Transition Day

Today, we feel the pinch. We have to literally put in the hours for accreditation at ERSU (seminary preaching class) and get things rolling at KRBC (workshop for existing pastors with little training). We struggled with options because a “short break” for Bill and me turned into a half-a-day just to meet the people we were trying to see. Do we dare risk that late in the day for Fritz and me, or will we find ourselves asking for a bed in a village we have never seen in a language we don’t speak?

Ooh, nostalgia!

I am transported to the Liberian bush and the missionary trek to regions unknown. I loved those days and I feel the adrenaline – I’m ready to spend the day at the seminary and find my way to Postad in Vishnevye. (No wonder my wife gets a bit nervous about me when I travel without her wise tempering compliment that is the gift of God’s design for marriage).

Reflections from Romania

Perry,

It was so nice to meet you and have you here in Campina. Thank you for serving at the conference!  Unfortunately I didn’t pay enough attention yesterday and most of the forms were returned blank on that last question asking for comments to share. I am sorry, I almost forgot myself and am only sending it now.

It’s been a real privilege to attend this conference. I was able to get a more clear perspective on the book of Hebrews and now I have a better understanding on its message.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend this conference and become students  again. I don’t have a degree in theology, but I am very grateful for the lectures, the sermons and the time we spent in the small groups. May God bless you! 

Part 2: Preaching Level 2

Our team expanded to four as we joined Pastors Rob and Fritz in Kiev, Ukraine for a second level preaching class at The Evangelical Reformed Seminary of Ukraine (ERSU). As I write, Class is in session. Academic Dean Alister Torrens introduced the course as a challenge to preach only Christ so that people will know God in Christ. Now, Pastor Rob is reviewing the definition and purpose of preaching so we carry out the week with everyone in the same page.

Romania Wrap up

The union of 40 some voices praying, “the Lords Prayer” closed the Romania workshop, Preaching Christ from Hebrews. I wished I had grabbed my phone to record it for you. It was a moving experience.

I suppose a segment of the experience was the realization that the first third of this journey had just become history. Many hours of prayer, preparation, and even persuasion had just become the past. But promises also abounded. Several of the five-time veterans promised to return in early October if we would come help them again. All of the participants filled out evaluations and I will post summaries of their statements as soon as I receive the email from Romania with the translation.

“Detchubal had just “nailed!” a summary outline consistent with the natural divisions of the original author’s literary style and grammar, and he accomplished this feat with nothing but the Romanian Bible and two years of ITEM sponsored WBE accompanied by the teaching of Pastor Bill.

Many of the outlines the men presented were solid analyses of the Bible text. We praised God for graciously raising up humble yet formidable, Biblical preachers to serve what they call “very hard soil.” The climate is changing and the “soil” appears to harden even more rapidly as European and American world-views begin to change their culture.

My personal summary is this:

The Lord God is raising up wonderful leaders for His Church and the Workshops on Biblical exposition are a major tool in His hand.

Kudos to ITEM for adopting the model from the Charles Simeon Trust for use in confirming and developing the call of Christ in church leaders around the world.

Thank you, people of God in Christ for supporting and advancing the preaching of the Gospel to the ends of the earth through your gifts and prayerful support. Your love for the Gospel through sacrificial financial support is bearing fruit in Romania.