Tuesday, January 31, 2006
I've signed up for this summer's RP Missions team to Stillwater, Oklahoma. As you see if you click on the link (it's the ninth listing from the top), God willing, the other team members and I will be working with the Stillwater RPC in their church-planting effort in the town of Enid, Oklahoma.
When I first heard about this team, I found it interesting because of its objectives. As I said on a previous post, however, I believed that it couldn't be God's will, because I had no way to pay for it. However, after reading my blog post, a man whom I know called me and told me that he and his wife had decided that spending money on this trip would be a worthy use of their money. Therefore, they had decided to pay for the entire cost of the trip — including airfare, over a thousand dollars. Thanks very much to them for their generosity!
With the financial hindrance removed, my parents and I considered and prayed over this possibility for the last ten days. They eventually decided that they would accept the idea of my going, and it is my opinion that it is God's will for me to go. I've not yet filled out the application, but I hope so to do soon.
Please pray for more of God's guidance in this area. Among other things, please pray that, if this is not God's will, that such may be obvious. One thing I'll miss is being at home for half of the summer; with Covfamikoi being 8-13 July, and with this trip being from 17 July until 21 August, my summer at home will mostly be over after early July. Therefore, I'll be at home for about two months instead of three and a half. One of the most welcome bits of information I found out tonight was that I won't have to miss Covfamikoi — I had prepared myself for the possibility, but I was dreading it.
When I first heard about this team, I found it interesting because of its objectives. As I said on a previous post, however, I believed that it couldn't be God's will, because I had no way to pay for it. However, after reading my blog post, a man whom I know called me and told me that he and his wife had decided that spending money on this trip would be a worthy use of their money. Therefore, they had decided to pay for the entire cost of the trip — including airfare, over a thousand dollars. Thanks very much to them for their generosity!
With the financial hindrance removed, my parents and I considered and prayed over this possibility for the last ten days. They eventually decided that they would accept the idea of my going, and it is my opinion that it is God's will for me to go. I've not yet filled out the application, but I hope so to do soon.
Please pray for more of God's guidance in this area. Among other things, please pray that, if this is not God's will, that such may be obvious. One thing I'll miss is being at home for half of the summer; with Covfamikoi being 8-13 July, and with this trip being from 17 July until 21 August, my summer at home will mostly be over after early July. Therefore, I'll be at home for about two months instead of three and a half. One of the most welcome bits of information I found out tonight was that I won't have to miss Covfamikoi — I had prepared myself for the possibility, but I was dreading it.
Monday, January 30, 2006
I'll post more tomorrow.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Dr. Robson preached today about the entirety of I John, as he was introducing his series on that book. We seemed to have had at least a little initial benefit from last week's distribution, as one woman came with her highschool-aged daughter for class (the woman was holding one of our fliers). What's more, we had forty people for worship this morning! Now, granted, this includes one man whose work normally keeps him away from church, and six girls who come to Treasure Diggers, but still it seems that the distribution had somewhat of an effect. Please keep praying for its success!
BLOGS
1. Andrew: 3 posts, on 3 days. This is the first time I've rated him. I only have two comments about his site: (1) I miss seeing days of the week on the blog date headers. (2) Proper grammar is "If I were..." :-)
2.
: 3 posts, on 3 days. She has the inestimable privilege of having received a comment from an anti-blogger that doesn't appear to be related to anti-bloggering.
3.
: 3 posts, on 3 days.
4.
: 3 posts, on 2 days.
5.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
6.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
7.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
8.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 21 January.
9. Maggie: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 20 January.
10.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 19 January. Can you imagine what difficulty it would have been for her to have posted at all this week?
11. Rebekah: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 7 January.
12.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 31 December.
Bekah appears to have deleted her blog. We'll see.
BLOGS
1. Andrew: 3 posts, on 3 days. This is the first time I've rated him. I only have two comments about his site: (1) I miss seeing days of the week on the blog date headers. (2) Proper grammar is "If I were..." :-)
2.
: 3 posts, on 3 days. She has the inestimable privilege of having received a comment from an anti-blogger that doesn't appear to be related to anti-bloggering.3.
: 3 posts, on 3 days.4.
: 3 posts, on 2 days.5.
: 1 post, on 1 day.6.
: 1 post, on 1 day.7.
: 1 post, on 1 day.8.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 21 January.9. Maggie: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 20 January.
10.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 19 January. Can you imagine what difficulty it would have been for her to have posted at all this week?11. Rebekah: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 7 January.
12.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 31 December.
Bekah appears to have deleted her blog. We'll see.Saturday, January 28, 2006
Yesterday's test in SCS 110 went quite well.
Today, I spent several hours working on a two-page paper for my history class. Not enjoyable. Tonight for a few hours was the best part of the day, as I went with Micah Wright to the house of his grandmother, Mrs. Willard (Shirley) McMillan. Micah told me that last semester, Mrs. McMillan complained that he hadn't invited any of his friends for dinner, so he had seven of us come to eat. It was a wonderful time — just too short — and I'm very grateful. A pity that I never knew Dr. McMillan.
