About Me
I am first a person whose journey with God and others is the orienting center of my life. I seek to share openly of this halting, faltering discovery of the story of God in everyday living.
I can be contacted personally at earthlytents@comml.imap.cc
After 22 1/2 years as a pastor of a Philadelphia area church, and almost two years in New Zealand at Laidlaw College in Auckland, New Zealand, I am located in Dallas, Texas, as the International Director of ALARM (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries). ALARM is an organization that seeks to restore communities that have been devastated by tribalism and warfare.
My wife, Naomi, is an amazing person with whom I share my journey. I am blessed with two special children whom I love and admire--Ben, a web designer living in San Francisco Rebekah, our daughter, a singer/actress in Texas.
My passions: reading, popcorn, writing, photography, walking, time with friends and family, thinking about the problem of evil and suffering, peace building and reconciliation, living out the gospel in a postmodern world.
Dear Meredith and Naomi,
You may not remember me immediately, but we shared some sweet times of fellowship when you and I both lived in the Philadelphia area. I was on staff with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and would meet with coaches at Souderton High School for FCA Huddle meetings. I met you (Meredith) during an outreach at Calvary Church of Souderton and spent many days picking your brain about the scriptures. In fact, you bought me the beginnings of my theology library which I still have today.
I hope it's coming back to you now. Anyway, I've moved west to Portland, OR where I was working for Nike, Inc. until recently. I'm involved in a wonderful church called Solid Rock Church (www.ajesuschurch.org) in Tigard, OR. I think of you often and tonight decided to google your name since I thought it was unusual enough to access any available information. Well, after perusing sites of two female Meredith Wheelers (LOL), I came upon your blog. Wow!!! Talk about taking some big steps. I'm amazed and impressed by your and Naomi's commitment.
Well, I just wanted to say hello and wish you God's best for the New Year. Pass along my love to Ben and Rebekah (they won't remember me). Ben was little and Rebekhah was only an infant the last time I saw them. I remember going to your house in Perkasie for spaghetti before going over to Calvary to see Michael Card in concert. I still have the casette tapes that I bought that night.
Meredith, you had a significant influence on me in the short time we spent together. I'm sorry that I never took the time to thank you sufficiently when I should have. Nevertheless, I'm glad to call you my friend all these years later.
His Grace!
Jimmy Lyles