So yesterday, to start my OT bible survey class, we sang "This is the Day" ... and then we sang it in hebrew, and THEN in arabic! haha, that was pretty awesome.
Then in class we were talking about the ancient scribes and how they didn't put vowels in the Hebrew text. The example our professor gave was this: (t's nt s hrd t rd f y knw th lngg. Y cn rd ths wtht mch trbl, rght? N prbml!).
Then, one of the older students in the class asked, "So that was like texting then?" haha
The classes here are great. Thursday, I had class from 8-10:30, then chapel from 10:40-12ish, class from 1:25-4:05 and then class from 4:15-5:30. Normally, if that was my class schedule at Penn State, I think I would fall asleep or find it hard to concentrate, but here, I had no problems staying awake, focusing or paying attention. Everything was so interesting, its hard to not pay attention.
I think I'm going to have a love-hate relationship with this seminary. I'm going to love the classes and the books that I'll get to read and the talks that I'll have with the professors.... but then I'm going to hate the amount of reading that I'll have to do, and the number and lengths of papers that I'll have to write.
All in all, I think I'll love it here.... good times
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Realizing a long time dream
Back at PSU, I'd always thought, "wouldn't it be nice if we could start class with prayer?" I mean, I know it was a secular institution, but as part of the body of Christ, bringing everything before God in prayer at the beginning of anything and everything felt natural and needed. Except you can't do that at a secular school... but then I got to CIU.
At CIU, not only did we start our very first class with prayer (YES!), but we also worshipped in the beginning by singing the old school song, "Knowing You!"
I think that was the highlight of my day. Then we started classes and everything went down hill, haha.
Some quick notes:
-I love the professors here. I remember thinking at orientation when the professors where introducing themselves and talking about themselves," Man, I think I had that guy as my advisor!" And then the next professor would stand up and start talking and I'd think,"No wait, I want this guy as my advisor now!" And then I got a chance to meet my advisor personally afterwards to talk about my classes and before coming to CIU, I wasn't too sure about him. All I had to base my impression was his picture online and he looked elderly. But after meeting with him, I'm really glad that he's my advisor. He's really nice and knows a lot and is godly and etc. Honestly, if i could split myself up and each individual "me" could take one of the professors as my advisor, that would be awesome!
-It was pretty cool to hear that many of the professors still know or remember my pastors from Calvary, like Johnny Miller, Brad Mullen, Beau Eckert Greg Despres, etc.
-My greek teacher reminds me of Bo Miller's father in the way that he speaks, acts and etc. That should be fun class!
At CIU, not only did we start our very first class with prayer (YES!), but we also worshipped in the beginning by singing the old school song, "Knowing You!"
I think that was the highlight of my day. Then we started classes and everything went down hill, haha.
Some quick notes:
-I love the professors here. I remember thinking at orientation when the professors where introducing themselves and talking about themselves," Man, I think I had that guy as my advisor!" And then the next professor would stand up and start talking and I'd think,"No wait, I want this guy as my advisor now!" And then I got a chance to meet my advisor personally afterwards to talk about my classes and before coming to CIU, I wasn't too sure about him. All I had to base my impression was his picture online and he looked elderly. But after meeting with him, I'm really glad that he's my advisor. He's really nice and knows a lot and is godly and etc. Honestly, if i could split myself up and each individual "me" could take one of the professors as my advisor, that would be awesome!
-It was pretty cool to hear that many of the professors still know or remember my pastors from Calvary, like Johnny Miller, Brad Mullen, Beau Eckert Greg Despres, etc.
-My greek teacher reminds me of Bo Miller's father in the way that he speaks, acts and etc. That should be fun class!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
As I write, I am currently sitting in the lounge of the CIU's fitness building using the wireless internet on campus. So much has happened since I've last written, but I'll try to write it in some coherient manner.
Last time, I asked for prayer for two issues, and God has answered them both!!
1) Lonn, my roommate, had received my security deposit with no problems. I met him when I arrived at the place yesterday and he's a nice guy. I also met the neighbors. The guy who lives beside us is an Ohio State fan (unfortunately), but he does like basketball, which strangely enough, was really encouraging. Also, praise God that the place that I'm living at is pretty nice. Its spacious and the kitchen has a ridiculous amount of space AND it is literally a 5 minute walk away from campus!
2) The 2nd prayer request was concerning the cost for the fall semester. As of the beginning of the month, I needed $1,700, which I didn't have, but was rather trusting God, through prayer and faith, to provide. Thankfully, He has! Thank you to all who joined me in faithfully praying for the Lord's provision in this!
While I was shopping with my family down here at CIU, my mom sorta pulled me to the side a bit and handed me a check saying that they would like to support me. This was a big surprise because my parents had talked to me earlier in the summer about how now that I'm a seminary (grad) student, that I'm on my own financially. Of course, if I were ever in need, they'd help out, like food money, housing, etc, but for the tuiton and whatnot, I was on my own. They had suppored me 1/2 of the cost for my undergraduate studies, which is already a lot, so I already appreciate what they have done for me in that respect and thus was not expecting them to support me financially. So for them to support me was not only an answer to prayer, but also meant a lot to me. They also took me to Walmart (twice), Dollar store and a Chinese store to buy groceries and anything else that I needed! I am really thankful for them and appreciate all the support they have shown through the years.