After leaving Mrs. McMillan's house, I went with Micah and two others to watch The Island, which I found rather unworthy of my 2½ hours. It's better than doing nothing, but I had plenty to do (I had hoped to write a Bible paper tonight!) and I didn't have a chance to talk with anyone today. Ah well...there's always tomorrow
Tony left last night for an RP Missions conference in Dayton, Ohio — not much more than an hour from Belle Center. He gets back tomorrow night. A pity that they're not going to go to Belle Center for worship...
Today, I spent several hours working on a two-page paper for my history class. Not enjoyable. Tonight for a few hours was the best part of the day, as I went with Micah Wright to the house of his grandmother, Mrs. Willard (Shirley) McMillan. Micah told me that last semester, Mrs. McMillan complained that he hadn't invited any of his friends for dinner, so he had seven of us come to eat. It was a wonderful time — just too short — and I'm very grateful. A pity that I never knew Dr. McMillan.
After leaving Mrs. McMillan's house, I went with Micah and two others to watch The Island, which I found rather unworthy of my 2½ hours. It's better than doing nothing, but I had plenty to do (I had hoped to write a Bible paper tonight!) and I didn't have a chance to talk with anyone today. Ah well...there's always tomorrow
Tony left last night for an RP Missions conference in Dayton, Ohio — not much more than an hour from Belle Center. He gets back tomorrow night. A pity that they're not going to go to Belle Center for worship...
Friday, January 27, 2006
Happy non-existent birthday to Benjamin Blackwood!
I decided to follow Nathan's example and type "Nathaniel needs" into Google and post the first ten results. Here goes:
1. Nathaniel needs: here.
2. Nathaniel needs: to learn how to sing the healing chant from Master Terman and then we’ve got to get the windmere willow’s blossom, then Nathaniel can make the healing substance that will cure the strangling pestilence.
3. Nathaniel needs: help, but I don't think he needs to be sent to prison.
4. Nathaniel needs: to learn that he is accountable for his behavior.
5. Nathaniel needs: to learn to be more independent and is looking forward to learning new things.
6. Nathaniel needs: had become available. [This comes at the end of a sentence.]
7. Nathaniel needs: Nathaniel's needs were to be met.
8. Nathaniel needs: him, Brian begins to see that he can't abandon his brother to the uncertainties at home.
9. Nathaniel needs: something.
10. Nathaniel needs: to be returned to the birthfather prior to our appeal being heard.
I decided to follow Nathan's example and type "Nathaniel needs" into Google and post the first ten results. Here goes:
1. Nathaniel needs: here.
2. Nathaniel needs: to learn how to sing the healing chant from Master Terman and then we’ve got to get the windmere willow’s blossom, then Nathaniel can make the healing substance that will cure the strangling pestilence.
3. Nathaniel needs: help, but I don't think he needs to be sent to prison.
4. Nathaniel needs: to learn that he is accountable for his behavior.
5. Nathaniel needs: to learn to be more independent and is looking forward to learning new things.
6. Nathaniel needs: had become available. [This comes at the end of a sentence.]
7. Nathaniel needs: Nathaniel's needs were to be met.
8. Nathaniel needs: him, Brian begins to see that he can't abandon his brother to the uncertainties at home.
9. Nathaniel needs: something.
10. Nathaniel needs: to be returned to the birthfather prior to our appeal being heard.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Andrew has been added to my links.
As Katie has noted, I have forgotten to put up a link for Edomites. Therefore, one has now been posted. While something related to Katie is in mind, check out her latest post!
Today, I had an absolutely wonderful Bible class, as the entire class discussed our observations of the gospel according to Sts. Matthew, Luke, and John. It was impressive learning so much in one class! Among other important notes, I appreciated the comment that Jesus' main "I am..." statements are closely related to his miracles and to other major events. For example, "Bread of Life" is related to the feeding of the 5,000, and "Light of the World" comes with Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. As well, someone drew out the theme of prayer in Luke's writings — something that I had not noticed when I studied it. As Dr. Smith pointed out, his translation of the Bible includes more references to prayer in Luke than in any two of the other three gospel accounts. For my daily Bible reading, I decided to look for such references in his gospel, followed by (on some future date) a similar survey in Acts. This truly was very rewarding.
Today, I had an absolutely wonderful Bible class, as the entire class discussed our observations of the gospel according to Sts. Matthew, Luke, and John. It was impressive learning so much in one class! Among other important notes, I appreciated the comment that Jesus' main "I am..." statements are closely related to his miracles and to other major events. For example, "Bread of Life" is related to the feeding of the 5,000, and "Light of the World" comes with Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. As well, someone drew out the theme of prayer in Luke's writings — something that I had not noticed when I studied it. As Dr. Smith pointed out, his translation of the Bible includes more references to prayer in Luke than in any two of the other three gospel accounts. For my daily Bible reading, I decided to look for such references in his gospel, followed by (on some future date) a similar survey in Acts. This truly was very rewarding.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006

A random picture of a Jackass Penguin, a small species of penguin that lives on islands off the coast of the Republic of South Africa.
I'd recommend that you all read this story, which contains updates on the mess with Sycamore RPC and the Kokomo-Howard County Library.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Sorry for no post yesterday. Although I did have time to post, I also had a lot of other things going on.
