Tuesday, January 20, 2015

turning a page


Last night, I drove one of my best friends to the airport. It was like turning a page. Not really like the end of a chapter... we share too much of the same heart for that. Our lives are wrapped around the same great Story- we'll be in touch. But a page turned. Our action will be lived out on different fronts,  on pages that are thousands of miles apart. 


I've known Mike for over four years now, as both a valued colleague in ministry and a very dear friend. Its sad to see him leave here, but I love seeing him move into the purposes God is laying before him. He is bright minded, strong in conviction, and gifted with wisdom... and has become a wonderful man of God. 
This cherished brother will be dearly missed on this new page.


Friday, January 9, 2015

A new challenge: journey to Oxford


Its unlikely that you recognize the city pictured in the arial photo below. Its a place known as the city of dreaming spires. The city is Oxford, England-  in particular, some of the grounds of the University of Oxford. Oxford is a beautiful place and home to the oldest University in the English-speaking world.


To my amazement, I have the opportunity to spend the coming school year in this gorgeous city, studying at this outstanding University!  I say this calmly, but I am kind of freaking out inside:)

How did this happen?
In November, I made the bold step (thanks to all who encouraged me) to apply to a one year certificate program in Theological Studies at Wycliffe Hall and to the partnered Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics Training Program (OCCA), through Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. As is evident in the course name, the program and training will be focused on theology and specifically on engaging in Apologetics- a field I currently minister in and feel called to develop in further.
 I felt privileged when I was selected for interviews in December, and was completely blown away this past Wednesday when I received notice that I was being offered a place in the program! This is absolutely thrilling for me- its amazing for me to be presented the opportunity to participate in studies and training at this level. Being offered a place in this limited program is genuinely an honor. 

I will be in touch more with additional information about this upcoming season, but in the meantime, please feel free to check this overview from the OCCA training website:

Thank you for your prayers and support as I embark on this journey toward Oxford!