Week one of CCMI is über our belt and we are starting to get acclimated to life in one room together and sharing a great retreat center (they call it a guest house) with about 50 other people ( half of which might be under 13). Last week we spent time getting ready to explore and discover a new culture. This is done through observation and by talking with people. We have hung out in pubs, parks, and churches trying to discovery what the people around Brussels and Zaventem hope for, live for and long for.
This week we have really been investigating our own hearts and what the church is called to be as God’s ambassadors. It is challenging and causing us to seek deep in to scripture and pray to allow God to reveal to us His plan for the church in Oz.
We have also taken trips into downtown Brussels and the close town of Lueven.
Today we felt the last week of travel and getting starts kick in. It was hard at times to stay focused in training. Please keep this as a pray for us as we continue for the next 3 weeks.
Below is a picture of the girls riding
scooters through the streets of Zav.

There are many great things about being here but one of the best is watching the World Cup with folks who really care about soccer in the pubs.
Thanks for all your prayers

As I write to you today I am listening to the rain fall on the windows of the room i will be sharing with my wife and 4 girls (Braden got bumped into another room with interns) for the next 3 1/2 weeks out side of Brussels, Belgium for CCMI (Cross-cultural Ministry Internship).  God is pretty amazing and terrifying.  Continue Reading

This last Sunday I had the privilege of preaching from 1 Corinthians 16:5-11 at our church, Redeemer Presbyterian in downtown Indianapolis.  In the sermon I share a little bit about our story.  I hope that it will encourage you.

http://redeemindy.sermon.net/main/main/20099453

This morning is Shannon’s birthday (great way to celebrate) and we have spent 3 full days in Australia.  Jet lag has not been as big of a deal as we had thought (thanks to a faithful friend and partner for the hook up of stopjetlag.com) but I do feel that we are just now having things come into focus. Continue Reading

After an epic journey we are waking up this morning on the other side of the world (although it feels like I shouldn’t call it that if we are moving here).  The travel was great.  Just a few moments of turbulence but nothing to stress inducing.  Shay was an awesome traveler for someone that was nervous about flying this far.  She did great (probably because she sleep most of the 16 hour flight).  wish I could say the same.  I sleep about 5 hours on the flight.  Continue Reading

This is the beginning.  The start of something new.  This is the place to follow what is happening with the Hinkles as we prepare to go to Perth, Australia.  Continue Reading