Classes yesterday went generally well, although there was little of great interest in SCS 110 or HIS 201. The HUM 203 lecture, however, was very interesting. As often happens, when the classtime came at 1:25, the professors didn't start; being history and philosophy and political science professors, they seem to get into "Technical Difficulties" rather frequently. Well, by about 1:35, Professor Tom Copeland told us that they might yet be a little while. At about 1:45, he told us that the lectures were on the humanities page on the college intranet, and that he would "See you on Friday!"
While waiting for the nonexistent lecture, some of us relaxed and had fun in various ways. I myself updated my expense account for my church offering and entertained a friend and myself by writing his name in four or five different languages. Others entertained themselves in more public ways, however. For example, two students went to the back of the lecture hall (S&E 022, which slopes down from the back to the front) and proceeded to throw paper airplanes over the crowd.
Besides HUM 203, there were only two other things of much import yesterday. First: I read most of Bernal Díaz' book The Conquest of New Spain; he was a companion of Hernan Cortéz on the expedition that conquered the Aztecs. It's interesting, although he displays obvious bias toward the Spanish. My next reading assignment is Bartolome de las Casas' book The Destruction of the Indies. He was another contemporary of Cortéz who believed that the Spanish had greatly mistreated the Indians and who sought to reveal and to condemn those deeds. These books are for my historiography class; they're meant to demonstrate the ways that bias can affect history books.
Secondly, last night I went to the meeting of Troop 464, White Township. This is a small Boy Scout troop near Beaver Falls. Another of the Eagles on campus, Garrett Marvich, and I are wanting to become involved with Boy Scouts locally, and we're considering working with Troop 464. The adult leaders told us that we'd be welcome. We'll see what the future holds...
Today, I have relatively little actual class work to do. I've completed my Bible homework for the next few weeks, I have no SCS lab tonight, and all that I can think of at the moment is the typing of a short Bible reflection and the reading of Díaz and de las Casas. Oh yes, I must look through that HUM 203 Powerpoint presentation on the intranet — a whole fifteen minutes! My day is ruined! Or...not.
Classes yesterday went generally well, although there was little of great interest in SCS 110 or HIS 201. The HUM 203 lecture, however, was very interesting. As often happens, when the classtime came at 1:25, the professors didn't start; being history and philosophy and political science professors, they seem to get into "Technical Difficulties" rather frequently. Well, by about 1:35, Professor Tom Copeland told us that they might yet be a little while. At about 1:45, he told us that the lectures were on the humanities page on the college intranet, and that he would "See you on Friday!"
While waiting for the nonexistent lecture, some of us relaxed and had fun in various ways. I myself updated my expense account for my church offering and entertained a friend and myself by writing his name in four or five different languages. Others entertained themselves in more public ways, however. For example, two students went to the back of the lecture hall (S&E 022, which slopes down from the back to the front) and proceeded to throw paper airplanes over the crowd.
Besides HUM 203, there were only two other things of much import yesterday. First: I read most of Bernal Díaz' book The Conquest of New Spain; he was a companion of Hernan Cortéz on the expedition that conquered the Aztecs. It's interesting, although he displays obvious bias toward the Spanish. My next reading assignment is Bartolome de las Casas' book The Destruction of the Indies. He was another contemporary of Cortéz who believed that the Spanish had greatly mistreated the Indians and who sought to reveal and to condemn those deeds. These books are for my historiography class; they're meant to demonstrate the ways that bias can affect history books.
Secondly, last night I went to the meeting of Troop 464, White Township. This is a small Boy Scout troop near Beaver Falls. Another of the Eagles on campus, Garrett Marvich, and I are wanting to become involved with Boy Scouts locally, and we're considering working with Troop 464. The adult leaders told us that we'd be welcome. We'll see what the future holds...
Today, I have relatively little actual class work to do. I've completed my Bible homework for the next few weeks, I have no SCS lab tonight, and all that I can think of at the moment is the typing of a short Bible reflection and the reading of Díaz and de las Casas. Oh yes, I must look through that HUM 203 Powerpoint presentation on the intranet — a whole fifteen minutes! My day is ruined! Or...not.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Dr. Robson is out of town this week; he'll preach next week, be out of town the next, and preach for the forseeable future until May. In his place was Dr. Rick Gamble, who preached from Hebrews 2:12-3:1, where a major theme is Christ's becoming human and our brotherhood with him.
Before class, as usual, I went to College Hill. Due to an unusual order of service, the sermon began early, so I was able to stay until just before it ended. Because the weather was (besides being cold) quite nice, I biked to church. With Dr. Robson and the Dymonds gone (Mr. Dymond's grandmother passed away this week), we only had 28 people at worship this morning. We're praying for for conversions and increased attendance to result from the flyer-distribution campaign yesterday.
Last week, since I was at the College Winter Conference, I was unable to do the ratings. Although Katie wanted to do them, God's providence kept her too busy with schoolwork to be able to do it. Thanks for volunteering! At any rate, I'll be rating the blogs for the past two weeks.
1.
: 8 posts, on 7 days.
2.
: 4 posts, on 4 days.
3.
: 4 posts, on 4 days.
4.
: 5 posts, on 4 days.
5.
: 3 posts, on 3 days. It's surprising that she's been able to post so many times, with all of the preparation that they must do.
6.
: 3 posts, on 3 days. Happy (one-day-late) birthday!
7.
