Our last Jollt was written while still away on a trip that started as it finished—very well. Our schedule continues to be full enough to make this Jollt almost two weeks late. It’s also varied. We’re mostly in Auckland, but C is occasionally away. We continue to speak to house groups, prayer groups, and to visit supporters. This month, C presents two papers at post-grad seminars. The first is in a theological forum in Auckland, and the second is to religious students in Wellington. C also continues to preach most Sundays. We’ve heard some encouraging stories about punters in the pews having rededicating themselves to be closer followers after hearing him. Although considered controversial by some, observations about how Jesus engaged with the “religious others” he met, and (more importantly) how they positively responded to him have positively rattled heads and warmed hearts.
I’ll be doing something new at the end of the month (well, beginning of next month, actually). TSCF and I are organizing a one-day workshop for Malaysian students in Palmerston North and Wellington. Many of these have struggled with pastoral needs such as fear and resentment, while others have the capacity to be effective Christian ambassadors & advocates. The hope is that his material helps those attending to think differently about Malaysia, and predominantly Muslims Malay World. We also hope that many will realize their need to replace their fear, resentment and timidity for a faith-filled and bold engagement that is soaked—not just seasoned—with love. It will be fun sharing stories about what God is doing in the Malay World.
This will be C's second trip to Wellington this month. The weekend before this (24-25th) Sandra will also be involved in taking meetings, visiting supporters. We are also preaching at Karori Baptist. This will be our first trip together this year. Yeah!
2. S’s Study
Sandra continues to be enjoying her course at Laidlaw College. She has completed her first assignment. She just sat down and did it, and then received an A– for it! She have started her next assignment The issue that she chose was singleness. Hmmm. S is keen to quench rumours that this is part of her preparations for changes in her future that she is planning, but hasn’t told anyone else about.
3. Outlook for October
October is shaping up to be a busy month for C. The most important event will be the 45 hour course on Southeast Asian Islam which he will teach at Asian Theological Seminary over two weeks in Manila. We are unclear about how doctoral and masters students will be taking the course. Readers might recall that this is a new role that we have undertaken to do while based in NZ for this extended period. C has tones of material to present, but still has a lot more work to do on his lecture outlines.
4. Human Interest Story
Rumours that gallop was about to publish a poll revealing that wearing glasses with blue tinted lenses will lessen hair lose, increase charisma, and improve one’s voices for men, led to optometrists being inundated with orders for them. We are therefore pleased that we got ours first.
5. Excuses
Noah was a drunk.
Abraham was too old.
Isaac was a daydreamer.
Jacob was a liar.
Joseph was abused as a child.
Moses stuttered.
Gideon was a wimp.
Samson was a long haired womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute!
David was murderous adulterer.
Elijah was suicidal.
Jonah ran from God.
Naomi was a widow.
Job went bankrupt.
John the Baptist ate bugs.
Peter denied Christ.
The 12 fell asleep while praying.
Martha worried about everything.
The Samaritan woman was divorced 4 times
Zaccheus was too small.
Paul was too religious.
Timothy was too young and had an ulcer.
Lazarus was dead
So, what’s YOUR excuse?!
6. Prayerorities (prayer-priorities):
• For N’s continued progress with his reading, that he works well with his new teacher aid, and that his small circle of friends grows.
• For M’s continued spiritual development
• For C’s full speaking schedule in Sept and preparation for teaching in Manila.
• That the trainers he trains will be touched during this course
• For the Malaysian students that attend the workshop on Oct 1 will have their heads rattled and hearts warmed.
7. Sept Movements:
16: Presentation at Tyndale-Carey Graduate school of theology seminar in AKD.
18: Preaching at Mt. Albert Baptist. .
23: Giving a paper at post-grad seminar at VU in Wellington.
24: Speaking at OMF in Wellington.
25: Preaching at Karori Baptist.
26: C's birthday!
Oct 1: Leading TSCF workshop for Malaysian students in Wellington.
Oct 2: C travels to Southeast Asia
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