrupling the cost. At times we've even been forced to stop flying for months because we simply couldn't get fuel.

A solution to the problem has been to begin transitioning our fleet from piston aircraft to turboprop aircraft, which use JET fuel. JET fuel is the fuel large jet engine aircraft use, and it is much easier to obtain all over the world.

Foreseeing this problem, MAF has been investing in the Quest Kodiak plane for a number of years. It's a new turboprop aircraft that is specifically designed for bush flying. It can carry a greater payload than the Cessna 206 (MAF's current workhorse), but it can land on the same length airstrips. It's ideal for what we do.

Currently MAF has 5 Kodiaks. Here are a couple photos of our very first one in operation in Papua.

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-06-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

This week wasn't too eventful, and rather short with the holiday weekend. However, I did gain 4 new monthly supporters, which brings the total up to 70 people. My monthly support level is now at 59.5%! Again, I'm very thankful to everyone who is faithfully supporting, and I praise God for how He is providing.

I'm sharing about my ministry today at Berean Bible Church in Shorline, WA at their evening service. Please pray that God would open people's heart to catch the vision of how He is working in Congo, and how they can partner with Him.

Next weekend I will begin my Oregon/California trip. I plan on spending most of my time in the Portland area, the Bay area, and the LA area, visiting friends and supporters. If you are in one of those areas and would like to get together, just let me know. I would love to see you! I would appreciate prayers for the trip as well, that it would be fruitful and Jesus would be glorified.

And as always, if anyone knows of any churches or small groups where I can share about my ministry, I would love the opportunity. Thanks! My email is jonblomberg@maf.org

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?" And he said, "No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshipped and said to him, "What does my Lord say to his servant?" And the commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, "Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.

-Joshua 5:13-15

Haiti

2010-06-04T13:10:00.001-07:00

Last night I attended a meeting at church for people who had served in Haiti since the earthquake. It was a time to tell our stories, fellowship, and plan for the church's future role in Haiti. It was good to re-reflect on the 3 weeks I spent there in March with MAF. They was a good and challenging trip. Here are some photos from the trip.

Why was the blind man born blind?

2010-06-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him."

-John 9:1-3

I was thinking about this verse today. I often do when I'm feeling inadequate for the fight I'm in. The verse is also important to me because my little sister has Down syndrome. She is a blessing and a joy, as anyone who has met her knows. But question is still asked, did God make a mistake? I asked the same question when my mom passed away. I still ask it sometimes. If God wants the world to know Jesus, If He wants me to serve Him overseas, then why is it such a struggle to raise the support I need?

Jesus says it is not a mistake. My sister, my mom, and I are not being punished for our sins. These things did not surprise God. They were never out of His control. Instead, in His perfectly good, wise, and sovereign will He did this. And not for any weak reasons, but for the greatest reason- His glory. If our ultimate good is found in His ultimate glory, then these things He has done are the best possible things that could have been done.

His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

UN to reduce peacekeeping force in Congo

2010-06-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

The DRC is home to the largest UN peacekeeping force in the world. The 20,500 strong force first arrived in 1999 to deal with what is known as "Africa's World War." A conflict so complex it drew in forces from no less than 8 countries and some 25 armed groups. All vying for a piece of the immense mineral resources in the DRC.Today, most of the foreign influence is gone. The militia has either been disarmed, absorbed into the Congolese army, or has been reduced to gangs of armed bandits. Sill, the region remains unstable and violence is common.

The UN force has been viewed with mixed opinion by the Congolese people. On the one hand, they have provided some protection and stability. On the other hand, they have been accused of looting and sexual violence themselves. They also remind the people of their colonial past, which they wish to forget.

According to the current President of the DRC, Joseph Kabila, the UN force is no longer needed, and the Congolese army can handle the security of their country. He wanted the UN force to be gone by the end of the year. However, the UN Security council voted to keep the peacekeepers at least 1 more year. But they will reduce the force by 2,000 in certain areas.

Please pray for wisdom on the part of the UN and the Congolese government; that they would do what is best to protect the people. Pray that peace and stability would come to the DRC, so that the UN force can be removed some day.

Hiking Tiger Mountain

2010-06-01T19:52:00.001-07:00

Expendable

2010-05-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day reminded me of this talk Nate Saint, one of the first MAF pilots, gave:"A fact that is mixed in a very important way with our work is the thing that became commonly known during the last war as 'expendability.'

"The flying business is full of illustrations of this basic principle. God has seen fit to make a vehicle that is expendable essential to progress. There is always a price that must be paid.

"During the last war we were taught that, in order to obtain our objective, we had to be willing to be expendable, and many lives were spent paying the price of our redemption from bonds of political slavery.

"This very afternoon thousands of soldiers are known by their serial numbers as men who are expendable. During the last war we saw big bombers on the assembly line, row after row, powerful, costly implements of war! Yet all knew- we actually knew that many of those bombers would not accomplish even five missions over enemy territory. We also knew that young fellows, many of them volunteers, would ride in those airborne machine-gun turrets, and their life expectancy behind those guns was, with trigger down, only four minutes. Tremendous expendability!

