Entries by Nik Ripken

Persecution is Hard

The table in his one-room house is still imprinted on my mind after many years.  There was a low wattage bare light bulb hanging above the table.  On the table’s surface was a well used metal plate, a large spoon, and a knife.  Covering most of the table above these utensils was a huge family […]

Dolly Parton

I suppose that I should have turned left at the second mountain? I envy the workers that go overseas today; armed with cell phones, GPS, and electronic gadgets that help them to find the most remote places while also aiding them in finding their way home. Not so in Malawi, East Africa in 1985.  I […]

Our New Nissan Patrol

Nik shares one of his favorite stories about trip outside the city after receiving a new 4 x 4 Nissan Patrol with cassette tape.

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Lay Your Lumber Down

It was so hot that, when our truck broke down and I had to walk about a mile for help, the bottoms of my feet blistered through the soles of my tennis shoes and socks.  Malawi in the 1980s had one paved road, almost completed, from the very north to the south of the country.  […]

Lake Malawi Meeting

Nik describes a meeting that occurs on the shores of Lake Malawi that extends well into the night.  What do you share when you can’t see your notes or your Bible?

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African Arrival

Nik talks about their arriving in in Malawi, East Africa. He shares their experience at the airport and early experiences after their arrival.

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I Read Matthew 28

Nik describes the process of applying to serve overseas. He tells about the interview with trustees where they ask about his call to missions.

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