: 2 posts, on 2 days.
8. Maggie: 1 post, on 1 day.
9.
: 2 posts, on 1 day.
10. Rebekah: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 7 January.
11.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 31 December.
Bekah is exempt, because my computer consistently shows a "Not Found" page instead of her blog. Has she given up blogging?
Before class, as usual, I went to College Hill. Due to an unusual order of service, the sermon began early, so I was able to stay until just before it ended. Because the weather was (besides being cold) quite nice, I biked to church. With Dr. Robson and the Dymonds gone (Mr. Dymond's grandmother passed away this week), we only had 28 people at worship this morning. We're praying for for conversions and increased attendance to result from the flyer-distribution campaign yesterday.
Last week, since I was at the College Winter Conference, I was unable to do the ratings. Although Katie wanted to do them, God's providence kept her too busy with schoolwork to be able to do it. Thanks for volunteering! At any rate, I'll be rating the blogs for the past two weeks.
1.
: 8 posts, on 7 days.2.
: 4 posts, on 4 days.3.
: 4 posts, on 4 days.4.
: 5 posts, on 4 days.5.
: 3 posts, on 3 days. It's surprising that she's been able to post so many times, with all of the preparation that they must do.6.
: 3 posts, on 3 days. Happy (one-day-late) birthday!7.
: 2 posts, on 2 days.8. Maggie: 1 post, on 1 day.
9.
: 2 posts, on 1 day.10. Rebekah: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 7 January.
11.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 31 December.
Bekah is exempt, because my computer consistently shows a "Not Found" page instead of her blog. Has she given up blogging?"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields — and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life."Mark 10:29-30
As I ponder the Blackwoods' rapidly approaching departure, I have pondered many passages. Among them, tonight, came this passage — surely true for Mr. Blackwood! He is leaving 7816 Hanna Ave.; he is leaving his siblings (I don't know whether he has sister or sisters); he is leaving his parents; he is leaving Allen and Zachary; he is leaving what potential mission fields there are for him in America.
Here in Beaver Falls, I have many blessings. Except for not being able to see my friends in Indiana much (which isn't really different from being at home), I have no real drawbacks. Today, however, I long to be in Indianapolis. How I long to attend tonight's service at Southside! Yes, I would like to see many of you who are my friends, but that is as nothing compared to this.
I do not weep as one who has no hope: I weep because I will miss you for a time. To quote Acts 20:32, "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Praise the LORD, who someday will bring us all together, whether on this earth or in heaven forever!
Not much has happened today. I went to a Geneva basketball game (result: Geneva 94, Roberts Wesleyan 79) this evening. After that, I went to Avery and Bekah's room, where (at one point) a dozen of us were in the room at once.
Thanks to all who prayed for the success of the door-to-door project! The weather, although cold, was not rainy, so we were able to carry out our plans. Sadly, not many people appeared to be home. Because we need to carry out a witness to the community, and because we had many of our little flyers left over, we're hoping sometime to do the same on the Beaver Falls side of the river, south of the college, where it's closer to Eastvale than to College Hill RPC.
Click here for my College Winter Conference pictures.
Thanks to all who prayed for the success of the door-to-door project! The weather, although cold, was not rainy, so we were able to carry out our plans. Sadly, not many people appeared to be home. Because we need to carry out a witness to the community, and because we had many of our little flyers left over, we're hoping sometime to do the same on the Beaver Falls side of the river, south of the college, where it's closer to Eastvale than to College Hill RPC.
Click here for my College Winter Conference pictures.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Behold, in evil I was formed,
Conceived and born in sin;
But Thou wilt make me wise in heart;
Thou seekest truth within.
Psalm 51:5-6
As part of my Bible class, I am required to read specific parts of the New Testament. Today, I was reading through John 9, where the Apostle records the story of the man born blind. Listen to verses 1-3:
Conceived and born in sin;
But Thou wilt make me wise in heart;
Thou seekest truth within.
Psalm 51:5-6
As part of my Bible class, I am required to read specific parts of the New Testament. Today, I was reading through John 9, where the Apostle records the story of the man born blind. Listen to verses 1-3:
As he [Jesus] went along, he saw a an blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.Now read my study Bible's notes on verse 2:
The rabbis had developed the principle that "There is no death without sin, and there is no suffering without iniquity." They were even capable of thinking that a child could sin in the womb or that its soul might have sinned in a preexistent state. They also held that terrible punishments came on certain people because of the sin of their parents. As the next verse [v. 3] shows, Jesus plainly contradicted these beliefs.Granted, as far as I know, there is nowhere that shows that God punishes children in this way for the sins of their parents. However, surely Psalm 51 states that unborn children can sin? What then are the editors of this study Bible thinking? Please pardon and correct me if I be wrong, for either the editors or I are dreadfully wrong.
Thursday, January 19, 2006

According to Boris Gryzlov, the speaker of Russia's State Duma (part of parliament), Russia and Belarus may vote on a constitution for a weak union between the two nations this year. If, for some reason, you're interested, read more here.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Today, I attended the full chapel service instead of only the psalm singing time afterward. After that, I had the usual set of classes, which went generally well. I turned in two short written assignments and received instructions for another, due in one week. As well, I completed my paper for my physical education class.
