Farnsworth Forum

Can it be 25 years already? I was a new missionary in Ecuador, having arrived here on April 24. On 9/11, I was housesitting for some friends who were in Germany. It was a lazy day for me, and I was watching Homicide : Life on the Streets . I know, not very spiritual. I was channel surfing during commercials when I saw the second tower hit and subsequently collapse. It was surreal to me and seemed like an action movie. But it was real, and 2,976 (the official count) people died that day and many since then due to various illnesses and health complications caused by the horrific attacks. Reflections on that day bring us to consider the need for kindness and empathy for those who look, think, and act differently as well as compassion and care for those who hurt.  Elisabeth Elliot, well acquainted with suffering and grief, said, "It's only in the cross that we can begin to harmonize this seeming contradiction between suffering and love." That's exactly what many people sa...

 "A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society" (Billy Graham). I recently ran across this quote, and it made me remember Dad. Often, society does not seem to understand the importance of fathers in its quest to recognize different kinds of families. Accepting all families should not eclipse the fact that fathers add stability to the upbringing of children. Studying prison statistics confirms this information. I must say that this year, with the earthly loss of Mom, has been very sad for me. Is it okay to admit that sadness, as a missionary and Christian leader? Vulnerability is something that people have challenged me about in the past. It's hard to know where to draw the line; yet, I want to be recognized as part of the human race and not elevated to an unreal pedestal impossible to achieve. "My father didn't do anything unusual. He only did what dads are supposed to do--be there" (Ma...

 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...