It’s been awhile since I’ve been here, but there has been cause for my absence from the blog world. For the last several months, two writing projects have consumed my time. In March, conversations with Bethany House Publishing led to a book proposal and, eventually, a book contract. Over the next week or two, I will finish the manuscript, and Bethany House will start the process that will lead to the book release next June 14th.

The writing process has made for an interesting journey. I have spent a lot of time thinking about what we do at Hope, and, just as important, why we do it. Many hours looking at the biblical perspective—from the prophets, to the words of Jesus, to the New Testament letters—on taking care of the peripheral people of our world. Over the coming months, we’ll revisit some of the critical passages, and perhaps take some measure of our faithfulness to, as James puts it “religion that God accepts.”

Since I last wrote here, we have seen some extraordinary changes in the Hope Unlimited program in Brazil. A re-envisioned and renovated campus, a new residential initiative in Campinas, and a long-anticipated agreement with the state of Espirito Santo are all bringing new contours of ministry to our work with mortal-risk children. Lots of stories and reports from Brazil to come.

But before those stories, there has been a second writing project. Next week I will tell you about that work and invite you to take a journey of prayer and Hope with me.

I’ll see you Monday.