My day really hasn't been that exciting, so that's why the account thereof isn't. However, there are several other things that are going on in my head at the moment. Perhaps the most important is that about which I posted last night, the missions topic. However, first I'll post about some news that I received tonight.
The Rev. John McMillan, one of our elders, emailed me tonight to inform me that brochures have been printed for door-to-door work in Eastvale and Beaver Falls. These brochures are meant to inform the community about the congregation and to invite them to hear a sermon series by Dr. Robson and to attend the Sabbath School classes beforehand. We're to be distributing these brochures on Saturday, God willing. Please pray for this:
• For the weather: Saturday may well be rather rainy.
• For my friends: I'm trying to get others to help, and so far a few have seemed interested.
• For those of the community whom we meet.
• For all of those who participate.
• For positive results for our congregation.
• Above all, for the kingdom of God.
Ever since Pastor Dave Long's talk about missions at Calvin, I've felt a call to work with the Home Mission Board in church planting. As an American, I have a responsibility to work for God's glory among other Americans, and I believe that church planting is the method by which God wants me to work.
Although many RP congregations have been founded by church splits (whether by designed daughter works or by divisive splits), most have been founded either by missionary work in new areas or by groups of RPs who moved into those areas to begin a church. I believe that God can still bless such an idea as the latter, which I like to call a "colony" idea.
In my ideal, some years from now (by which point I would likely be married) I would like to see my family and several others move in a coördinated fashion into a city far enough from RP congregations to require the congregation to be independent, but not so far away as to prevent fellowship and adequate presbyterial oversight. However, if such a situation proved unworkable, I hope to be able to join an already-established mission work.
As part of this vision, I will need to have training how better to work for the Kingdom. As a result, I hope in the future to be a part of one or more RP Missions domestic teams, many of which focus on evangelism and training. Above all, I would be interested in a team that would be working with church planting and evangelism. In fact, there is such a team this year, going to help with the Stillwater congregation's church plant in Enid, OK. However, I'll not be able to afford such a trip this summer, so I'm looking to the summer of 2007.
Please consider both of these possibilities for yourself. Is God calling you to home mission work after college? Would you benefit by going on an RPM team? I know that many of the teams going to foreign countries fill up faster than the domestic teams; Matt Filbert, who coördinates these teams, says that they are really lacking people to go on the domestic teams. Please pray about both of these possibilities, and may God guide you into the right decision!
My day really hasn't been that exciting, so that's why the account thereof isn't. However, there are several other things that are going on in my head at the moment. Perhaps the most important is that about which I posted last night, the missions topic. However, first I'll post about some news that I received tonight.
The Rev. John McMillan, one of our elders, emailed me tonight to inform me that brochures have been printed for door-to-door work in Eastvale and Beaver Falls. These brochures are meant to inform the community about the congregation and to invite them to hear a sermon series by Dr. Robson and to attend the Sabbath School classes beforehand. We're to be distributing these brochures on Saturday, God willing. Please pray for this:
• For the weather: Saturday may well be rather rainy.
• For my friends: I'm trying to get others to help, and so far a few have seemed interested.
• For those of the community whom we meet.
• For all of those who participate.
• For positive results for our congregation.
• Above all, for the kingdom of God.
Ever since Pastor Dave Long's talk about missions at Calvin, I've felt a call to work with the Home Mission Board in church planting. As an American, I have a responsibility to work for God's glory among other Americans, and I believe that church planting is the method by which God wants me to work.
Although many RP congregations have been founded by church splits (whether by designed daughter works or by divisive splits), most have been founded either by missionary work in new areas or by groups of RPs who moved into those areas to begin a church. I believe that God can still bless such an idea as the latter, which I like to call a "colony" idea.
In my ideal, some years from now (by which point I would likely be married) I would like to see my family and several others move in a coördinated fashion into a city far enough from RP congregations to require the congregation to be independent, but not so far away as to prevent fellowship and adequate presbyterial oversight. However, if such a situation proved unworkable, I hope to be able to join an already-established mission work.
As part of this vision, I will need to have training how better to work for the Kingdom. As a result, I hope in the future to be a part of one or more RP Missions domestic teams, many of which focus on evangelism and training. Above all, I would be interested in a team that would be working with church planting and evangelism. In fact, there is such a team this year, going to help with the Stillwater congregation's church plant in Enid, OK. However, I'll not be able to afford such a trip this summer, so I'm looking to the summer of 2007.
Please consider both of these possibilities for yourself. Is God calling you to home mission work after college? Would you benefit by going on an RPM team? I know that many of the teams going to foreign countries fill up faster than the domestic teams; Matt Filbert, who coördinates these teams, says that they are really lacking people to go on the domestic teams. Please pray about both of these possibilities, and may God guide you into the right decision!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Today has been quite a good and useful day. Although I completed less work than I had hoped (only four Bible assignments done, out of a dozen that possibly could have been done) I made a good deal of progress. As well, classes went well (I fit in well with my new SCS lab class), I had a fun time at Filberts' tonight, a good IM chat, and — above all — a very productive conversation with Matt Filbert about missions, which began after everyone else left Filberts' house.
