Dubai: Land Cruisers and Camels
On our last day in Dubai, Lisa and I ventured into the desert—something neither of us had ever done. We joined a small group of strangers for a guided excursion into what I call "the oasis in the desert." Our guide, Hazer, was a kind man from Pakistan who, like many others, had left his family behind to work in the Sheikh’s grand city.
Our companions included a young German couple, Emily and Hank, on holiday from Munich (Germany gives six weeks of paid vacation—tempting, right?). Also with us was an Argentine insurance lawyer visiting a friend before flying, ironically, to Munich. Munich became the day’s unlikely theme. Fittingly, a show I started on the plane from Kathmandu to Qatar also opened... in Munich. Perhaps God is hinting I should go.
As we traveled, Lisa and I shared that we were Christians visiting missionaries and pastors across Asia. I had the chance to tell the story of Boniface, the first missionary to Germany, who in A.D. 723 chopped down Thor’s sacred oak to show that Christ alone is the true and living God. That powerful moment led many Germanic people to turn from paganism to Christ—and they even used the tree’s wood to build St. Peter’s Chapel.
Out in the desert, we held falcons, bought a black Arabian scarf (which I wore like Lawrence of Arabia), and rode a one-hump camel—Christmas vibes included. One note: camels are not fast. Any trip from the East to Jerusalem on a camel must have been painfully slow.
And yes, you can sled down sand dunes. I posted pictures to prove it. If you’re missing sledding this summer, grab a waxed sled and find a dune. I'm officially a fan—especially when dressed like Lawrence.
After our adventure, we returned to the hotel to empty sand from our shoes. The desert left a deep impression on me. The endless blue sky touching the golden-brown horizon was mesmerizing. I stood in awe, caught in the simplicity of color and space.
That evening, we met Brian and his family to talk about church planting and their internship program at Covenant Hope Church (CHC). CHC invites aspiring pastors from unreached regions to Dubai for nine months of immersive pastoral training—reading, writing, and preparing to plant churches in their home countries. Since so many come to Dubai from restricted nations for work, it's a strategic training ground. Interns can return home equipped to plant, without foreign missionaries needing to enter those areas.
Central supports this program, and I hope we can do even more to help plant gospel-centered churches around the world.
Next stop: Nepal. Stay tuned.
