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8-24-10 Josh ('03) and Ginny (Spees, '03) Logan-- Josh and I find ourselves in full-time Christian ministry. It's been neat to see God using our business degrees for His work. As I sat in college classes over 10 years ago now...WOW time flies!...I was willing to serve God wherever he wanted me, but I didn't feel led to full-time Christian ministry. I'm so thankful my business degree has left the door wide open for both Josh and I to use it in both the secular world and our church.
It's a long post with many testimonies, but here is the blog entry that explains our current jobs. Josh is full-time as our Pastor's assistant, financial church and school person, choir and song leader, and adminstration of the academy our church runs. I've been able to continue as church secretary even after having a few kiddos, it's been 6 years I've worked in that postion. http://joshandginnylogan.blogspot.com/2010/08/full-time-christian-ministry-us.html
8-24-10 Ted ('78) and Shari Knapp-- I will be a featured weekly columnist beginning in September for the Victory Sports Network, a national network media for the NAIA (small college football). The Victory Sports Network is the main source of information for the NAIA and is read by over a million readers. Also, I was selected last week as a coach for the RisingSeniors Georgia High School All-Star football Game to be played at Georgia Tech the first week in January. The game is sponsored by the NFL Player's Association and the NCAA. I will coach the east squad.
8-24-10 Bob and Georjean Radford-- Although I continue to teach my adult Sunday school class in Roanoke, it’s been four months since we have made a ministry trip. The last one was to lead an Israel tour in March.
August 21 we are traveling to Rhode Island to conduct a conference on Bible geography and to assist the pastor of Narragansett Bay Baptist Church in recruiting for our next Israel tour, March 31 to April 13, 2011. I would appreciate your praying for us, as a Bible study tour to the Holy Land makes such a profound impact on one’s study of the Scripture. I think it’s a basic necessity for the Bible student. By the way, if you know of anyone who might like this kind of extensive study of the Scriptures while touring Israel, please invite them to ask me for an electronic copy of the nine-page brochure. It is to be a fourteen day trip, departing either Chicago or Boston for the remarkable price of just a little over $3,000. At this count we have 28 going and room for only 21 more.
I have been invited to begin the process of becoming an adjunct professor at Crown Seminary in Knoxville, TN. My first module will be September 20-24, teaching Biblical Creation. I am really looking forward to this concentrated teaching of five hours per day on the vital subject of creationism. Truly, a grasp of the teaching on creation from the entirety of the Scriptures is one of the great needs in the churches of America. In addition to currently enrolled seminary students, numerous pastors will be coming to campus for the week to take this course as part of their Master of Ministry Degree. I thank you in advance for praying that over those five days the Word of God will make a tremendous impression on the students/pastors and the churches they will serve.
Our next scheduled ministry trips for October through May:
- October 13-31—South India Baptist Bible College (SIBBC), India.
- December 8-January 15—Christian Training College, Myanmar; SIBBC, India.
- March 31-April 13—Holy Land study tour.
- May—Baptist Bible Institute, Peru.
As you pray, we count you as valuable laborers in this effort to teach the Word of God. In many ways most of you have invested in our lives for years in one way or another and we truly thank you as all of us labor for the Lord until He returns.
8-16-10 Brian ('99) and Christina Kimball-- Brian is now pastoring at First Baptist Church of Sultan, WA.
8-8-10 Marianne Domico ('99)-- Camp is flying by and week one is almost done. We have our big Nanhu Relay Race tomorrow and then by Wednesday we're done with camp and off to trips to Changbai Mountain and the Deer Farm. If you'd like to peek in to the craziness, check out the videos on the web: u.youku.com/?????? It's fun; it's crazy; it's English camp. And beyond all that fun, craziness, and English speaking are about 200 students facing eternity without our Head Teacher. The battle is raging and fierce. At times, it seems I can almost see the battle going on just above us. We've had stomach flu, late late nights, miscommunications, thousands of decisions, minor injuries, and myriads of other things that our enemy so skillfully uses to move our focus from things above to things below. Keep the air support coming . . . my desire is that He would increase and I would decrease. He is doing a mighty work, and I'm confident that the victory is His and He will prevail against all!
Love you all,
Marianne
7-30-10 Dale ('95) and Christy ('95, Moen) Goetz-- Please pray for a Christ-centered Gospel ministry while Dale is serving in Afghanistan and for Christy as she raises their three boys for the Lord. Dale and Christy have moved from Okinawa, Japan with their three boys to Colorado Springs, Colorado as of January 2010. Dale is currently deployed to Afghanistan through next summer.
7-21-10 Dr. Roger Luiken (BA '81, MDiv '83)-- Roger received an honorary doctorate from Ambassador Baptist College in May 2010.
7-19-10 Marianne Domico ('99)-- I'm taking a bit of a time-out to write to you amidst the craziness of preparations for summer camp. On Thursday most of our new teachers will arrive and the adventure will officially begin. Now my brain in running through all of the details that have to be figured out before then . . . and trying to make sure I don't forget or leave out any of the details too. We have about 180 students all together that are going to be part of the process, and this year we're taking a trip with all of them too! It's going to be a definite adventure. I find myself easily overwhelmed as I think through it all, but I've seen my head teacher providing lots of "mighty men" along the way to aid the efforts. Your thoughts are much appreciated.
I also need to inform you that after camp, somewhere around September 20 or so, I'm planning to leave China for a sabbatical/furlough/rest. In the past 2 months, my head teacher's been teaching me a lot about resting in Him, finding Him to be my all; and here amidst all of the calls of responsibilities, I'm finding that rest difficult. It's been a "crazy" five years, and I can't believe all that's been done in them, but I know feel called to a rest. This rest may mean not coming back to China but pursuing other directions, countries, adventures . . . I really don't know. I'll be staying with my parents in Florida for a while taking time to be alone with my head teacher, find a job to pay for my necessities, and after a while, figure out what my next step will be.
This decision hasn't been an easy one, but I'm sure it's the right one. I'd appreciate your continued thoughts to the head teacher, as I try to use this time to deepen and strengthen my relationship with him before endeavoring to pick up any more responsibilities in my own hands. The more I think about leaving the more sad I am to leave a country I've really grown to love--not so much the actual land and buildings, but the people. Just last night, I spent dinner with 2 students I've known since I got here in China. It's hard to think of leaving them behind, knowing that they still don't know our head teacher, that they're still wandering in darkness. But I'm reminded that the harvest is His, and my going or staying cannot affect his ongoing work in their lives. I'll miss a lot of things, and I confess I don't have all the answers right now, but He does and has promised to provide his wisdom liberally.
