Phuket, Thailand: Paradis (lost)?

I've just read an email from friends in Phuket, Thailand. I was there in 2006. It is in many ways picture perfect. Everything about the scenery is gorgeous. In fact, near Phuket is James Bond Island, the beautiful island in The Man With the Golden Gun (1974).


But there is another side to life in that lush region. Here is what my friends report as they ask us to pray:

"From the 18^th - 27^th of October, Buddhists and other interested people (incl. Tourists) are celebrating the annual “Vegetarian Festival”, which celebrates the Chinese community's belief that abstinence from meat and various stimulants during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar will help them obtain good health and peace of mind. During the festival participants are praying to the Nine Emperor gods and have to keep themselves ceremonially “clean”. Monks and people in trance are walking on hot coals or sharp blades or piercing themselves with various instruments. It is a gruesome and demonic festival with huge tourism attraction.

PLEASE PRAY FOR US AND THE BELIEVERS IN PHUKET!! "

I'll only add, "and pray for the people that are not yet believers in Phuket." Let's pray. 

A Few Break Days in Northern Ireland

A buddy of mine is getting married this weekend. I was able to get a great flight to Dublin, followed by the usual bus to Belfast. From there I'll make it to his wedding on Saturday. I also was informed that DA Carson will be in the area. I'll definitely try to drop by and hear him. Its kind of strange how that goes. The Internet, podcasts and live feeds don't really decrease my desire to listen to men of God preach. On the contrary…


If you think of me, please be praying that I can find some time to be quiet before God. I really need time with him. I don't really know where I'm headed and I'm concerned with my attitude towards him. Thanks.

Weekend in Ireland

Nothing much being said here. Too busy keeping up with my Bible reading schedule (a brother and I (mostly him) are devouring God's word), working in the publishing world and doing homework.

But this weekend I'll be in N. Ireland, catching up with friends (and hanging out on the Logos Hope again). Enjoy the month of May, its gorgeous!

Shall I Sell My Virginity on Ebay?

Ok, that was just a rhetorical question. The title is just a spoof. It came to mind after I described the situation I was experiencing in school.

There are nine of us in my class. That would be me and eight young women. For those who know me, I don't mind that in the least! :-)

But having no other guy around does make it a bit awkward at times. Yesterday (a Thursday tradition), we had lunch together and the conversation did not head where I would have hoped. Instead, from breasts, bras and lingerie, they spoke of sex, erectile dysfunction and life in the bedroom.

I was there the whole time, either engaged in side conversations or the center of attention as the girls have found it fun to taunt and tease me for my lack of experience and my complete virginity (and views on marriage)...

Although they try to make it clear that virginity isn't cool, their efforts seem to prove the contrary...

"Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be exhilarated always with her love."
The book of Proverbs chapter 5 verse 19

A Few Photos From My Italian Weekend

As you probably know, I flew to Italy last weekend to visit friends from the Doulos. We spent three years together onboard and had a great time meeting up, talking, laughing and encouraging one another. If you want to have a look at the photos, you can just go see the Facebook album.

Praise God for Ryan Air!

Ryan Air is this low cost airline that has revolutionized they way we live, travel, date and fall in love. A friend of my mine, upon hearing that I was considering a long-distance relationship, had only one question for my attention, "Ryan Air! Does Ryan Air fly there?"

One of my best friends is flying in today from Dublin. It will be good to see him again for the weekend. We first met onboard the Doulos where we were on the same work team for 6 months. With a few other guys we began meeting together on a near daily basis to start of the day with prayer, encouragement and Bible reading.

He left the ship about two years before I did, but he's done a good job calling up every holiday to talk about life. Each time, we've reconnected nearly instantly. I'm grateful to God for the gift of friendship. May it continue this time around.

For those of you reading this that feel you don't have that kind of friendship, pray and ask God, who loves to care for His children. Then live a life as transparent as possible, allowing people to see your strengths, weaknesses and failings. That is good soil for friendships to take root.