I doubt few people enjoyed the COVID stay-at-home orders more than I did. After twenty-five years of constant travel, it was a joy to be home with Sara for such a prolonged period as well as to work on some projects that were on my heart—the My Friend Luis podcast, a new daily devotional Live Loved Free Full, the A Breath of Fresh Air encouragements, and The Jesus Story, an adaptation of The Jesus Lens for kids. I’ve had numerous incredible engagements via Zoom with individuals and small groups for prayer, discovery, and insight into Father’s work in the world. It has been both a restful and a fruitful season, and my heart has been re-shaped in so many ways and re-staged for what’s ahead.
The God Journey continued to allow me to explore many of the themes that continue to grow in my heart and mind—helping people live loved, recognizing and responding to Father’s work in their own hearts to overturn their illusions so they can more freely walk in his love and discover the joy of laying down their lives in a hostile world.
Now, I sense it’s time to take wing again, literally, traveling to places where God wants me to encourage his people to lean into his glory. As we come to rely on his love, it will allow us to see the truth of what’s going on inside of us and around us so that we can be part of his unfolding glory in the world and love well those he’s inviting us to engage. So, this fall, I’ll begin traveling for a season as I sense God leading me to serve his purpose in the world.
In the last few months, I’ve sensed a freshening wind of the Spirit to help a new generation experience the joy of living outside the bondage of religious obligation and shame, to discover how to be sensitive to God’s Spirit and direction in the real circumstances of everyday life. I want to continue to have conversations that matter with people who care, whether that be in homes, outdoors, retreat centers, fellowship halls, or other places we can gather. I don’t do a lot of that by teaching seminars but by hanging out over a few days with people who want to explore what it means to walk alongside the Risen Christ.
God’s glory is rising again in those who wish to live untainted by religious obligation and free to follow the Lamb wherever he goes. While this will engage a younger generation, I’m also excited about exploring how more seasoned saints can be cheerleaders in this process by encouraging younger ones without seeking to control or monetize what God is doing. How can we be in tune with God’s work in the world and embrace the divine community God is stitching together around us?
I have a host of pre-COVID invitations, but I’m laying those aside to see what fresh direction God has for days to come. So, don’t assume I’ll follow up on an old invitation. If you even have an inkling that God might want to put something together where you live, please get in touch with me so we can pray and listen. Some of the places God wants me to go involve younger people who have never planned this kind of thing before and might be afraid to do it. Be courageous, and see what God might do.
What does it take for me to come? Not much! We simply need a shared sense that God has something in mind where you are, a place to hang out with people for a few days, and a pocket of people there who want to explore together what it means to live in love, at rest, and at play in the Father’s presence as we follow his leading. I have always traveled at my own expense, so finances are never an issue. If people inviting me can help share in those expenses, that’s always a bonus. If not, Father has other ways to provide for what he wants to do.
I have a few things to take care of at home this summer, but toward the end of August and beyond, I’m going to see where Father wants to take me. First, I’m going to circle back to a few invitations I had to cancel when the pandemic hit and see if there’s still a desire for me to come. I’m looking at you, Michigan, Wichita, Miami, and Oklahoma City. Beyond that, I already have fresh invitations to Virginia and Maryland when I start traveling again.
If you’re in those areas, or someplace altogether different, with a desire on your heart to get some people together and explore the life lived in love and at the pleasure and power of his Spirit, let me know. And, if you want to connect with me if I’m ever in your area, you can sign up for Travel Notifications here. You’ll receive an email if I’m coming within a couple of hundred miles of where you live.
The people I’ve met around the world have greatly enriched my life and my journey. I learn so much from other people’s stories and the struggles they have endured. I’m looking forward to seeing what this next chapter looks like and how God’s glory will continue to rise in the world.
Wayne, I’m excited to watch and see what Father unfolds for you. Yes and amen to the younger generation. They need to hear from you, a seasoned, tried and true, faithful man of God. I’ll pray the right doors open, the wrong door will remain closed.
Keep us posted.
Wayne you are so blessed
And grateful.
Wayne, I have said it before and I will say it again, you are one of the coolest dudes I know. I hope one day you will make a trip to Alabama. But if not, I have your website bookmarked!
I’ve got a lot of folks saying, “If you make it to Alabama someday…”, but no actual invites yet to show up somewhere.
Hmmmm… well, I don’t know what to do about this. I’m gonna have to ask Papa! You may not remember meeting me. I made your and Arnita’s acquaintance in zoom meeting at the beginning of 2021.
Thanks for that, Marcia. I think I do remember vaguely. I do remember being touched by your story. Maybe God will open a door some time for me to come to Alabama again….