This week on Listening In, the second part of my conversation with the Rev. Dr. Anthony Steinbronn, who with his family spent a number of years in Africa as missionaries.

This week, the conversation centers around his family’s cultural learnings during their time in Africa, and the readjustment that was necessary when they returned to the States. It was a big adjustment for all of them– especially the kids. One of the most disconcerting things? The amazing number of choices we have, in stores, on television, and on the radio.

Tony talks about how he’s grateful that his kids, because of their time in Africa, were and are able to examine the things of this culture with a more critical eye than most. They can take the good from the cultures of Africa and the culture of the States, and leave the bad.

I really had a great time talking with Tony. This is the second of three shows– there was just too much good stuff to squeeze into only two. Listen in, and let me know what you think.

What are some of the challenges you face, living as a follower of Jesus within the culture that surrounds you?  What are some of the ways that your faith in Jesus Christ helps you think critically about the things that this culture holds up as the highest good?

Tweet This Post  Digg This Post  Ping This Post 

This week on Listening In: Out of Africa. Part one of my conversation with Lutheran pastor and missionary, Rev. Dr. Anthony Steinbronn.

We had a great talk a few weeks ago, about the years his family spent in Africa and the impact it had on their lives together, on their practice of the Christian faith as a family and as individuals, and what it was like returning to the United States– where our secular and religious cultures are very different from those in Africa.

One of the biggest differences between Africa and the US? Our practice of hospitality. Tony and I compared stories of moving around the country and struggling to break into new communities, find friends, make meaningful connections with other people– even among other Christians.

In Botswana, he pointed out, that wasn’t even a possibility. For the African, Tony said, “Time begins when you’re with other people.” Life doesn’t really begin until you’re in relationship with others. Time spent with others is a must.

The New Testament writers understand this need for hospitality– because it serves up God’s grace in a simple and much-needed way. And it’s something, I suggested to Tony, that perhaps Westerners could do well to learn from our African sisters and brothers in the faith. Hospitality. Welcoming the stranger, the other, in the name of and for the sake of Jesus Christ.

When’s the last time you did that? I know I could use a refresher.

Check out the show– and let me know what you think!– then, come back next week for part two of our conversation.

Tweet This Post  Digg This Post  Ping This Post 

This week on the show, “How Does Your Garden Grow?”, a reflection on the spiritual side of gardening– and how growing my own food has brought me just a little bit closer to Jesus.

Check out some pictures of my summer’s spiritual and physical labors here:

How Does Your Garden Grow?

And leave some comments with your best recipes for cucumbers and tomatoes. Not necessarily combined.

Peace!

Tweet This Post  Digg This Post  Ping This Post 

This week on the show– “Reality Bites.” A conversation with Charlotte about reality TV, humankind’s love of gossip, being perpetually stuck in junior high, and how Jesus really is the only hope we have in the face of it all.

Have your own faith story to tell?  Email Caitlin at profoundblog [at] gmail.com

Tweet This Post  Digg This Post  Ping This Post 

Turns out, people who work in the national security field aren’t all like Jack Bauer in “24″. National security in the real world, Grace tells me, is as much a possible vocation for followers of Jesus Christ as being a school bus driver or a teacher.

This week on the show, a conversation with Grace about vocation, serving your neighbors, and why she really won’t be working in an undisclosed bunker somewhere in North Dakota.

Ordinary people have panic attacks. Chuck Norris has Jack Bauer attacks.

Have your own faith story to tell?  Email Caitlin at profoundblog [at] gmail.com.

Tweet This Post  Digg This Post  Ping This Post