I'm off to a camp planning meeting. You're in my thoughts, and I hope to hear from you soon!
6-1-10 Marianne Domico ('99)-- All is well! Summer camp is moving along like crazy and we're getting to the hot zone of planning where all my minutes seemed to get filled with camp-related things. We have almost 60 campers signed up right now with a goal of 240 by the end of June. Camp starts in August and we'll be welcoming a host of new teachers and volunteers for what promises to be another awesome summer camp adventure. Our theme this year is the World Cup of English--yes, soccer. So we're busily preparing t-shirt designs, games, promotional parties,and a host of other things to make camp great.
Please be in prayer for my Lifepegs staff. We were robbed last week--a few essential items were stolen, but beyond that I really desire them to start stepping up in areas of responsibility. I need lots of wisdom, and we, as a team, needs lots of guidance as we strive to make Lifepegs a business that's different from others, that's motivated in a different way, that's pointed towards a different purpose.
5-30-10 Beth McCarthy ('99)-- Beth was just named the Director of Elementary Education for Lakeside Christian School in Clearwater, FL.
5-19-10 Ben Larson ('06)-- For the last two years, I have served on a local committe of Child Evangelism Fellowship in my area of Wisconsin. As some of you may know, I am entering a new "season" in my life. This spring our full-time local director, Johanna Wynn felt led of God to pursue another calling. Therefore, the need arose for an interim director. In order to fill this position, I have resigned my former employment at Comfort Suites and began working full-time for CEF on May 3rd. What exactly will I be doing? Here is a snap shot of duties a director fills:
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Organize roughly 30 Five-Day Clubs each summer
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Manage about 15 Good News Clubs each school year
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Lead and assist summer missionaries/teachers
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Assist in the 2-week training camp
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Direct local county fair events
This ministry is exciting because children are very receptive to the Lord. We know that laboring without the Lord's blessing is fruitless. So, I plead with you to become a faithful prayer partner for me and for this ministry. May God richly bless you!
5-17-10 Paul ('71) and Betty (Edmonds, '70) Hiscock-- Last week, we finished revival meetings at Hazelwood Baptist Church with Evangelist Tom Farrell. What a week is was with many good decisions. During the past month, our trips to Iowa for “Sermon ‘n’ Song” meetings at Calvary Baptist Church (Sheldon) and Grace Baptist Church (Chariton) were truly a blessing to us. (Click here for a couple short videos from Calvary Baptist.) After one of the services at Sheldon, we were invited to the home of Bernie and Agatha Boone. Their life-story was featured on “Unshackled” and can be heard on the Calvary Baptist Church web site. I hope you will listen to the two-part series. At Grace Baptist, Chariton, we were glad to see my special friend Jason Adams. He encouragend me with his calls and prayers during the year of cancer treatments in 2007.
In Iowa, we picked up some more of the story behind the life of George Bennard. He was a son of an unsaved coal miner and tavern owner, who later found Christ and eventually wrote “The Old Rugged Cross.” Here is a street photo of Lucas, Iowa, where George’s father had his tavern.
In April, I led the music and conference choir for the annual IFBF (Indiana Fundamental Baptist Fellowship) meeting at Crosspointe Baptist Church, Indianapolis. It sure was great to hear a full congregation sing like it ought to be! There were 80-85 choir members from various churches in the special conference choir accompanied by Dave Warren and Greg Habegger. What glorious praise was given as the choir sang Ron Hamilton’s “Lift Him Up”, the theme for the two-day meeting. The preaching by Evangelist Steve Pettit and sessions by other workshop speakers were great.
If you are in need of a Yearly Bible Reading Schedule for 2010 or 2011, you can download one of the best as a PDF file from our web site at hymnstories.com. Click on the "Resources" link.
During this next month, I will be working on a congregational song-leading course which will be both instructional and inspirational. There needs to be proper musicianship in conducting a congregation, yet with stirring songs of praise for our salvation. Hopefully, it will meet a great need among our churches. We are still available for a “Sermon ‘n’ Song” Sunday during the next weeks. Please pray for openings to serve and contact us if we can be of help. Thank you for all your prayers for us.
Oh yes, one more thing... Our grandson - Emmit Ray Hiscock - was born May 3rd to the proud and deserving parents Jason and Margaret Hiscock. We are thankful for the addition to our family. Please see Betty for "Grandma's Brag Book!"
5-17-10 5-10-10 Ted and Kari (Turbett, '93)Tackeberry-- I had no idea we were put on the MBBC prayer list! I noticed it the other day and wanted to say thank you for your prayers! We have been asked to put "our story" down on paper by a missionary friend. I thought I would enclose this as a way of giving an update.
We did have to go through a second surgery on April 1, 2010. By God's grace, the surgeon was able to remove the entire cyst this time. The cyst had grown back in a matter of ten days...and continued to grow! We continue to trust God for each day. He has a plan...in the known, the unknowns, and the rarely seen...in the medical field. God is good...all the time! We could face this storm because we were prepared! We each had asked the Lord Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Master many years ago. He took away the sins that ruled our hearts and caused darkness. He made us new creations. He gave us eternal life and a home in Heaven. Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Out of the clouds and fog, God sent a rainbow! For two months, we struggled to find an answer as to why our seven and a half year old daughter kept crying out at night and complaining that her side hurt. We visited our pediatrician a couple times. We went to a naturopathic doctor. Finally, our chiropractor found that Alisa had no reflexes in her right leg. He ordered a CT and MRI scan that day. A large tumor was found in her low back and an appointment was made to see a pediatric neurosurgeon following several phone calls and severe bouts of pain at night. God led us to AFCH in Madison, Wisconsin, where we met a highly-skilled pediatric neurosurgeon. We sat in his office that cloudy, rainy day and learned that our daughter had an aggressively growing tumor that was compressing the nerves in her spine. The tumor had eroded the bone and was continuing to grow. We were told there was a 90 percent chance that it was malignant and we needed to act fast. The clouds of fear rolled in as we were admitted to the Oncology/Neurosurgery floor at AFCH. We finally had an answer for the pain; it wasn't the answer we expected! The fog grew thick that afternoon as the oncologist came in and explained as best she could what they were seeing in the scans. She carefully described the treatment plan and the scope of the plan based on the type of tumor they saw. God sent us to a place that gave us answers. There were people equipped to help our daughter and our family through this storm. Out of the clouds and fog of that day came a rainbow across the sky. We looked out our fourth floor window and were reminded that God only sends rainbows after the rain. Even as the storm waves began to crash, God gave us the reassurance that He was in control and we were where we needed to be!
