Today marked my last official day of serving in the Bethel Hill community at BHBC. The Father has moved me and the family to a ministry closer to our immediate community. Though I will not meet with them weekly, they remain my affectionate family. We will work side by side for the faith of the gospel regardless of our immediate locale. Though much can be said of them, of one thing I amcertain - they love one another and such testifies to their faith in the gospel.

My rendering of Philippians 1:27, "Only live as good citizens of heaven worthy of the gospel of Christ, in order that whether I come and see you or remain where I am, I hear these things concerning you, that you remain steadfast in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side in the faith of the gospel." Paul accentuated the necessity of being unified in the gospel. In a corporate society that accentuates productivity and success at all costs, the pursuit of every believer must be unity through humility. As soldiers of the Christ we must strive together, work together, serve together to further the kingdom. We must not pursue selfish ambitions, but rather live selfless lives working unanimously for the King. Our steadfast faith in the gospel and our unified efforts in face of staunch opposition testifies to the greatness and eternality of the gospel message.

Loving God with the mind is indeed a task greater than I alone can handle, I must depend upon "He who is greater than me." My goal to learn German and to research the interaction between Worldview and Biblical Theology is sure to prove to be a daunting task. Do I pursue these endeavors for greater accolades? Do I pursue them for financial gain? No indeed, I pursue them out of a desire to love God with my mind and to further the gospel. May God keep my heart aimed at His glory!

A hearty thanks to Mama B for my Zucchini Bread, a gift given to me for completing seminary this week. My belly will indeed appreciate your precious gift :)

Nigu and Caleb

Congrats on finishing your first semester of seminary at Southeastern Seminary brother Nigussie! I am certain that our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia eagerly await the day you complete your educational task and return to train them in the Word. However, we are overly joyed that you are here with us. One day Caleb (pictured above with Nigu) will have the wonderful opportunity to meet you on Ethiopian soil, God willing.

Knowing for Confronting

The believer who is unaware of the "the way people think" around him or of their cultural philosophical surroundings, lames his/her ability to speak the gospel message clearly and powerfully. As Francis Schaeffer stated so eloquently concerning the necessity of knowing the way the surrounding culture thinks, the Christian must "understand what confronts him antagonistically in his own moment of history; otherwise he simply becomes a useless museum piece and not a living warrior for Jesus Christ." (In The God Who is There)

"Mission Madness"

Each time I meet with our India missions team I leave with a greater fervor and passion to reach the nations and live blamelessly. This morning we discussed Philippians 1:19-20 in which Paul states his commitment to magnify Christ whether he lives or dies - "whether in life or in death." We were reminded this morning from Philippians to fix our easily deterred/ distracted hearts on Jesus. The gospel must be central to our lives - no distractions allowed :) The team encourages me with their passion to follow Christ to the ends of the earth (India) that others may know Christ. Even though they are aware of the dangers and the rough setting into which they will enter, they are not deterred but rather excited. Having 14 and 15 year old young adult men and women sharing in a desire to reach the unreached inspires me to live faithfully for the gospel. Though having much homework and many other commitments, they are making every effort to read the required material and meet regularly to plan - I am absolutely proud of their faithfulness to meet and work towards accomplishing what is required. By the way, a Shout Out to Lendon Jacobs for finishing "Five Who Changed the World" by Danny Aiken - you go bro! And to Makayla, Kelsey, Bailey, and Brittney for moving ahead :) I have been blessed with a great team of young adults that are gifted in diverse areas and are using their gifts so purposefully for the gospel.