"We know there is only one answer when out country demands that we share in the price of freedom- yet when the Lord Jesus asks us to pay the price for world evangelism, we often answer without a word. We cannot go. We say it costs too much.

"God Himself laid down the law when He built the universe. He knew when He made it what the price was going to be. And the Lamb of God was slain in the counsels of God before the foundation of the world. If God didn't hold back His only Son, but gave Him up to pay the price for our failure and sin, then how can we Christians hold back our lives- the lives He really owns?

"The Lord tells us that He that loveth His life- we might say that he that is selfish with his life- shall lose it. It's inescapable.

"Missionaries constantly face expendability. And people who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives. They forget that when their lives are spent and the bubble has burst they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted.

"Some might say, isn't it too great a price to pay? When missionaries consider themselves- their lives before God- they consider themselves expendable. And in our personal lives as Christians isn't the same thing true? Isn't the price small in light of God's infinite love? Those who know the joy of leading a stranger to Christ and those who have gone to tribes who have never heard the gospel, gladly count themselves expendable. And they count it all joy.

"'Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abidth alone,' the apostle Paul said. 'I die daily. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.'

"And Jesus said, 'There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time... and in the world to come eternal life.'"

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-05-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

This week has been a somewhat slow week. I'm still at 55% of my ongoing monthly ministry support. I need $5,300 total per month. However, I did gain another monthly ministry partner, so I'm up to 66 people. It still amazes me that many people are faithfully giving every month!

As far as upcoming events... I am presenting at the evening service for Berean Bible Church in Shoreline, WA on June 6th. I'm also planning a trip down to Oregon and California from June 11th to 27th. I would appreciate your prayers for the Berean Service and the upcoming California trip; that people who have open hearts to hear what God is doing in Congo through MAF, and they would be willing to partner with me.

I'm still looking for opportunities to share my ministry in churches or small groups (especially in the northwest). If you know of any you could set me up with, it would be a huge encouragement! Feel free to email me at jonblomberg@maf.org

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

-1 Peter 4:10-11

Nephew Liam

2010-05-29T18:43:00.001-07:00

Hanging out with Liam today.

$5,300

2010-05-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Having grown up in a missionary family my entire life, I sometimes forget that the ins and outs of missionary work is not common knowledge to everyone. For example, not everyone knows what ministry partnership, support raising, fund raising, or deputation are.

Why I must raise support:

The simple truth is that missions is expensive. The idea of a lone missionary just getting on a plane, flying to some remote people group, and begin preaching is not realistic. I wish it was this simple, but it's not. It takes a lot of work and costs a lot of money. However, if we really believe the Gospel, and that Jesus wants us to share it with the world, then however much money it costs, it is completely worth it.

Before I can go overseas, I need to build a ministry partnership team. MAF has asked me to raise $5,300 in ongoing monthly support. In an ideal world, one church would cover the entire cost and send me out. In the real world, it takes between 80-100 individuals and churches to support 1 missionary. I need people who are willing to invest $25, $50, $100 every month.

So to find these ministry partners, right now I am traveling around talking to individuals and presenting at churches, sharing the vision of what God is doing through MAF in Congo. It's both difficult and fun. It's difficult when the money doesn't come in and I really just want to be overseas serving. But it is also fun being able to tell people about what God is doing around the world, expanding their worldviews, giving them a vision, and presenting them with a way to partner with God in the work of His kingdom overseas.

What the $5,300 Covers:

Another thing I often take for granted is assuming people understand the $5,300 is not my salary. It actually covers a variety of staff expenses, of which only a portion is my salary. Other things it covers are housing, benefits, taxes, travel, visas, shipping, immunizations, and ministry partnership expenses.

Also with MAF, every staff member raises the same amount of support, from the President to the new guy. The total staff expense is divided by the total number of staff, and then that is the amount we each have raise. What we are paid is then adjusted for the cost of living for whatever country we are in, so that everyone gets equal pay.

Some Random Old Africa Family Photos

2010-05-27T11:12:00.001-07:00

Man of Peace

2010-05-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

In the lecture I attended on Sunday about ministering to Muslims, one key point that was brought up was finding a Man of Peace in the community you wanted to serve. Someone who will open a door for you into the community, and advocate for you, and will allow you to gain acceptance into the community. A Man of Peace is the bridge into the community.

Hearing this discussion made me realize how important finding Men of Peace will be in not only entering a community, but in learning the culture, learning the language, being accepted into the local church, etc down the road.

It also made me very thankful for the people who have been this bridge during my support raising process. People have advocated for me with their churches and friends, and opened doors that I could not have otherwise opened. It is such a great blessing to find these Men of Peace.

What is the Answer

2010-05-24T17:33:00.001-07:00

In thinking about the article in my last post, I'm always wondering what the answer is to all the violence in Congo. The problem is hugely complex. Many organizations have been trying to solve it for decades. Everyone has a different opinion on how to solve it. And yet, the problem still exists.

Here are some of my thoughts in trying to figure things out.