The next couple days were spent receiving pain medicine, rest, and additional testing in preparation for surgery. God gave us peace and rest. He surrounded us with family and friends as we prepared for the biggest storm of our life. Hebrews 13:5 ".I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." During surgery, the surgeon was able to remove the tumor. A bone marrow biopsy was performed. A hickman line was placed in preparation for chemotherapy treatment. Our surgeon came out and told us that he was able to remove the tumor with no damage. We were relieved to hear that! However, the pathologist would not make a ruling about the type of tumor. We would have to wait for more extensive tests and stains to be done. Our daughter came through surgery and we prepared for the impending results of the tests. We began to explain to our two other children the reason for the hickman line. We asked God for His grace to face what was ahead. Two days later, the oncologist came to our room with the test results, "We don't get to tell parents this very often, but the tumor is actually an aneurysmal bone cyst. It is not cancerous." We sat in awe. We were prepared to hear the worst! God, in His great mercy, had changed that percentage of cancer for our daughter. He protected us during the storm. He promised He'd never leave us. We praised Him for His mercy and love.
God sent the rainbow out of the clouds and fog that first day in the hospital to remind us that He is always there. He never leaves His children during the storms of life. He directs the winds and waves of the storms that come in our life. He can speak peace. The Bible says that even the wind and waves obey His voice. In His mercy, He chose to not have us face the storm of cancer. He spoke peace. We would still trust His almighty hand and plan, should we have faced the storm of cancer. He has proved Himself over and over to us through the years. We will trust Him.come what may! Out of the clouds and fog, there is always a rainbow somewhere, reminding us of a loving God.who has a plan for each tomorrow! Visit our family at www.withsometack.blogspot.com for the daily journal of our storm.
4-22-10 Paul ('71) and Betty (Edmonds, '70) Hiscock--Greetings from Iowa, where are are holding "Sermon 'n' Song" meetings at Calvary Baptist Church, Sheldon with Pastor Marc Moffitt. We are thankful for the people's faithfulness each service. This weekend, we will be at Grace Baptist Church in Chariton with Pastor Dennis St Lawrence.
We spent time during March, preparing for the music for Resurrection Sunday at Hazelwood Baptist Church. We had an early morning sunrise service where Betty and I somehow managed to play the trumpet & trombone at 6:00 in the morning! Later, there were over 200 for the morning service. It was the 2nd time that month with over 200 in the morning service. What a wonderful problem to have. The choir sang, a brass group played “Near the Cross” along with other special music.
In March, we were also at Bible Baptist Church in Wakarusa, IN with Pastor David Harper during their mission’s emphasis. We enjoyed the people there and presented the life story of William Carey – pioneer missionary to India in our unique "Sermon 'n' Song" way.
April 12-13 was the annual IFBF (Indiana Fundamental Baptist Fellowship) meeting at Crosspointe Baptist Church, Indianapolis. We led the music for the conference. For several weeks, we worked on assembling an all-state combined-church conference choir. Over 80 choir members from various churches came that night to sing "Lift Him Up." What a thrilling service with special music, enthusiastic congregational singing, and preaching by evangelist Steve Pettit. We are thankful for all who came and participated.
Our auditorium projection screen was in need of repair, but I was put in contact with one who had a replacement. You can see the new screen in the photo. Thank you for praying for us and out travels. We are thankful for each of you and your part in our ministry.
4-2-10 Marianne Domico ('99)-- The adventures of Marianne . . . it's been a full month or so. I arrived back to an apartment that had been flooded. The radiator on the 6th floor had burst and sent forth a tidal wave apparently. The remnants of the wave rested in my 2nd floor apartment and caused quite a bit of damage and, even more lovely, mold. I tried to fight it for a few days but eventually lost the battle which resulted in a wounding cold. After talking to my boss, she agreed I could move to another apartment. I gathered my troops and within an hour had everything moved out of my apartment building and into the neighboring mold-free apartment building. Yeah!
Several days later, my newly purchased cellphone decided to commit suicide by jumping out of my back pocket and into the toilet. I attempted to rescue it, dry it off and give it CPR to which it responded by turning on and turning off continuously. Seeing that my life-saving attempts were futile, I entrusted it to an emergency care facility (a repair shop) where I paid a pretty penny to getting it functioning normally.
Just as my cellphone was returned to me, I headed home to an apartment without electricity. For some reason, the entire block was having a blackout. Unphased and unworried about the condition, I proceeded to light several of my lovely scented candles around my apartment which provided more than enough light. Within half an hour the electricity returned, and I let my candles continue sending forth their fruity and flowery smells into the air as I worked on my lesson plans in my office. After a while, I noticed a not so pleasant smell . . . a smell a bit more like something burning. As I walked out into my living room, I noticed that one of my candles which was placed atop my television was ON FIRE! No, not just the wick, but the ENTIRE candle was in flames. I first tried blowing out the flame only to quickly find that was to no avail. I rushed to the kitchen to grab my watering pitcher and poured out the contents onto the flame. This initial dousing didn't put out the entire fire, but did reveal that the fire had burned through the outer cover of my TV and was penetrating into the innards. I ran back for more water and doused the flames yet again; this time putting out most of the flame. I could still see some flames inside the television, so I doused once more. Oh yeah, then I unplugged it. Yes, I realize I could've killed myself. I felt horribly stupid and irresponsible, so I e-mailed my boss right away and she later bestowed on me the moniker of "fire starter." I shall have to buy a new TV.
All of that to remind you, my friends, that life is such an awesome adventure, and we are so often given a choice to despair or rejoice.
3-31-10 Greg ('93) and Tracy (Longfellow, '93) Mansur-- Pastor Greg and Tracy just moved from Yuba City, CA to become a senior pastor in Rochester, NY.
3-24-10 Jesse ('04) and Kristi (Hess, '04) Sherburn--"Praise the Lord!!! I passed my dissertation defense. Thank you to all who prayed for me! I really didn't feel as nervous as I thought I would. That is definitely the power of prayer in action. Now time for some well-deserved rest." Jesse is now officially Dr. Jesse Sherburn.
3-12-10 Keith ('75) and Christine (Nelson, '77) Thibo-- Pastor Keith Thibo celebrated his 25th year as Pastor of the Bay View Baptist Church in Washington, IL on March 7, 2010. Six hundred and fifty chicken dinners were served to the congregation after the morning service. Hyles-Anderson College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. DVD congratulatory messages from Dr. Doug Jackson, Dr. Ron Allen, and Dr. John Goetsch were shown in the evening service.
