Otts On Mission
Reflections on ministry, mission, and the Church
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Help In Suffering.
“Our world cries out for a theology of spiritual growth that has proven to work in the midst of the harsh realities of daily life.” – Richard Foster. “Help,” so the cries pour forth. A need, a desire; something is wrong. To some, help is for the weak. For others, help means there’s suffering. Who…
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On Waiting and Sorrow
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him – Psalm 37:7 Psalm 37 has been a Psalm our family has returned to repeatedly in the midst of a season of extended waiting and uncertainty. When loss is experienced and the disorienting nature of the in-between swirls around you, the invitation to wait can…
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Get Up and Eat…
“Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you…” 1 Kings 19 The awakening of God is quite a simple and gentle thing. It is not a violent shaking nor an order barked out by an officer. No, it seems a gentle touch, a word of invitation spoken with such kindness and…
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The rustle of grief.
Leaves like ashes set the place of remembrance circling the losses whose headstones cast shadows on hopes and dreams of a summer turned winter. Autumn came early and left just as fast. The now fleeting light casts a chill while still supporting the little life that remains. Shadows and rustling illuminate a beauty that can…
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2020
Hope marks a new year; the possibilities endless for what lies ahead. Little by little the hopes started to fall. I thought it’d be better. I thought it’d be bigger. I’d hoped there’d be something, but there was nothing at all. I’d rather have nothing, than some kind of something that doesn’t quite fit…
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Wait.
Darkness descends quickly, stealing breath. An eery stillness surrounds. I have to get out of here. Don’t move. I can’t stay. Wait. Left seems as right, right as left. Is not a step forward actually a step backwards? Feet are on the ground, despite not seeing the ground on which they stand. Breathe, still your…
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Finding Life In A World That’s Bracing
Brace For the Worst “Italy Must Brace For the 2nd Wave.” “Brace Yourself For A Long Winter.” “MLB Free Agents Brace For Long Free Agency Battles.” “The World Braces For US Election Results.” “Entire Workforce Is Bracing For More Bad News.” “Brace For A Long Fight.” Headlines for the better part of this year have…
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Reflections on Life and Death.
I’ve said it often: articulating the realities of life abroad is difficult at times. These past three and a half years have been among some of the most difficult in my life. To live in a culture not my own is a challenge to be sure. It’s a challenge that is overwhelmingly about surrender &…
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A Yearning For Freedom
A little over a week ago Perugia took time as they do every year to remember. June 20th is a date forever etched in the history books here in Perugia. Her history is full of battle, warfare, and sadly, a great deal of loss at the hands of oppressors spanning from the days of Augustus…
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3 Years.
3 years of life here in Italy. 3 years of ministry in a country that is slowly becoming more “home” with each passing year. To be honest, it’s hard to believe we had to “celebrate” our 3 year anniversary here in total lockdown. That’s the reality of life and ministry, it’s always changing, always shifting,…