As westerns, coming from a materialist worldview, one of our common responses to problems is to throw money at it. It's part of the American dream. Money solves everything. If you have enough you can buy happiness and security. So why not apply the principle to fixing the rest of the world?

If we decide to look further than money as a solution, the next common step is education. If people can learn better medicine, agricultural methods, business practices, or government systems, than things will be better. As valuable as those things are, as a final solution, they still operate in a worldview devoid of God.

According to the Bible, the ultimate problem is spiritual. People are sinners. Our sin has caused us to have broken relationships with God, with ourselves, with each other, and with nature. And these broken relationships have led to a myriad of injustices.

Now if we try to deal with these injustices using education and money first, we might mitigate the effects of the problem, but we won't fix problem itself. We'll put a band-aid on a wound that requires surgery. Sin, our broken relationship with God, must be dealt with first (or alongside, but as the leading problem) if we want true healing and change. And to deal with sin, we must introduce people to Jesus.

I know it sounds cliche to say Jesus is the answer. Because it is true that money needs to be spent, education in many different areas need to happen, an immediate humanitarian response is crucial, but in the grand scheme of things Jesus is the only one who can bring change. And organizations and people who bring the message of Jesus and the demonstration of His love in practical ways, are the ones who will make the greatest difference.

The Capital

2010-05-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

This is a link to an article someone sent me a while ago about the sexual violence being done in Congo as a result of the war. It's rather difficult to read, but I think it's important to know and not to turn a blind eye.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/opinion/07kristof.html?scp=22&sq=congo&st=cse

The Kingdom of God

2010-05-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a meeting about ministering to Muslims. The image below is a diagram of an idea they presented as a way to open the dialogue in discussing God. I thought it was good, and could be applied to not just Muslims, but any religion or worldview.

The 2 biggest religions in the world are Christianity (about 2 billion) and Islam (about 1.5 billion). With these 2 religions, and words, comes a lot of cultural baggage. And unfortunately, when we reach out to Muslims we try (or appear to by trying from their perspective) to bring the person from the Muslim circle into the Christian circle, which includes our baggage. The same is true when Muslims reach out to Christians. However, this is never very effective, and usually conversations center on the peripherals of the religions instead of on the main issue, God.

A better approach is to say, "We both believe in God. We both believe Jesus is an important person. We both want to know who God is, what He wants from us, and how we can live lives that please Him. We both want to move toward the Kingdom of God. Therefore, let's study what the Holy Books say about Him and go from there, leaving behind our cultural baggage."

And as we move from our circles to the Kingdom of God, we pray and hope that our friend will accept Jesus as his savior, and cross the line into the circle of the Kingdom of God. It will most likely also do us a lot of good in figuring out what cultural baggage we have added to Christianity, and what is true Biblical faith.

Weekly Ministry Partnership Update

2010-05-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

For all those who have been giving and praying faithfully for my ministry with MAF, I wanted to keep you updated on my current support status every week.

Before I can move onto language school and go to the Congo, MAF has asked me to raise $5,300 per month in ongoing ministry support. I am looking for individuals or churches who will give $10, $25, $50, $100 or whatever, on a monthly or annual basis.

As of today, I am at 55%. Thank you for all your prayers because I know that it is completely God's doing and all glory belongs to Him! I have 64 ministry partners faithfully giving each month.

I still hope to reach 100% by August, so I can begin French language school in September. Please pray that as I connect with churches and individuals in the next months, that I would have a fruitful ministry and many hearts would connect with what God is doing and desire to partner with Him prayerfully and financially.

I also need advocates or champions to help me meet people outside my sphere of contacts. Would you send me an email (jonblomberg@maf.org) or call me (208-936-1601) if you can connect me with a small group meeting or church? It would encourage me greatly!

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

-Deuteronomy 31:5

Gratitude of Survival

2010-05-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

I was watching a video the other day on CNN about K'naan, a Somali-born rapper whose song "Wavin' Flag" was selected as the official anthem of the World Cup. When asked what he thought his place was in modern hip-hop music, he said he wanted to be a voice representing the struggle, the violence, the refugee, the place where he came from- the voice that expressed the gratitude of survival.

When he said that, my mind immediately ran back to the African church I visited a couple weeks ago in Boise. Throughout the service, the pastor repeatedly reminded the congregation to give thanks to God for being alive. He said you could be dead right now, but you are not, you are alive! And it was true, especially for that congregation. One man from Congo had to flee his home in eastern Congo when he was young because of the war. He lived in a refugee camp in Tanzania for most of his life, and now was in the US to go to Bible College to become a pastor.

I think this gratitude of survival idea is not very prevalent in the US. We think we are entitled to life, comfort, and luxury. And most of the time we are depressed because we don't have every thing we think we are entitled to. But imagine if we thought we were entitled to nothing. If every day of life was a bonus. If every morning waking up was a miracle. A gift to thank God for. Maybe that is why we are constantly amazed at the smiling faces of the poor in third world countries.

Kitengela Road

2010-05-21T10:59:00.001-07:00

A really long panoramic shot of a street in Nairobi Kenya.