3-11-10 Leward ('87) and Amy Fluty--Leward is thrilled and honored to be providing special music for the MBBC presidential dinner at Essenhaus in Middlebury, IN, this Friday. My daughter, who is registered to be an MBBC freshman this fall, will be accompanying me on piano. Leward is also keeping busy in the local theatre community. Currently, he's working on 2 shows: The Importance of Being Earnest, with the Paw Paw (MI) Village Players, April 16-24; and with All Ears Theatre, performing in an old time radio style adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. Alice will be recorded in front of a live audience (free to attend, Saturday, March 20th at 6pm, at First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, MI) for broadcast at a later date on local public radio.
3-5-10 Larry ('88) and Erica Potter-- At the end of March, I will be assuming the role of Security Incident Response Lead for JP Morgan Chase on the Campus of Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. Please pray as my family and I move and adjust to life in the Syracuse, NY area.
2-24-10 Aaron ('06) and Fjori Yokers-- I am currently living in Tirana, Albania and have been here for about 7 months now. I also recently married an Albanian girl named, Fjori. We're both working and are planning to live here as we serve the Lord. I'm working as an ESL teacher and have also recently started working for the foundation of a university here in Tirana. The university is called Vitrina University, www.vitrina.al and I'm working for the Vitrina Foundation (Fondacioni Vitrina) as an assistant to the coordinator, Leonard Vlashaj.
2-22-10 Marianne Domico ('99)-- I'm sure you must be thinking that I've died and for that I apologize. I have been woefully remiss is keeping you posted on how I've been doing this last year. I trust your holidays went well. I've been back in the States since early January spending time with my family, being a maid of honor in a wedding, traveling around the States and even into the Caribbean for a bit.
The Christmas holiday went so well. As always, I had my traditional hot pot meal; only this time I invited students to my house and we made our own hot pot. It was massive but a lot of fun. We read the Christmas story together and really enjoyed each other's company.
As I've been home, I've realized one important change I need to make. I do not speak to the head teacher often enough about you. For that I need to ask your forgiveness. I guess I get so focused on where I am and what I'm doing, and I assume that y'all are fine and well and forget to make mention of you. I've realized that I need to think of you more, write to you more, mention you more.
2-10-10 Paul ('71) and Betty (Edmonds, '70) Hiscock-- We thank each of you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and those who have helped up financially. We thought we were at the end of our ministry when our van developed serious problems last fall. That vehicle had taken us and our ministry equipment to as far east as Long Island, NY, west at Yuma, AZ, north to Minneapolis, MN, and south to Jacksonville, FL for meetings. We received a call, with the offer of another van for our ministry. We were stunned into silence for the Lord’s provision. Some others gave which helped us to get it on the road. Amazingly, the mechanic that had our old van disassembled on his lift, bought it “as is”, which covered the cost of the tires that I had just purchased. The old van was sold without putting a “For Sale” sign on it! He was going to give it to a needy Christian family in his church. We are thankful for those who gave and we pray that the Lord will bring many blessings to your account. After transferring the title, license plates, and so forth, we left for memorable meetings in Somerset, PA with Pastor Gary Anderson and our friends at Wayside Baptist Church in Hagerstown, MD.
December was filled with several banquets and Christmas programs. Our brass and chime duets are especially fitting at Christmastime. We closed the year at Calvary Baptist in Kankakee, IL with Pastor Scott Paisley and Pastor Jim Hines and Brentwood Baptist in Des Plaines, IL.
At Brentwood Baptist Church, we did a special missionary program on the Life of Adoniram Judson. Some time ago, we were given the idea to develop a “Mission Heritage Series”, using our “Sermon ‘n’ Song” format. We have now done the programs several times and find them most powerful. Taking the life stories of pioneer missionaries William Carey, Adoniram Judson, and J. Hudson Taylor, we tell their life stories, using the preaching and music of their era which sent them to foreign lands. Each is a full and complete service, giving the perspective “You were there to see it happen.” The material is captivating and the message memorable. In January, we were able to give the Adoniram Judson program at Heritage Baptist in Crown Point, IN as part of their Mission’s conference. We are praying that many churches will schedule these presentations with their Mission’s emphasis. Call or e-mail us if we can be of service to you.
Please continue to pray that our schedule will fill in and that our financial needs will be met. Pray also we continue to develop new material, dealing with music and worship. Most of all, pray that our meetings will see lasting spiritual results in individuals and churches. We still have some openings in March and throughout the year as well.
Our ministry calendar is on our web site at www.hymnstories.com. Please feel free to call us at 317.862.4908 or send us an e-mail at paulhiscock@hymnstories.com if we can be of help to you and your ministry. Thanks again for all for your prayers and concerns for us. May each of you… “Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.” (I Chronicles 16:9).
2-5-10 Marcus ('07) and Amber (Maule, '08) White--God has been so faithful and good to Amber and me. Amber has over 20 piano students that God has brought to us in the past year. She loves teaching and we hope that this brings opportunities to share Christ with them. She is going to begin her masters in Musicology at either Wayne State or UM in Ann Arbor.
I now have the privilege and responsibility of Music and Missions full time at Mount Calvary in Belleville. The Lord made it very clear that this was what He wanted for us. The vote was 100%. Hindsight has taught me that He really does prepare every step perfectly for us. Amazing. I am also continuing my studies at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary and am fully enjoying the classes and the studies. It's funny how the more I learn, the more I feel so inadequate, and rightly so:) Aaron Love is in some of the classes with me now.
Our good friends Dan ('07) and Randi Brier have joined our church at Mount Calvary. What a privilege to continue our friendship with them. They are such an asset to our church both musically and spiritually. He is continuing his masters work at UM in Ann Arbor. His masters will be in choral conducting. What a talented man. It's good to here his violin again!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I just wanted to share with you what God has done in the lives of a few graduates here in Detroit.
1-18-10 John ('00) and Nancy Moore-- We began New Hope Baptist Church in Johannesburg in 2009. Most of our new contacts are of people who have had some church exposure at hyper-Charismatic and who will not go to a church again as a result.
