Farnsworth Forum

 I don't know how many of you are familiar with the wonderful work of singer/songwriter Fernando Ortega, who I have listened to since the 1990s. I just learned that as a teenager he lived in Quito, Ecuador, and attended the Alliance Academy. Small world. Fernando's new single called "Every Time You Leave" came out a couple weeks ago. Other than being a beautiful song, it rings true to me because a year ago we left our dear daughter Amelia at college. One day she graduated from Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, NY, and the next day we drove her to college. Now, I realize that most parents leave their sons and daughters at college. For us it is a bit different in that we returned to Ecuador a few weeks after dropping her off, which means that we are not nearby for breaks or visits or vacations. We literally have to leave Amelia in the hands of our Heavenly Father, who has lovingly cared for her, and we give thanks every day for His love towards her and our t...

During a counseling conference this past week, one of the speakers talked about the effect of prayer in our lives. One of the reasons for the goodness in our lives comes from the faithful prayers of the saints for us over all these years. I remember as a young man passing by my parents' bedroom door at night and hearing their intercession for me, in all of my raw moments of rebellion and doubt. Where would I be today without their prayers and the countless prayers of others on my behalf? I started writing a poem/song in Spanish following this theme. Here is a rough translation to English. Hope it grabs you and starts you on a path of self-reflection as it did me. Why am I here? Because they prayed for me. Because they saw something That I could never imagine: A life of service and faith That takes me beyond my own strength. In spite of me, I am here. Instrument of God, Clay in His hands, Because they prayed for me. To God be the glory! Ned, 8/8/26

 Sigmund Freud said, "Man's first duty is to learn to endure life,"  which I suppose rings partly true. But in the spiritual sense, it carries a deeper meaning: Accepting all things from the hand of a good, loving God. Learning to accept all things because they have a purpose for good in our lives. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Also learning contentment in whatever lot in life we find ourselves in. Not resignation but recognition of the work of our Heavenly Father for our good. Paul addresses this in Philippians 4. In fact, this is the context of Philippians 4:13, not the ability to do "Superman" type feats, but rather to encounter strength for daily contentment in times of abundance or need.  "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, wheth...

 GO ENGLISH CAMP 2026 is history. We ministered to 50-60 children each day of camp with the wonderful team from Exeter Bible Fellowship Church in Birdsboro, PA, and "Zona de Vida" Church in Otavalo, Ecuador. One of our participants, Isa, made cards to say "gracias" on the final day. Turned out to be a heartwarming surprise! More about GO ENGLISH CAMP to come soon...

Sorry for taking almost a month break. I will report on what we've been up to in the coming days. Today I want to remember my beloved parents on what would have been their 69th anniversary. We celebrated their 60th anniversary at Keystone Villa in 2017. It was a blessed time and one of the last times that we spent with Dad before he passed away on March 23, 2018. Mom left us earlier this year on February 16, 2026. With their passing, I lost an important connection to Pennsylvania and the United States. I have been a missionary with Liebenzell USA since April 2001 and have not spent much time in the USA. A pilgrim of sorts, I suppose. Here are some photos for you, their first as man and wife on their wedding day in Norristown, PA, then a photo from their sixtieth anniversary, and, finally, their last photo together on February 14, 2018.  Please celebrate the memories with me, thank you. I love you and miss you, Mom and Dad!!!

 Last night I rewatched a movie that I had not seen in years, Dead Poets Society. For some reason the message of this film inspired me. Of course, there are dark elements: suicide, teenage "rebellion, among them. But perhaps the strongest message is carpe diem (Latin) or "seize the day" in English. We need to make every day count, especially as Jesus followers. I often fall far short of this goal. Here is a still of actor Robert Sean Leonard from the movie and another good quote from the beginning of the film when Dr. Keating is teaching his literature class: "That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse." This scene reminds me that my contribution counts for something....At times, that is hard for me to grasp. I see what others do, and I feel I do not measure up. Dead Poets Society  released on June 2, 1989. I lived in Mexico at the time and went to see it with some friends. Honestly, it inspired me, and I went on to see it numerous times, in...