Walla Walla Wanderings

February 26, 2010

I’m writing today from a very cozy little coffee shop in College Place, Washington. I’m looking out the window here at a grey landscape that reminds me a lot of suburban Philadelphia in winter, actually. I have never been to Walla Walla before. Believe it or not, there’s a big thriving Adventist university here. Last night two students took me to a wonderful little restaurant in downtown Walla Walla (population 31,000). It was inspiring to talk to this Junior theology major and his girlfriend about the work they’re doing on campus. John runs the collegiate worship service called The Awakening… all while going to school full time. Melissa is a math and physics double major (interestingly, I started my college career as a math and physics double major), but her primary concern now is how she can use her education to serve people. When I meet people like John and Melissa I feel much more optimistic about the future of the Adventist Church. We need give all the space and support we can to young people like this.

This afternoon I’m having lunch with Dr. Jon Dybdahl. Jon is one of the spiritual giants of the Adventist Church and I am so honored to call him my friend and mentor. I haven’t seen him since he was in Hollywood speaking for a joint service with the Thai church back in 2006. So needless to say I’m looking forward to catching up with him.

Then, later tonight I’ll be speaking to the University students here for their Friday night Vespers. I’m looking forward to interacting with these students, sharing with them a little bit of our life in Hollywood, and catching a little of what God is up to here in this part of the country.

I should also mention that after today, Nathan is off for three weeks. He and Christina are headed to Italy with their families where the two of them will be married. So, the next time you see Nathan, he’ll be a married man! Please give him a little love today and wish him God’s blessings as he head off on this journey of a lifetime.

Grace and peace,

Ryan