1-13-2010 Paul ('90) and Debora (Holl, '90) LaDuke, Jr.--Paul has begun a 2nd athletic career in the sport of Olympic weightlifting as an athlete and a coach. This school year (2009-2010), he started the Falcon Barbell Club at Lower Dauphin High School. The Club went to the Werksan Barbell PA State HS Weightlifting Championships in Valley Forge, PA on January 10, 2010. The lifters came in 2nd as a team with 3 individuals earning gold medals and 1 more earning a silver.Paul also competed winning gold at the Keystone State Games for the last 5 years and earning a silver medal at the 2009 American Master's Weightlifting Championships held at the historic York Barbell headquarters. He will be competing in the Master's National Championships in NYC in April of 2010. Paul states, "God has really blessed me with a great job that allows me to coach athletes in the sport and to develop meaningful relationships with these athletes."
1-13-2010 Kelly (Duffy,'94) Duckert-- This year I have taken on a part-time position working for an old college classmate. I will now be a legal assistant to Attorney Matt Davis who is the VP and Corporate Counsel for Eternal Vision (a ministry my father founded whose ministry is helping Christian families learn and apply Biblical stewardship, and thus begin to lay up treasure in Heaven). It's a privilege to be a part of such a wonderful ministry! Thanks, Matt and Dad, for the opportunity!
1-11-2010 Bob and Georjean Radford--We hope your Christmas was one of joy as we reflected upon our Savior who came as Immanuel, “God with us.” Just before Christmas we returned from our Bible conference ministry in Nicaragua where I spoke on the Christmas theme, “God With Us” from Matthew chapter one. Georjean Ann sang solos in Spanish twice at each service and spoke to a ladies’ evening tea.
Immediately following the Bible conference, missionaries Andy and Diane Large took us, along with a team from their church, on a trip (with primitive camping accommodations) to work among two of the twenty-eight Nancital Islands in Lago de Nicaragua, the largest lake of Central America. That population of Nicaraguan nationals had never been evangelized until several months ago. We experienced the blessing of the Lord as we built upon that work to establish those believers in the faith. I spoke several times from John chapters 10 and 17 on the eternal security of the believer in Christ. We had brought along a dozen pair of over-the-counter reading glasses, as it had been reported to us that some, due to failing eyesight, were unable to read the Scriptures that the missionary had presented on the occasion of their profession of faith. What a joy it was for us to witness their new-found enthusiasm for the Word of God.
Our 2010 travel schedule is full! Over the next few months as the Lord brings us to mind, please pray for us:
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Our travel safety. Airlines continue to be attractive targets for terrorism.
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For the teaching of the Word of God.
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Our evangelism and the giving of the Gospel.
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For the Lord to continue to provide the funds for travel.
January—India, teaching the Book of Revelation to the seminary at South India Baptist Bible College and Seminary; speaking at ten chapels; Sunday messages. Georjean Ann will teach English improvement for the faculty, sing in chapel, and conduct ladies’ Bible classes.
February—Peru; Bible conferences on the Amazon River, Iquitos, Lima, and at a seminary in Ica.
March—Leading a group of 47 on a Holy Land tour.
April—Teaching the book of Matthew to a college adult enrichment class in Baltimore under the sponsorship of Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Wisconsin.
We pray that each of you will rejoice in God’s faithfulness and grace as you serve Him throughout the year ahead.
1-11-2010 Lee ('98) and Michelle Brock-- Lee was awarded "Pediatrician of the Year" for Air Combat Command (all the air force bases that are specifically for combat, as opposed to training bases, intelligence, cargo, etc.). His name is automatically submitted for Pediatrician of the Year for all of the air force that will be awarded sometime in the future.
12-22-09 Zach ('04) and Laura (George, '04) Mortimer-- Laura and I recently finished building our new home. After several months of hard work, we received our occupancy permit last week. We were able to get moved in and are hoping to have mostly everything unpacked and put away before Christmas!
12-17-09 Daniel ('07) and Randi Brier-- Thank you all for praying. Yesterday, I received an acceptance letter into the University of MI Ann Arbor's Choral Conducting program!
One GSI position is open for a master's level student. This includes 12.5 hours of work per week and a full tuition scholarship plus a 9,000 dollar stipend. The last week of March will be when they finalize those decisions and they will notify me the first week of April. Please pray that if the GSI position is not available that a full tuition scholarship will be available. Dr. Blackstone assured me that the possibility of full tuition scholarship or GSI was very high.
God is so good and I know He will provide as we take this step forward.
12-15-09 Mike ('99) and Nancy Brill--For several years, I have been roasting my own coffee and recently my wife and I have (after much prayer) decided to start a fresh coffee roasting business called Glory Beans Coffee as well as continue to pastor Cottage Grove Baptist Church. To tell you a little about our coffee business, we order premium green coffee beans from around the world, and then we personally roast them to order, package and ship within a day of being roasted (See our web page for our “freshness guarantee”). Our coffee is REALLY fresh! Currently, we are operating out of our home but are looking into possibly renting a commercial kitchen for a couple days per week in the future.
Perhaps, you are a coffee drinker or you have family and missionary friends (or just friends!) who are. We have a nice selection of fresh roasted coffees to choose from that would make great stocking stuffers (our 3 oz. packets) or gifts (our 12 oz. bags). Please check out our website: glorybeanscoffee.com to view our offerings. Currently, we have 5 types of coffee – Brazilian Cerrado, Sumatra, Honduras Organic, Mexican Natural Decaf and 50/50 Blend (Mexican Decaf and Brazilian Cerrado) that come in two sizes. The 3 oz. packets range in price from $3.00 to $3.50 and the 12 oz. bags range in price from $9.50 to $11.25.
Since we are just getting started, we are looking for avenues to make our coffee known. When you purchase our coffee online, it helps Google recognize our web page among the zillions out there. Through December 31st we are offering you a 50% discount! Glory Beans Coffee will always give a discount to Christian workers, but you may never see 50% again. To receive the 50% discount, go to our website and type in “pastor50off” (applies to all Christian workers!) in the promocode at checkout. We do ask for a $15 minimum order (before shipping costs) to receive the 50% discount. Feel free to pass the promocode on to assistant pastors, all Christian workers (school teachers, secretaries etc.) and missionaries that you think may be interested. If you would like to receive your order by Christmas, we recommend you place your order prior to Friday, December 18th.
Also, if you try our coffee and like it, we would appreciate you sending us a testimony about the coffee that we could display on the web with your first name, city, and type of coffee with comments.
12-15-09 Dorr ('69) and Lisa Phelps-- Introducing "User Friendly Computers" from Phelps Financial Services. Many of our churches and customers have found these to be cost effective and a real value.The prices shown are our VIP pricing but there is more for volume purchases, and an added school discount for schools. A school should let us know what they want, email us at (dphelps@userfriendlyis.com) with a note they are buying for a school and the volume they would desire a price quote on. Purchases can be transacted by MC, VISA, credit or debit, or Discover card on line through our secure shopping cart. We deliver to point of use with equipment ready to use with the software they included with their order.
