STORIES
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Highlights from the Asia Field
Joyce and I recently returned from a wonderful trip visiting our Cadence staff and their ministries in Korea, Okinawa, and mainland Japan. It was a true Cadence experience from the first day until the last.
From the Field
Stories of God’s work in and through the military.
Ministry Spotlight—Victory Villa, Rota, Spain
For almost 50 years, Cadence International has been sharing the gospel and our lives at Victory Villa, a hospitality house in Rota, Spain. The property, strategically located just a short walk from the main gate, occupies four acres of land overlooking the Bay of Cadiz. The easy access from base, beautiful setting, and warm welcome from Cadence staff make the Villa a haven of peace and spiritual refreshment for military personnel and their families.
Pieces of Glory
I trust your gathering of friends and family over Christmas was meaningful and joyful, as was the experience for Joyce and me.
Legacy of Love
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16–17
A Soldier’s Child
One thing that continues to amaze Candace and me is how God works through those who attend our house ministry, not just us. One man, in particular, is relatively new to Korea and still processing through a hard breakup that occurred before he came.
Ministry Spotlight—Victory Villa, Rota, Spain
For almost 50 years, Cadence International has been sharing the gospel and our lives at Victory Villa, a hospitality house in Rota, Spain. The property, strategically located just a short walk from the main gate, occupies four acres of land overlooking the Bay of Cadiz. The easy access from base, beautiful setting, and warm welcome from Cadence staff make the Villa a haven of peace and spiritual refreshment for military personnel and their families.
Pieces of Glory
I trust your gathering of friends and family over Christmas was meaningful and joyful, as was the experience for Joyce and me.
Legacy of Love
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16–17
A Soldier’s Child
One thing that continues to amaze Candace and me is how God works through those who attend our house ministry, not just us. One man, in particular, is relatively new to Korea and still processing through a hard breakup that occurred before he came.
Kingdom Connections
American military personnel are accustomed to packing up and going wherever the military sends them, whether it is a six-month unaccompanied deployment or a three-year duty assignment in the U.S. or overseas. Accordingly, Cadence staff may have only a few months to invest in those who attend their ministry and usually no more than three years.
This Present Moment
“Really, God?”
Am I the only one who asks that question from time to time? Over and over, I have found myself in new environments. Military moves, different ministry locations, and changing seasons of life bring new relationships and variables, and it can be so easy in those moments to feel the weight of change.
Love Freely Given
“I remember going to the Vilseck Hospitality House for the first time. Initially, I was scared that my past would mean that I was too broken of a person to fit in amongst everyone there. I assumed that everyone around me was perfect Christians who had their lives together and that I was a disaster. I was so wrong.”
Happy Birthday Cadence!
I wonder what birthdays were like in Bible times. Did the Apostle Paul’s mother throw a celebration for him each year as he grew up? I also wonder what birthdays were like for the OCSC/Cadence missionary families who served overseas in the 1950’s. My Burundian friend Isaiah was in Colorado last year on his birthday, and we had a celebration for him. He had never been given a birthday cake and treating him to this American tradition was fun.
Steps of Faith
A few evenings ago, I attended a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater here in Morrison, Colorado. This iconic venue is a favorite of fans and artists everywhere, and experiencing a concert there is a bucket-list event for many people. The amphitheater is nestled within these gigantic red stone formations jutting out of the earth giving the venue its unique beauty and top-notch sound.
During the daytime, exercise enthusiasts flock to this amphitheater to be challenged by the steep incline, the 145 steps from stage to top, and the satisfaction of surviving a workout at around 6,450 feet above sea level. Personally, I prefer the music experience!
Grace for Today
One of our long-term (over 40 years) Cadence missionaries, Doyle Spader, went home to be with Jesus last month.
His wife Chris recounted to Joyce and me a conversation she and Doyle often had in the weeks before his death. They would say to each other: “We have grace for the day—it is always enough. It’s only not enough if I’m trying to get it for the next day.”
Smiles and Blessings
I recently shared a story about one of our grandchildren with you. Please bear with this joy-filled grandpa again!
Not too long ago as Joyce and I returned home from an event, we walked in the door to a room full of many of our family gathered for an evening together.
Our daughter Kyrie was holding their seven-month old son Lewis (grandchild number five). He was snuggled up on her shoulder, but as he heard our voices he turned his head and smiled. Oh, our hearts! He then twisted his body to face us and started twitching his legs and arms in excitement at seeing us.
Light Matters
I have been house-hunting here in Colorado with our daughter, Kyrie, and son-in-law, Jake. Well, our six-month-old grandson Lewis also tags along! Having moved from Oregon over Thanksgiving week, they have begun the challenging task of finding a home that is a good fit for their family at an affordable price.
One of the important criteria for the home they will choose (among many things) is the element of light—both natural and spiritual. Some houses are darker than others, in both senses. We’ve walked into some and known immediately the lack of light would not be conducive to the atmosphere they desire in their home.
Love Moves Toward
“Grandma, I’m coming to you.”
Our four-year-old grandson, Davey, scurried along the church row to nestle in Joyce’s lap during the service this past Sunday. We love being grandparents to five dear ones, and these many small moments of affection and connection warm our hearts!
It strikes me just how often love takes the initiative to move toward another.