We had planned to spend time on Sunday sight-seeing. Mother Teresa’s house was on our list. God had another idea. Below is Pastor Kirk’s description of the day which was sent to the staff of Cascade Church. It’s longer than most posts but well worth the time. “It was nice to get to sleep in [...]

Saturday was a full and rewarding ministry day. In the words of Kirk Gendron: I am not used to these early mornings but we were up at 5:00 and ready to go by 6:00. Today’s adventure took us to a small village in West Bengal just inland of the Sunderban Islands. I realize that I [...]

God tells us that true religion is caring for the needs of widows and orphans in their distress. We spent the day on Thursday with a couple who are living out true religion in their city. Arjuna started small but had a vision from God. Over the years that dream has gained traction and is [...]

I’ve traveled to parts of Asia several times over the years, but never with 3 team members who were over 6 feet tall. Wherever we walked (airport, beach, city streets) people subtly nudged their friends and pointed to the giants — and the short bald guy. Teen girls giggle, young men give the stare-down and [...]

Years ago preachers would proclaim, “It’s Friday . . . but Sunday’s a comin’” Meaning — while it looks dark and hopeless, light and freedom are on the way! This Friday is called “Good” even though it’s a day to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. The reason Christians term the day good is because [...]

I vividly recall their eyes — brown, big, curious, cautious yet trusting.  The children at Safe Haven Center in Cambodia are either at risk of being trafficked into slavery or have already suffered trauma and are being loved, educated and rehabilitated.   Jesus is at work through the Cambodia Hope Organization and through it’s leader, Chomno. [...]

Sabbatical was 14 weeks this past summer. I’ve been back at Cascade for about 12 weeks. Preached 12 Sunday talks. And a few others here and there. I’ve been surprised by how challenging it has been to find relative balance. I know for sure that my focus is Jesus, the fam, then the church. But [...]

I’m not sure where it started — I know my parents handed the practice down to my siblings and I.  For the past few years, Amy and I have been passing it on to our kids as each one comes of age.  It’s the practice of giving purity rings to the kids in exchange for [...]

Guest blogger:  Amy Hettinga I never thought I would preach in bare feet.  Actually, I never thought I would preach at all to a Sunday morning congregation.  But I did just that today! Early this week I accepted an invitation to preach in a Lahu village church.  While I felt nervous at the prospect of [...]

It’s been a few days since we’ve had internet access.  On Tuesday, Kait & I made the fateful trip to Bangkok in search of a British visa for her.  We had a good day together.  Traveling with 2 instead of 8 was a bonus in and of itself.  We learned a few things about the [...]