People should find our pricing is much less then more others. These are custom built to their specific specs and not just off the shelf as you would by from most sources. Equuis the manufacture is considered the top of the line manufacture of computer technology and one of the biggest in the world. Their facilities are located in CA. These computers are several steps above Dell, Hp or other brands that many by. They will perform longer and faster. They also have the new Intel technology that many do not have in their equipment yet. Many are trying to unload their older machines to make room for the newer and faster models they will be getting. For portable computers the new technology uses less energy so the batteries last 2 to 3 time longer as well.
12-10-09 John and Becky (Holl, '88) Walker--After serving at Faith Christian Academy in Mission, TX for 17 years, my husband, Johnny told me that it was God's will for us to leave. Within one month our house was packed and sold. We are currently living in Hummelstown, PA. Johnny is currently teaching at Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy in Mechanicsburg, where our children attend school. I am working at Country Meadows in Hershey, an upscale retirement community, as Assistant Office Manager. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and guidance in our daily lives! To God be the glory!!!
12-9-09 Jonathan ('97) and Hope (Budahl, '98) Robertson-- Fall brought changes to Bucca, and winter is nearly here. For the last couple of weeks. . . Read more.
12-1-09 Leward Fluty ('87)--Proclamation Brass, the brass ensemble Leward Fluty co-founded 5 years ago was blessed to be able to minister at the November 21st Thanksgiving Banquet and November 22nd morning service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, MI where fellow alumnus Gene Haymaker ('88) pastors. You can keep up with Proclamation Brass news and upcoming events by joining the Facebook group "Proclamation Brass and Friends".
11-20-09 Bob and Georjean Radford--Friday, November 27th we are leaving for Nicaragua to conduct a one-week Bible conference followed by evangelistic meetings, with veteran missionaries Andy and Diane Large. Although the Larges have been missionaries for more than 40 years, they only recently moved to Managua, Nicaragua to establish a new independent Baptist church. Their prior ministry had been in the jungles of Peru, living in a house boat and traveling up and down the tributaries of the Amazon River.
This new ministry in Managua is quite a contrast, as their work is targeting the “professional” culture of Nicaragua—politicians, lawyers, doctors, etc. As the conference will be in the month of December, Andy has asked me to speak on the theme, “God With Us” from Mathew chapter one. Georjean Ann has been asked to teach ladies’ Bible classes as well as to sing in all of the services. Of course, she will do all this in Spanish.
Immediately after the Bible conference, Andy and Diane will take us, along with a team from their church, on a trip (with primitive camping accommodations) to work among the 28 Nancital Islands in Lago de Nicaragua, the largest lake of Central America. That population of Nicaraguan nationals had never been evangelized until exactly one week ago when Andy, Diane and a team from the Managua church went to explore the possibilities of planting a church on one of the islands. As a result of their several days’ work, 30 adults came to faith in Christ.
Next month will be Andy’s second visit to the main village and I will be speaking to brand new believers, not even one month old in the Lord, as well as to the unsaved who will attend. Please pray for those messages and the Gospel presentation, that the Lord will use us to reach the lost and to begin to ground those saints in the faith.
As the Lord brings us to mind while we are traveling November 27 to December 11, please pray for the Bible conference in Managua and the evangelistic endeavors on the islands. We will report back to you shortly after returning home.
10-30-09 Brett ('03) and Katie (Schwarm, '05) Shafer--The members of Victory Baptist Church (Oshkosh) invite you, our friends and neighbors, to join us for the installation of our new pastor, Brett Shafer on Sunday, Nov. 8 @ 3pm. Enjoy a time of fellowship and an opportunity to get to know our new pastor. The guest speakers for the installation service will be Pastor Paul Stephens and Pastor Jim Stevens.Everyone from the community is welcome to experience the beginning of a new era here at VBC-Oshkosh. We are located at the corner of Jefferson St. and Parkway Ave. (behind Burger King). If you have any questions, please contact us at the church (920-426-2726).
10-26-09 Jayson ('02) and Dianna (Marrero, '02) Toth-- The church I pastor, New Hope Baptist Church, was able to purchase its first building!! The church is only a few years old and has been meeting in a hotel. The building is an old Kingdom Hall and is move in ready- just need to put in windows. Our first service is November 8th! Please pray for us as went enter a new chapter in our church's history. Check us out on the web at www.newhopeifbc.org.
10-26-09 Josh ('00) and Wendy (Gardocki, '98) Nelson-- Josh has recently served 14 months in Iraq, re-enlisted and has since been restationed to Fort Benning, Georgia where he is working as a Chaplain's Assistant with Meddac.
10-16-09 Paul ('71) and Betty (Edmonds, '70) Hiscock-- Announcing the "Sermon 'n' Song" Web Open House! Our website has been recently redesigned to help better present our ministry and communicate with our friends. Visit us at www.hymnstories.com. You can also find the latest news and information on our blog at http://hymnstories.blogspot.com/. We invite you to check it out and hope you find the various features interesting.
9-30-09 Jonathan ('97) and Hope (Budahl, '98) Robertson-- Contrary to popular rumor, news reports, and insurgents hopes Bucca remains open. Happily we can report that the TIF (Theatre Internment Facility) that has been the primary mission of Bucca for the last six years has closed. The last detainees were transferred to more permanent facilities in other part of Iraq about a week ago. This means the focus and purpose of Bucca has shifted, but the camp will remain open and active for the duration of our tour.
Last week SGT Porter and I took a trip north to Taji. Four units that are organic to the 2-127th Infantry have been assigned tasks at that base. We wanted to make contact with these units before we began the redeployment process in a few months. Although travel is reliable in Iraq, it is certainly not very user friendly. Our trip was colorful to say the least. We began with a convoy escorting detainees being transferred from Bucca. We then flew on the C-130 with them north. In Baghdad, we sat at the helicopter terminal for 20+ hours waiting for a 15 minutes helicopter ride to Taji. After recovering from the trip we began visiting Soldiers. The trip was well received, and I was strongly encouraged to come back. The trip back included a 20+ hours wait in the Taji terminal before we boarded a Blackhawk and flew to Camp Liberty in Baghdad. We then took a bus to the BIAP (Baghdad International Airport). Another six hour wait was followed by a rather uneventful trip in a Chinook (dual rotor Army helicopter) to Talil. Although the flight time was to be around an hour and half, the whole flight, with a couple of unscheduled stops took about four hours. We arrived in Talil at 4:00am. An interesting note about Talil is that it is considered to be located on or near the ancient city of Ur- Abraham's birth place. We were unable to do any sightseeing but were very happy to get on a Blackhawk the next morning for Bucca. The helicopters touched down at 8:15am, and I was able to play piano for the traditional service at 9:30am.