Additionally, my parents told me that my grandmother will be sending me a check soon. This was a big surprise to me as well as earlier this summer she had given me, in addition to a "congrats on graduating" card, a small check for my seminary studies. So for her to send me a larger check, without me even talkign to her, and her not seeing this blog (because I dont' think she's techy enough, ha), is really an answer to prayer.
With those two checks, I am over the $1700 mark with a little bit left, possibly for books! Granted, these aren't quite the random annoymous provisions that seem to pepper the stories of George Muller and Jim Cymbala, but I am still amazed at how God provided. The whole time, while driving down here (and with the $1700 hanging over my head), I was thinking to myself, "How will God provide? In what glorious manner is He going to amaze in the way He'll provide?"
I was trying to keep thoughts of "Is God really going to provide? What do I do if He doesn't provide?" out of my head. Instead, I've been trying to meditate on "How will he provide?" and for him to provide, through two unexpected sources, was pretty amazing!
On another note, my time here, short as it may, has already been encouraging. While here, we (parents, sister and I), we had dinner with Chuck Kwok (AFC board member) and his family, and the pastor and his wife of the local chinese church; we met with Robert McQuilkin, the 3rd president of CIU and friend of my father; had a meeting with Dr. Alex Luc, who might be one of my professors; and then met with Bill Jones, current president of CIU.
One thing that I came away with from the McQuilkin meeting was the motto of CIU: To know Him and to make Him known. I really like that as I can see how that succinctly summarizes the theme of the Bible. In some ways, I can really see how that has already been taugh to to me and permeated my thinking from my days at Calvary. Some themes that I can draw from my time at Calvary are "Blessed to be a blessing" and "Cat and Dog Theology," which is about how the Bible/Christianity is all about God and his glory, and not about us.
But going back to the CIU motto, I think that should be the core of Christian living. Our focus individually should be to know Him, the Creator God, God Almighty, and our Lord and Savior. The Bible mentions so many times of how we should grow in the knowledge and love of Him. And although I can't quite remember the phrase "personal relationship" anywhere in the Bible, God having and developing personal relationships with the different characters of the Bible is more than evident!
And then our second focus should be to make Him known to others since God no doubt expresses this desire consistently throughout the Bible. Growing up in Calvary church, missions seemed like a second nature to me. I always felt that a church without missions is like a McDonalds that doesn't serve burgers, it just doesn't make sense! So whenever I see a church where Missions (and Evangelism) isn't preached, isn't taught, isn't considered... it breaks my heart.
So I'm really glad that CIU's motto is "to Know Him and to make Him known!" I'm really looking forward to studying here and seeing what God has instored for me this semester. Once again, thanks for all prayer request in the past and present (and future! haha)!
Upcoming events:
-orientation Monday
-classes start Tuesday
Last time, I asked for prayer for two issues, and God has answered them both!!
1) Lonn, my roommate, had received my security deposit with no problems. I met him when I arrived at the place yesterday and he's a nice guy. I also met the neighbors. The guy who lives beside us is an Ohio State fan (unfortunately), but he does like basketball, which strangely enough, was really encouraging. Also, praise God that the place that I'm living at is pretty nice. Its spacious and the kitchen has a ridiculous amount of space AND it is literally a 5 minute walk away from campus!
2) The 2nd prayer request was concerning the cost for the fall semester. As of the beginning of the month, I needed $1,700, which I didn't have, but was rather trusting God, through prayer and faith, to provide. Thankfully, He has! Thank you to all who joined me in faithfully praying for the Lord's provision in this!
While I was shopping with my family down here at CIU, my mom sorta pulled me to the side a bit and handed me a check saying that they would like to support me. This was a big surprise because my parents had talked to me earlier in the summer about how now that I'm a seminary (grad) student, that I'm on my own financially. Of course, if I were ever in need, they'd help out, like food money, housing, etc, but for the tuiton and whatnot, I was on my own. They had suppored me 1/2 of the cost for my undergraduate studies, which is already a lot, so I already appreciate what they have done for me in that respect and thus was not expecting them to support me financially. So for them to support me was not only an answer to prayer, but also meant a lot to me. They also took me to Walmart (twice), Dollar store and a Chinese store to buy groceries and anything else that I needed! I am really thankful for them and appreciate all the support they have shown through the years.
Additionally, my parents told me that my grandmother will be sending me a check soon. This was a big surprise to me as well as earlier this summer she had given me, in addition to a "congrats on graduating" card, a small check for my seminary studies. So for her to send me a larger check, without me even talkign to her, and her not seeing this blog (because I dont' think she's techy enough, ha), is really an answer to prayer.
With those two checks, I am over the $1700 mark with a little bit left, possibly for books! Granted, these aren't quite the random annoymous provisions that seem to pepper the stories of George Muller and Jim Cymbala, but I am still amazed at how God provided. The whole time, while driving down here (and with the $1700 hanging over my head), I was thinking to myself, "How will God provide? In what glorious manner is He going to amaze in the way He'll provide?"
