Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel throughout the world, sharing the gospel and learning about different cultures? Jerry Schmalenberger's diary gives you a vicarious opportunity to find out, as it documents some of his remarkable experiences during overseas teaching sojourns in all parts of the globe. Schmalenberger's voyages include visits to four continents -- and he provides a fascinating account of his encounters with Christians of deep faith in such diverse countries as Germany, Suriname, Uruguay, Argentina, Liberia, Indonesia, and China. This book offers a striking eyewitness view of many once-in-a-lifetime events: Schmalenberger's visit to his ancestral hometown (Schmalenberg, Germany); teaching a truly multicultural group (at the breakfast table as well as in the classroom) at the Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong; and participating in a festive daylong ordination service in Liberia. His book is also an eye-opening look at some of the ordinary things that Americans take for granted -- Schmalenberger's sensitivity and willingness to adopt the cultural practices of his hosts are a testament to the unifying power of the good news to bring us all together under the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Dear Friends And Family is an inspirational, uplifting read that's sure to expand your horizons while reaffirming your faith. Recently retired as the president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, Jerry L. Schmalenberger served some of the largest Lutheran congregations in the United States during 29 years as a parish pastor. A graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio (where he received his D.Min. degree), Schmalenberger was awarded an honorary D.Div. degree by Wittenberg. Schmalenberger, who continues to teach parish ministry at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, has also taught speech and communication at Urbana College and Wittenberg University.