The trip certainly made us appreciate our "home" at Bucca much more. We are actually having some very pleasant weather right now. Temperatures at night are dropping in the mid 70s and daytime highs are in the low 100s. It shouldn't be long before we record a daytime high under 100 degrees, which will be the first time that has happened since our arrival to Bucca back in May. Better weather and the flickering light at the end of the tunnel has encouraged many that the end is approaching. During this final quarter of the mission, planning for the return to Wisconsin takes in a new urgency. Moving a battalion is an enormous undertaking, so preparation begins well in advance of the actual move. I am gearing up for the reintegration briefs I provide to assist Soldiers making the adjustment to civilian life. Although it may seem strange, Soldiers must be prepared for the newfound freedom when they are released from active duty. Freedom can be a dangerous weapon if not handled properly. Change and adjustment have been our regular experience here at Bucca. Pray for the progress of ministry in the lives of Soldiers as we continue the mission but prepare for our return.
9-30-09 Pastor John ('82) and Judy Erenz-- Please be praying for the Erenz family. Pastor John Erenz went home to be with his Savior this morning after suffering a massive heart attack. Funeral details are forthcoming.
9-22-09 Marianne Domico ('99)--The time of summer is over and the time of the very short fall and the very long winter is full in swing. For me in China, summer is always full of busyness, lots of activity, very few moments for my mind or body to rest. This phenomena has its positives and negatives. Positives: I love feeling busy. I love the high adrenalin rush of students rushing in for summer camp. I love the complete dependence on the Head Teacher required for success. Negatives: I am dead after all of this--not completely, but mostly. Unfortunately in my life, I find that the valleys of fatigue, spiritually, mentally and physically, are right on the heels of the mountains of joy and success. But I have such a faithful head teacher who offers the cool refreshing waters of his spirit and the sustenance of his words to set me back upright. Do you ever find yourself so tired that you can't draw yourself to those waters or so completely hungry you don't even desire sustenance? I must confess that I do, that I have in this recent season, but what an unlovely state it is. I watched it affect my colleagues, my plans, my students, my joy . . . yep, pretty much everything. As I think about this, so many songs come to my head of the head teacher's provision, his invitation to the feast, and I find that the disciples in John 21 must've felt similar.. They come from a high of time with the head teacher to having lost him and along with it their direction. They spend all night fishing without success and then he comes to them again, fish are caught and they are invited to "come and dine" not come and serve, or come and work, but dine. Sit and enjoy eating with him. As I look into the upcoming season, I am ready to dine, to sit with him, find his love for me more than sufficient to produce love for him. I'm so glad he invites us.
My time with students has been limited this semester, but again, the head teacher is not limited in his focus. I'm having several pizza parties at my house in the next few weeks with some former students who were eager to get together again. It's been lots of fun so far. I have one student in particular who's been interning at our office that I'd like for you to remember. Just in this last week, I've seen a big change in her response to the head teacher. She's asked for a teacher's manual and has been eager to learn more about him. The seed of his knowledge has been growing and growing in her life. It's SOO exciting!
More than ever, I am realizing that any blessing I receive must be because of the requests you make to the head teacher on my behalf. I have truly been given so much and have no other source of power to credit for this success. Thank you for your thoughts and for your encouragement.
9-17-09 Christy (Moore, '05) Donlon-- I am starting a new job September 28th working for Philips. They are most known for their lighting and consumer products. I will work in their consumer lifestyles sector. My official title is: Sonicare Field Sales Representative. I will be calling on dentists to educate them on the Sonicare products and benefits with the goal of having them recommend our product or better yet, to sell the product in their offices.
I am excited about this opportunity. I have been looking for a job in medical/pharmaceutical sales for over a year. I wanted to thank Dr. Pfaffe for inviting me to join Linkedin at the beginning of the year. Linkedin is how Philips found me, without joining, I might not have heard of the opportunity!
9-16-09 Shari Lapinsky ('90)-- After working as a teacher for one year at an inner city public school in Dayton, Ohio, I have recently become employed by a rural public school. I feel very blessed to have this new job teaching fourth grade. I spent last year breaking up fights nearly every day. I also had a chair thrown at me. Every day was an adventure, but I'm glad that adventure is over. At my new school, the students are respectful, and my principal is a wonderful Christian man. I feel so blessed that I can hardly stand it! And yes, I can be a witness for God even in a public school. Thank You, God!!!
9-16-09 Paul ("71) & Betty (Edmonds, '70) Hiscock-- This week, we will begin our 9th year of “Sermon ‘n’ Song” ministry. On September 9th, Betty and I completed our last Sunday at Burge Terrace Baptist. Two days later (September 11th) we were clearing out my church office when news of the terrorist attack reached us. I’ve never been able to forget the images of so many who were not prepared for eternity.
During the past few weeks, we have held a “Sermon ‘n’ Song” conference at Bible Baptist Church (Neillsville, WI), presented the Adoniram Judson missionary program for the Mission’s Retreat for Independent Baptist Indian Mission’s Retreat hosted by First Baptist Church (Wayland, MO), and joined Evangelist Ron Comfort for a week of revival meetings at Bible Baptist (Xenia, OH). We also had an enjoyable “Sermon ‘n’ Song Sunday” at Grace Baptist Church (Taylorville, IL). Each series of meetings was very difference, but each had its own special blessings and memories. In another week, we will be at Grace Baptist Church (Hinesville, GA) for a four-day series of “Sermon ‘n’ Song” revival meetings.
On the way to Wayland, Missouri, our van’s transmission started to give us problems. Through the years, our van has carried us and all our equipment from Long Island, NY to Yuma, AZ. with many, many churches in between. When the transmission became troublesome, the people in Wayland were so helpful to check it out. We made it home, but now we are faced with a need. Our church gave us the van about 6 years ago, but now it has 170,000 miles on it and the front seal leaks. To replace or repair the transmission is cost prohibitive. The transmission is still OK for local destinations, but has limited dependability for long and demanding trips. Please pray for the Lord’s wisdom and provision.
