And what about worthy/unworthy rich? What about the whole subject of enabling? How can we give and serve the right people at the right time the right way? Is it even possible?

We had two Christmas’s in Brazil, each with their big stories. I share our stories, and would love to hear yours.

What were some things that really helped- and what hurt- when leaving missions? So excited to have Jeff Turner share his insights, after leaving the mission field four years ago. It was such a honor to serve with him in Brazil, and now to continue our friendship here, with both our families in the USA.

It is our two year anniversary of moving back to the states from Brazil. How do you handle transition anniversaries? How do you help other transition well? What have you learned about transitions after transitioning?

I kind of cringe when people say something like “I need to send my kid on a mission trip so they can see how good they have it.” Or thinking that a trip is going to solve a problem they have. Please don’t ask missionaries to fix your problems! We have enough already!

Why do I have these feelings when I walk into a mega church? After 17 years in Brazil making all of my kids resources, how do I hold the disconnect of all this kids stuff resources at this mega con conference? How do you hold the disconnect?

What are the lies that have crept into your beliefs over the years- and how can you see them more clearly as you leave the label of “vocational ministry”?

What stories do you tell? Only the happy ones? What makes for a successful story? What if the story changes? What about the large group of those you work with that don’t really have stories?

Has the individualistic American culture leaked into the church in how we focus on salvation at the expense of sanctification? Do we look at parables through an evangelistic lens and forget about a discipleship application? How has this affected missions?

Someone I love in Brazil just died, and it is hard to not be there. What was your experience with preparing and dealing with death while serving on the field?