The Journey Begins (Read this one first)

Thanks for joining me! This site, TOM’S TALES & TRAVELS, is all about my literal TRAVELS to different parts of the world that I’ll be taking in the context of my ministry with Global Training Network, which is training and encouraging national/indigenous pastors. But it will also be about my meandering spiritual, intellectual and relational journeys and discoveries (the TALES part.) What will we see together? … Continue reading The Journey Begins (Read this one first)

Why should we listen to the words of this man?

With all of the voices out there, why should we listen to the words of this man? Check this out. Being incensed once again by this dangerous and troublesome Jesus who was teaching in the Temple – their temple!!! – the religious authorities send out the temple guards to arrest him. When the guards come back later with no Jesus, they are met with, “So … Continue reading Why should we listen to the words of this man?

The Story of “Nemma/Grace” – D.R. Congo, May 2019

There is no end to the hard and tragic stories of life in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here’s another one with some, as yet, hopeful signs. Dana, the “better half” of the Ted-Dana team with whom I stayed in Bunia, DRC, received word that a newborn had been brought to the Sisters of Charity Orphanage where Dana, a Pediatrician, volunteers. She had already been … Continue reading The Story of “Nemma/Grace” – D.R. Congo, May 2019

Experiencing/”Meeting” LOVE

“Love” is being expressed and celebrated all over the place today. Here is a beautiful “picture” of Love written by George Herbert (1593-1632). Even with the “olde-English,” I think you’ll get it. I came across it when reading a book by Simone Weil (1909-1943), a young & brilliant French woman from a secular Jewish family in Paris. A philosopher, writer, engaged militant on behalf of … Continue reading Experiencing/”Meeting” LOVE

3 Sample “Slides” from my teaching on “Les Qualités Essentielles d’un Serviteur de Dieu dans l’Église”

I am preparing a number of different teachings and presentations for my ministry to Pastors and Ministry Leaders in the French-speaking world. I offered to give a sampling of the slides I’ll be using so that those interested could get a little idea of what’s “in the hopper.” So, here are the first three of the presentation. Continue reading 3 Sample “Slides” from my teaching on “Les Qualités Essentielles d’un Serviteur de Dieu dans l’Église”