We are still busy leading the music at Hazelwood Baptist Church between our other meetings. The preaching by Pastor Steve Rich encourages us to be faithful to the Lord’s calling. Please also pray that meetings will come in for 2010. We are also available for Christmas programs during certain dates in December. Our ministry calendar is on our web site at www.hymnstories.com. Please feel free to schedule us if we can be of help to you and your ministry. Thank you for all for your prayers and concerns for us. “I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 138:5).
9-15-09 Dale ('95) and Christina (Moen, '95) Goetz-- Our 3rd son, Joel was born 9 weeks premature. With much prayer and skill of the NICU Staff, he arrived safely home August 28. He is truly a blessing and through his life has taught us that "Jehovah is the Lord, Protector" as his name means!
9-14-09 Shamar Bailey (’06) improved his professional Mixed Martial Arts record to 12-1 with a second-round technical knockout victory over Raymond Jarman in the welterweight division of the M-1 Challenge on Aug. 15, 2009, in Hilversum, Holland. The 26-year-old former Maranatha wrestler, now an Indianapolis firefighter, has been participating in MMA events since January of 2006.
8-25-09 Jonathan ('97) and Hope (Budahl, '98) Robertson--Army Chaplain, Jonathan Robertson just returned to Iraq after being home on leave to witness the birth of their 5th child, Paul Jonathan on June 27th, 2009. Mom and baby are doing fine!
From Jonathan: “Saying goodbye for another lengthy period of time was difficult, but I am glad to be safely back to finish up the mission here. Everyone has questions about the future of the mission at hand. Bucca is experiencing the transition happening throughout Iraq in response to the draw-down plan and the political agreements made between the two countries. However, the issues that soldiers are facing remain the same, so my task remains unaffected.
Recently some supplies arrived for the soldiers from supporting churches and individuals. It was like Christmas in August. I now have a short supply of ice pops to take on visitation trips. Although I thought the 1000 pops received would last a while, I have been using them up pretty quickly. I figured this would give a 3 week supply, but they may only last two weeks. It takes little imagination to realize how popular I become when I show up with a backpack of frozen flavored ice to offer to a detail of soldiers working in the heat of the afternoon. Through this simple gesture, chaplain visits have changed from something sinister or indicating something bad must have happened back home to smiles and questions about the timing of my next visit. Building relationships is not something magical. Usually, it simply requires thinking about others and putting forth the effort to show them that you are concerned about them personally.
Books also arrived in this shipment, and they will be used to supplement our Readings from the Sandbox program. This is more than simply a cute idea. It is a way that soldiers can connect in a meaningful way with their children. It helps the soldier as well because they are able to think positively and act constructively for the good of their family. I remind soldiers often that marriage relationships are living things that must be actively tended and cultivated though 8,000 miles separate them from loved ones. Finding creative ways to connect with family back home mentally and emotionally requires effort. Often soldiers instinctively know this, however, they many not think about simple ways of accomplishing the task. One of the motivations I had in becoming a chaplain was assisting soldiers with the challenges of deployments and family reintegration. Experiencing a deployment firsthand has helped expose me to the challenges faced. My goal over the remaining months of the deployment is to help stimulate thinking on how marriages can be prepared for the transition. Please pray that the ministry here will continue to effectively transform lives for God’s glory."
8-12-09 Tim ('06) and Hannah (Kutz, '07) Miller-- Exciting news! Tim has completed his MDiv through Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, Lansdale, PA and was just accepted for the PhD program through Westminister for Christian Apologetics! Please feel free to send your congratulations to Tim on his accomplishments!
8-9-09 Marianne Domico ('99)-- I'm pretty sure I've just time warped through these last few months. So much has changed, revolutionized, been answered, and pretty much every other verb you can think of.
Let's start with the job transition . . . My school has agreed to let me teach three classes, one day a week--this is phenomenally miraculous. As I rehearse the conversations I had with my boss, I felt very much like Nehemiah coming before the king. I felt I was asking for such a great thing and having asked it was unsure the king would grant my request. Imagine my marvel, when I was granted not only my request, but above and beyond what I had asked for. As my boss was talking to me, she had two or three phone calls from my colleagues and bosses "demanding" that she do everything possible to keep me as a teacher. I haven't striven to be in a position of excellence, but the reputation of my head teacher had clearly proceeded before me and given me grace in the sight of my overseers. So I have only one day of class, 6 hours. I only need to pay 500 yuan ($73.18US) a month for my apartment and I still get paid 600 yuan a month for teaching! I have an awesome head teacher.
So now for Lifepegs . . . I will begin working full-time as Lifepegs foreign consultant/idea person/manager for at least the next three years--well, as I foresee. Because I am taking a cut in my salary, I have had the need for supplemental monetary support to continue working here in China. During my time here, I've become acquainted with a group of brothers and sisters in Singapore who have a unique vision for Asia and are an extremely eager to use their resources for the expansion of our head teacher's work here. They have committed to supporting me completely with their funds--yet another miracle since most of them have never even met me! Again I find myself humbled at how the head teacher uses those who are surrendered to Him to meet my needs and the needs of the world around me. It's been an exciting adventure!
And now we're at camp . . . This makes camp #5 for me and my fourth year as a director. Every year, I learn lessons of dependence on the head teacher and confidence in his ability. During our training, I was really confronted with my own tendency/sin in considering myself as having arrived, knowing the necessary information, not needing to be further instructed. As we looked at the beatitudes, I was reminded that I am broken--incapable of being fixed. I am without merit and in constant need of his wisdom and knowledge. It's been indeed a blessedness--utter sorrow and despair mixed with the blessing of his sufficiency and abundance towards my condition.
Student camp has been under way for a week. I invite you to check out our daily videos at www.lifepegs.com/en/english-essential-summer-camp/camp-videos You'll see me there looking a bit strange since we are having a space themed camp. Please keep us in your thoughts as we have several campers and teachers that are getting sick, having to go home, spending too much time with our camp doctor, and in general just not feeling well. It is no secret to our competition that we are working for the head teacher, and we are aware that our head teacher has allowed this for a reason. Please ask for protection, grace, and healing as we deal with these trials. As you look at the little kids on our video, remember that they are little students who don't know our head teacher yet--many of them. Already we've seen 3 of them join the head teacher's class, but for the showers we plead! As we play games, act silly, teach English and have fun, we want all of it to count for him and not for our own account. We covet your thoughts for us during this time.
As always, I cherish your thoughts and messages from afar, but far greater is your work for the head teacher. I hope this week finds you being spent for him, finding ways to invest your resources into his school. If that should lead you to China, know that I'll be here waiting for you and eager to show you how he is mightily at work here! I think of you and talk to the head teacher about you often!
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Maranatha Baptist Bible College
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