just to backtrack, I didnt mention that on monday night dan led a men's bible study at his house. it was a small turnout - three other guys - one from the ex-prisoners program and two who don't go to church. an interesting evening! we often think that people will come to church and then join a bible study. dan approaches it the other way round. he knows that there a people who moght want to talk about God, the Bible and the meaning of life and not feel welcome or comfortable in Sunday worship. so he just invites people whom he gets to know in the community.
tuesday was a cultural and religious experience. i went to a 6 am breakfast with dan and carl, his 'overseer'. carl had been the pastor at krall's church when we first visited. the mennonite churches in the area are looking at joining the larger US Mennonite Conference. We had a broad discussion about church union, homosexuality, team ministry, and supervision of ministers, all before 7.30 am!!!
then dan and joyce we went driving for the day, and along the way had long discussions about growing disciples, since they feel that their church has stalled. it was good to be able to offer some clues and ask some questions.