I was trying to keep thoughts of "Is God really going to provide? What do I do if He doesn't provide?" out of my head. Instead, I've been trying to meditate on "How will he provide?" and for him to provide, through two unexpected sources, was pretty amazing!
On another note, my time here, short as it may, has already been encouraging. While here, we (parents, sister and I), we had dinner with Chuck Kwok (AFC board member) and his family, and the pastor and his wife of the local chinese church; we met with Robert McQuilkin, the 3rd president of CIU and friend of my father; had a meeting with Dr. Alex Luc, who might be one of my professors; and then met with Bill Jones, current president of CIU.
One thing that I came away with from the McQuilkin meeting was the motto of CIU: To know Him and to make Him known. I really like that as I can see how that succinctly summarizes the theme of the Bible. In some ways, I can really see how that has already been taugh to to me and permeated my thinking from my days at Calvary. Some themes that I can draw from my time at Calvary are "Blessed to be a blessing" and "Cat and Dog Theology," which is about how the Bible/Christianity is all about God and his glory, and not about us.
But going back to the CIU motto, I think that should be the core of Christian living. Our focus individually should be to know Him, the Creator God, God Almighty, and our Lord and Savior. The Bible mentions so many times of how we should grow in the knowledge and love of Him. And although I can't quite remember the phrase "personal relationship" anywhere in the Bible, God having and developing personal relationships with the different characters of the Bible is more than evident!
And then our second focus should be to make Him known to others since God no doubt expresses this desire consistently throughout the Bible. Growing up in Calvary church, missions seemed like a second nature to me. I always felt that a church without missions is like a McDonalds that doesn't serve burgers, it just doesn't make sense! So whenever I see a church where Missions (and Evangelism) isn't preached, isn't taught, isn't considered... it breaks my heart.
So I'm really glad that CIU's motto is "to Know Him and to make Him known!" I'm really looking forward to studying here and seeing what God has instored for me this semester. Once again, thanks for all prayer request in the past and present (and future! haha)!
Upcoming events:
-orientation Monday
-classes start Tuesday
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Ask the Lord of the harvest....
Hello everyone,
There are some prayer requests that I’d like to bring up as the start date for seminary is coming up quite rapidly.
1) I sent in my security deposit for the 2nd off-campus place, the one that I had emailed many of you about. I’ll write about that story another time, but, for now, the guy has yet to receive the security deposit. I sent it last Monday, and I checked with the guy last Saturday. I sent it to his mailbox address on campus, and for now, he’s living with some relatives till he can move in, so he doesn’t get to check it very often. Please be in prayer concerning this.
2) As many of you might not know, I have and am in continual prayer and trust in God to provide fully for seminary. This has included housing, the acceptance of the seminary applications, personal finances, finding a church home, and also paying for seminary.
So far, God has proven faithful in providing for my needs financially. Although I did not receive some scholarships/grants (because they turned out to be for undergraduates only), I have received a $2,000 scholarship quite un-expectant, which was quite a blessing. Additionally, I received $900 from my church for the first semester! Also, praise the Lord, I went from on campus living ($3020 * 2 semesters= $6040) to off campus ($237.5 *12months= $2850/year), so I’m saving about $3,000 and I can store my stuff for the year! The housing ordeal is quite a story in God providing for me, and as I mentioned before, I’ll definitely write about it another time.
God has also provided me with a job for the summer, with which I can use to pay for my housing at school, and for that, I am really grateful.
So all in all, I am trusting the Lord to provide for the final $1520 needed for this semester. I’ve been reading about George Muller and a book called Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, and have really learned a lot about the power of prayer, the work of the Holy Spirit and what it means to rely on God. I am asking that you all join me in prayer over this. I’m not going to ask people directly for money; rather, I’m asking people to pray that God will work in certain people’s hearts to support me in this need. There might not seem to be a great difference, but there is! By me asking, I can attribute it to my persuasive skills or how articulate I am. But by praying, people will be partnering with me… because of God (!!!!) and not because of me. Besides, just because there is a need, does not mean that we ought to jump to try to alleviate the need (there’s a little about that with the verse below. Feel free to contact me too for a further explanation/discussion). Rather, we should first pray that God will tug at certain people’s hearts to have a passion for that need and if we are given the passion or the heart tug for this need, then we are to act.
Doing this is definitely not easy. Earlier in the spring, I decided not to take the money that comes with the Chaplaincy program, which would have been about $6k because of the obligations that come with it. I also passed up $8,000 in government loans, at my mother’s urging, because bringing on more debt is not something wise for a future-possible minister (or for anyone for that matter). Both would have shackled my freedom to follow God right after seminary. That was really hard to do, because that is a lot of money, and at the moment, those looked pretty good. But, I trust that the Lord can and will provide. I trust that if He is truly calling me to seminary this semester, that He will work in the hearts of his people to provide.
In Matthew 9: 35-38, when Jesus saw the crowds, he instructs his disciples to “ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers out into his harvest.” He doesn’t tell them to start giving money, or to plan an outreach event or to even send missionaries….
rather… He told them to pray. Will you pray with me?
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