Sven

In the year 2000, I started my 2nd year at the Word of Life Bible Institute. When I moved into Kenya dorm, there was only one face I recognized and many new ones that I got to meet. One of these new guys introduced himself as “Sven.” We became friends and both stuck around Word of Life for a while, but eventually he moved on, got married and we lost contact.

Well this past weekend, Sven and I got to catch-up after 6-7 years. We are both in the same young-family stage of life and both working through a transition to the mission field. It was great to catch up, hang out, play guitars, sing, and act together, all last-minute too. (Find out about his ministry in Japan)

It was so encouraging to see each other. I got to meet his wife, and two beautiful kids.

At the Bible Institute, I was able to have so many great friendships that run so much deeper than most of the friendships that I had as a child or teenager. Even though we only spent a year or two together, the spiritual bond and comradery give a depth to these friendships that is rare and wonderful.

That is the result of Biblical Community. That’s what happens when iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17)

One aspect to these friendships that I have noticed is that we can always ‘pickup where we left off’. It fells like just yesterday we were together. Nobody’s upset over the lack of communication, but you’re just happy to see them and hear where God has brought them.

As we prepare to set off on a journey across the US, that is one of the things I am most looking forward to, is seeing and catching up with so many of those friends that we have had over the years, hearing what God has done in their lives and asking if they want to share in our future ministry.

#friendship #transition