Because of talking with him, I hope soon to re-post an edited version of something that I wrote several months ago on the topic of home-mission work, a field that many of you know I feel to be my calling. I ask all of you to consider going on one or more domestic RP Missions trips (I hope to go on one in 2007) and to consider working with the Home Mission Board in your future, adult lives. More to come...
Pictures from the College Winter Conference I hope to post tomorrow.
Because of talking with him, I hope soon to re-post an edited version of something that I wrote several months ago on the topic of home-mission work, a field that many of you know I feel to be my calling. I ask all of you to consider going on one or more domestic RP Missions trips (I hope to go on one in 2007) and to consider working with the Home Mission Board in your future, adult lives. More to come...
Pictures from the College Winter Conference I hope to post tomorrow.
Because of a conflict with Treasure Diggers (our children's ministry), I moved my science lab to Tuesday nights. As a result, from now on, I'll be leaving shortly after 6:00 on Tuesday evenings.
I hope to post more after I get in tonight.
I hope to post more after I get in tonight.
Monday, January 16, 2006
We arrived back in Beaver Falls at about 5:45, making our trip nearly an hour longer than it was to get out there. Probably one factor was that we needed to eat sooner, so we went to a restaurant a goodly distance from where we ate on Friday night.
I am falling asleep. Please accept my apology for such dinky posts!
I am falling asleep. Please accept my apology for such dinky posts!
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
I'm about to leave for Kokomo. If I can post while there, I'll do it; if not, I won't. I'll hope to see you there!
Too late to post. More tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Today has been somewhat busier than previous days. I completed some work in the morning, continued to rearrange my papers in a more proper fashion, and went to my usual classes. Because Wednesday's humanities class is an hour later than Monday's or Friday's, I had additional time occupied with travel. Finally, tonight I had several hours occupied with the ancient Greek play Antigone. The basic plot of this story is that a woman wants to obey the gods by burying a dead man, but the king (her uncle) won't permit the burial because the man was a traitor. While there are some matters that complicate things, on the most basic level, this is a conflict between divine and human laws.
At any rate, I had several hours occupied with this play, between reading it, writing an analysis of it for my own sake, and writing an assessment for next Wednesday's humanities discussion. Therefore, I'm tired and will soon be getting to bed without a better post.
Please pray for the College Winter Conference. Although we have nearly twenty people wanting to go, we only have two cars — ten seats — available. Although Laura Zimmovan (who is trying to arrange transportation) may know better, I'm very curious to know how we're all going to be able to go to Kokomo.
At any rate, I had several hours occupied with this play, between reading it, writing an analysis of it for my own sake, and writing an assessment for next Wednesday's humanities discussion. Therefore, I'm tired and will soon be getting to bed without a better post.
Please pray for the College Winter Conference. Although we have nearly twenty people wanting to go, we only have two cars — ten seats — available. Although Laura Zimmovan (who is trying to arrange transportation) may know better, I'm very curious to know how we're all going to be able to go to Kokomo.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Well, here it is ten minutes before 11:00, and I've already been done with all of my Tuesday classes for an hour. Nothing more scheduled today except for meals and the usual Dessert & Devotions time at Filberts' house tonight. Other things that must be done today include (1) beginning work for Bible class, (2) doing laundry, and (3) go to the bank to withdraw money.
So far, I've had one session of each of my classes. Discounting breaks, I'll have a total of 45 sessions of the history and humanities courses, 60 of the science course, and 30 of the Bible and physical education courses. Although the work seems rather hard (after all, how much work did I do over Christmas break?), I have to remember that there's far less work than last semester. Perhaps if you put together my Bible and history courses this semester, you'd get a class a little more difficult than last semester's Bible course. Through the entire Bible course, for example, I only have six main assignments, instead of eleven, and (except for the final term paper) I believe that the longest of them is to be just three or four pages long.
I'm looking forward to the College Winter Conference this weekend in Kokomo. Expect pictures from that!
Finally: some pictures from the Winter Conference. Although I've only posted four, all twenty-one are listed on my Photobucket website.

A picture from Friday morning's Prayer and Praise. There were about three guys at that morning's session — why do so few guys go to them?

A picture during the I Never game. I Never have played it in such a huge group before.

The best individual costume: Charity Blackwood as an RP mother.

The best costume overall: Darts, Harts, and a Sturm as a chain gang.
So far, I've had one session of each of my classes. Discounting breaks, I'll have a total of 45 sessions of the history and humanities courses, 60 of the science course, and 30 of the Bible and physical education courses. Although the work seems rather hard (after all, how much work did I do over Christmas break?), I have to remember that there's far less work than last semester. Perhaps if you put together my Bible and history courses this semester, you'd get a class a little more difficult than last semester's Bible course. Through the entire Bible course, for example, I only have six main assignments, instead of eleven, and (except for the final term paper) I believe that the longest of them is to be just three or four pages long.
I'm looking forward to the College Winter Conference this weekend in Kokomo. Expect pictures from that!
Finally: some pictures from the Winter Conference. Although I've only posted four, all twenty-one are listed on my Photobucket website.

A picture from Friday morning's Prayer and Praise. There were about three guys at that morning's session — why do so few guys go to them?

A picture during the I Never game. I Never have played it in such a huge group before.

The best individual costume: Charity Blackwood as an RP mother.

