African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries and a Change for the Wheelers

In recent months Naomi and I have been in conversation with friends, medical specialists and other counselors regarding my health. The past three years and particularly the past seven months have been extraordinarily difficult. As I grappled with such significant disability over the past seven months, post diagnosis of the spinal infectionn, we began to talk about the possible need to locate closer to more health care options as well as friends and family. It became apparent that it would be wise to move while I am healthy and to locate in a place that might provide better options for this next season of our lives.

Last week I reluctantly submitted my resignation to Laidlaw College, reluctantly as my leaving feels premature and I love the people with whom I work. We've met so many beautiful people here in New Zealand and discovered many who thirst for authentic life with God. There is a willingness to engage in hard, risky conversations regarding life and faith that is deeply refreshing. In too many circles in American Christianity, to question is to be regarded as suspect--in other words to raise particular questions about faith and the Gospel is viewed as dangerous, questionable. We have loved the open intellectual and spiritual climate of New Zealand though the country is only 5-10% churched. We have also loved the slower pace of life, the simplicity of life, the love of the outdoors and the engagement with relationships.

I am sad to leave the beautiful people that we know but at the same time both Naomi and I are deeply grateful that I have an amazing opportunity. This week ALARM, African Leadership and Reconcilation Ministry announced my appointment as International Director. The U.S. office is located in Dallas, Texas. Those who know me well are aware of my passion for church leaders globally, the continent of Africa and my work in social justice, forgiveness and reconciliation. Two weeks ago I was offered and accepted the position of International Director of ALARM (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries, www.alarm-inc.org ).

This organization seeks to bring holistic restoration to villages, cities and countries that have been ravaged by tribalism and genocide in sub-Sahara Africa. The U.S. office of this organization is located in Dallas, Texas. I have served as chairman of the board of this organization for five years. My primary responsibilities will be providing leadership for the organization; building relational networks with like-minded churches, individuals and organizations in the U.S. and Europe; fund-raising and leadership/ reconciliation in the U.S. and in Africa. Serving in this position allows me to be near two of the finest spine hospitals in the United States.

Things will unfold rather rapidly. I arrived in New Zealand Monday morning and squeezed a couple of weeks of life into the past six days. (And I have had some great times watching the Australian Open). A big part of our lives is helping new faculty and their families adjust to life in Auckland. Just over two weeks from now, February 16-20 our home will be packed up and the container put on a ship. We will fly from New Zealand to San Francisco on February 26, spend a few days with Ben and then continue on to Dallas.

Thanks for your continued prayers for us as well as for Laidlaw College as they grapple with the changes in leadership.