The best costume overall: Darts, Harts, and a Sturm as a chain gang.
Monday, January 09, 2006
What great weather! Although it's partly to mostly cloudy, it's in the fifties outside, and I have my window open. Not the weather I would expect for the second Monday in January!
Yesterday, I did the first really stupid thing of the semester. While chatting with three of you on IM last night, I realized that I could not find my cellphone. I checked all my pockets; I checked all the pockets of my jacket and coat; I searched the room; I rummaged through my laundry; I even dumped out the garbage! All of this was to no avail. Well, one of my three correspondents suggested that it might be at church. Since we have no pastor, the parsonage is currently occupied by Daniel and Natalie Faris, whom I called. Daniel agreed to look, and he soon found the phone on a pew. I can't imagine how in the world it ended up there, because I'm quite sure that I didn't have it out of its zipper pocket in my backpack when I was in there. However, the most important thing is that he returned it this morning. THANKS!
Yesterday, I did the first really stupid thing of the semester. While chatting with three of you on IM last night, I realized that I could not find my cellphone. I checked all my pockets; I checked all the pockets of my jacket and coat; I searched the room; I rummaged through my laundry; I even dumped out the garbage! All of this was to no avail. Well, one of my three correspondents suggested that it might be at church. Since we have no pastor, the parsonage is currently occupied by Daniel and Natalie Faris, whom I called. Daniel agreed to look, and he soon found the phone on a pew. I can't imagine how in the world it ended up there, because I'm quite sure that I didn't have it out of its zipper pocket in my backpack when I was in there. However, the most important thing is that he returned it this morning. THANKS!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Dr. Robson preached today on Isaiah 65 and Revelation 21 to a congregation of 30 people. While the texts might suggest a millennial theme for the sermon, a-/post-/pre-millennialism was really just a small part of the sermon.
Tomorrow, I plan to post some of the pictures from the Winter Conference, which I put online last night. If you're impatient to see the pictures, you can look at my Photobucket album where I posted the pictures.
BLOGS This week sees the addition of Maggie to the links and to the ratings. It seems like three posts was people's favorite posting schedule this week. Six of the twelve bloggers whom I rank made three posts, with two posting twice, two once, and two not at all.
1.
: 3 posts, on 3 days. This includes two pictures.
2.
: 3 posts, on 2 days. This includes lots of pictures.
3.
: 2 posts, on 2 days.
4. Rebekah: 3 posts, on 3 days.
5. Maggie: 3 posts, on 2 days.
6.
: 3 posts, on 2 days.
7.
: 3 posts, on 3 days.
8.
: 2 posts, on 1 day.
9.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
10.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
11.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 27 December.
12.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 31 December.
Tomorrow, I plan to post some of the pictures from the Winter Conference, which I put online last night. If you're impatient to see the pictures, you can look at my Photobucket album where I posted the pictures.
BLOGS This week sees the addition of Maggie to the links and to the ratings. It seems like three posts was people's favorite posting schedule this week. Six of the twelve bloggers whom I rank made three posts, with two posting twice, two once, and two not at all.
1.
: 3 posts, on 3 days. This includes two pictures.2.
: 3 posts, on 2 days. This includes lots of pictures.3.
: 2 posts, on 2 days.4. Rebekah: 3 posts, on 3 days.
5. Maggie: 3 posts, on 2 days.
6.
: 3 posts, on 2 days.7.
: 3 posts, on 3 days.8.
: 2 posts, on 1 day.9.
: 1 post, on 1 day.10.
: 1 post, on 1 day.11.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 27 December.12.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 31 December.Saturday, January 07, 2006
I'm back in Beaver Falls. A more substantial post will follow tomorrow.
Happy fifteenth birthday to Isaac!
Happy fifteenth birthday to Isaac!
Friday, January 06, 2006
In a few minutes, we'll be leaving for my grandparents' in Western Pennsylvania. This will be my last post from home for quite a while.
Although I didn't get everything done that I wanted to do, I had a great Christmas break. It was good to be able to see family (despite the illness), and it was great to be able to visit the Winter Conference.
I'll hope to see you at Covfamikoi, because I'm not likely to see any of you until then. Unless you decide to stop in at Beaver Falls...
Although I didn't get everything done that I wanted to do, I had a great Christmas break. It was good to be able to see family (despite the illness), and it was great to be able to visit the Winter Conference.
I'll hope to see you at Covfamikoi, because I'm not likely to see any of you until then. Unless you decide to stop in at Beaver Falls...
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Today has been my last full day here at home, as I return to Pennsylvania tomorrow.

Finally, we got broadband Internet today! It was supposed to be installed on Tuesday, but a mess down in Columbus kept all of the installation people working on reinstalling damaged customer lines.

Finally, we got broadband Internet today! It was supposed to be installed on Tuesday, but a mess down in Columbus kept all of the installation people working on reinstalling damaged customer lines.


Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was rushed into emergency surgery early yesterday after suffering what appears to have been a severe stroke at his ranch in the Negev. Doctors at Jerusalem's Hadasseh Hospital performed two very dangerous surgeries, which Sharon survived. However, many experts say that his prognosis is very grim, with half of patients with such strokes dying within a month.
Please pray for the political effects of this stroke, especially in relation to Israeli stability. I do not ask because of a dispensationalistic idealization of Israel as God's other people, but because of Israel's situation as our only stable democratic ally in the region. Sharon's sudden disability just before the upcoming elections has thrown the entire electoral process into confusion, and the entire nation may be in some danger. Our interests in the region depend heavily on Israeli stability, and therefore we should pray for Israel's stability as we would pray for our own nation's stability.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Today really hasn't been that exciting. Besides a visit to Bellefontaine (for a chiropractic visit), there's not been very much going on. I have read a goodly number of Sherlock Holmes stories and had some interesting IM conversations — above all, a very unusual and confusing (although entertaining) conversation with Maggie.
Later tonight, I hope to do a bit of cleaning in my room. Because we're to leave early on Friday, I'll need to do all of my packing tomorrow, and good packing requires a clean room.
Later tonight, I hope to do a bit of cleaning in my room. Because we're to leave early on Friday, I'll need to do all of my packing tomorrow, and good packing requires a clean room.
Something that strikes me as I watch the final minutes of the Orange Bowl: the biggest games have four times as many fans as the population of the Republic of San Marino.
Not much happened today for me. I did have an enjoyable trip with Mom to Bellefontaine for her usual weekly shopping. Tonight's troop meeting was quite disappointing: although the troop appears to be doing quite poorly, several people assured me that matters are looking up. If they be correct, the troop was indeed sunk to a great depth a few months ago, for it was not like this when I left. If they be wrong, there are problems indeed.
Not much happened today for me. I did have an enjoyable trip with Mom to Bellefontaine for her usual weekly shopping. Tonight's troop meeting was quite disappointing: although the troop appears to be doing quite poorly, several people assured me that matters are looking up. If they be correct, the troop was indeed sunk to a great depth a few months ago, for it was not like this when I left. If they be wrong, there are problems indeed.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Well, Ohio State fumbled to end that drive referred to in the previous post, but a good defense and four plays over fifty yards each (OSU only had three such plays in all of the regular season!) enabled them to roll to a 34-20 victory. This was despite (among other things) two blocked field goals and the aforementioned drive that should have been a touchdown. Ohio State is now 3-2 against the Irish all-time.
Monday, January 02, 2006
With today being the first weekday of the year, I'm sure many of you returned to school today. Isaac, who has rather little work to do this week, did just a little today — as far as I know, just a single vocabulary lesson.
Ohio State, as I type, is playing against Notre Dame in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. At the moment, Ohio State are winning 14-7, and they have the ball deep in Notre Dame territory. We'll see what follows.
Ohio State, as I type, is playing against Notre Dame in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. At the moment, Ohio State are winning 14-7, and they have the ball deep in Notre Dame territory. We'll see what follows.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Please pray for my cousin Jill Pockras. A little while ago, she sent me the following message:
i feel really horrible, cuz i have a bad case of mono
can u pray for me to get better soon? please?
im gunna go lay back down
im just not sposed to be feeling better for @ least 2-3 weeks, n im only like one week into it
n plus ive got a really bad head cold ontop of it
Dad preached today from II Chronicles 19-20, which tells of various events in the reign of Jehoshaphat King of Judah. Among his interesting points (which happened to be stated in the pastoral prayer) was a comparison of Psalm 87 and John 3. Just as we are born again in Christ, God counts every Christian as a Jew — you are born again into the new Israel, the Church. What a blessing!
Attendance, although higher than last week, was still just 38, because some people are travelling, and because four people (including our only ruling elder) were ill.
BLOGS It's easy to see the effects of the Winter Conference, as noöne but Anna (who couldn't go to Winter Conference) posted on multiple days. Even I posted just three times!
1.
: 2 posts, on 2 days.
2.
: 10 posts, on 1 day. Nine of these were single-picture posts.
3.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
4.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
5.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
6.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
7.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
8.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
9.
: 1 post, on 1 day.
10.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 24 December.
11. Rebekah: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 18 December.
i feel really horrible, cuz i have a bad case of mono
can u pray for me to get better soon? please?
im gunna go lay back down
im just not sposed to be feeling better for @ least 2-3 weeks, n im only like one week into it
n plus ive got a really bad head cold ontop of it
Dad preached today from II Chronicles 19-20, which tells of various events in the reign of Jehoshaphat King of Judah. Among his interesting points (which happened to be stated in the pastoral prayer) was a comparison of Psalm 87 and John 3. Just as we are born again in Christ, God counts every Christian as a Jew — you are born again into the new Israel, the Church. What a blessing!
Attendance, although higher than last week, was still just 38, because some people are travelling, and because four people (including our only ruling elder) were ill.
BLOGS It's easy to see the effects of the Winter Conference, as noöne but Anna (who couldn't go to Winter Conference) posted on multiple days. Even I posted just three times!
1.
: 2 posts, on 2 days.2.
: 10 posts, on 1 day. Nine of these were single-picture posts.3.
: 1 post, on 1 day.4.
: 1 post, on 1 day.5.
: 1 post, on 1 day.6.
: 1 post, on 1 day.7.
: 1 post, on 1 day.8.
: 1 post, on 1 day.9.
: 1 post, on 1 day.10.
: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 24 December.11. Rebekah: 0 posts, on 0 days. Last post 18 December.
