Wow. Hannah and I just finished our first semester here at Covenant. Not an easy task. Truman was tough, but when you add all of the other everyday "life stuff," going to school full time and working just isn't easy.
Man... this semester has just been incredible, though. Hannah and I have already had some amazing opportunities to strengthen our marriage, as well as some trials to temper it. I can't really express in words how fulfilling it is to have someone to do all these exciting things with. We get to practice real ministry while sitting under the teaching of some of the most intelligent and Godly pastors/professors still alive today. It is insane how central this Seminary is to the evolving church.
For example, one of our professors has planted over 140 churches in his lifetime. 140 SUCCESSFUL churches still alive and growing today. Another very Jesus-like man, Professor Jerram Barrs, was discipled by the Francis Schaeffer (founder of L'Abri and renowned evangelist). It is insane seeing a cross-section of the diversity of the church right here at Seminary, teaching and passing on their gifts and passions to pastors-in-training. Insane.
Hannah and I look forward to a summer taking more classes, hitting up the pool, and continuing to develop a few of the ministry "cookie jars" we have a hand in. God bless!
P.S. We will try to post on here a little more often than we have recently. Finals and everything else really put the heat on, but all that is done with for a while.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Prayers for VA Tech
Nothing really new to report here. The purpose of this post is to humbly request for your prayers for those who have been affected by the VA Tech shootings. Knowing acutely the college campus environment and how safe and secure it was for us, we can imagine how horribly this act of violence can affect students. In your prayers, please remember the following groups of people:
The families and friends of the murdered students-Pray that in their grief they cling to the cross and find their hope and comfort in Jesus Christ.
The family of the student who killed so many- Pray that they would find forgiveness from those affected by him, and that they would be able to cling to the cross in their inevitable time of grief and guilt.
The police officers who responded to the campus- I know all too well how senseless death and tragedy, especially that which is perpetrated to young adults and children, affect the hearts of those who stand guard to protect us. PLEASE pray that they would be given opportunity to help those who they have sworn to protect, that they would be able to separate their struggle from their life at home, that they would not take personally this tragedy that occurred on their watch, and that they would be able to be strong for those who cannot.
The students and faculty who live and work on campus- Please pray that this tragedy would bring them closer and not force them to put up walls in their relationships with each other. Let them lean on each other and find help in their relationships. Please pray that those who are Christians on that campus would be convicted by their love in Christ to minister to those who are in need, and that they would come together as one body to show, and not just speak, the Gospel to those who have not heard it.
And of course, overall, please pray that the Holy Spirit would be moving int he hearts and minds of all of us who have watched it unfold on TV. Pray that we would all remember that we too are human, and that this kind of sin and death is the last thing that God intended for His people. Let us all run to the Cross in our pain and confusion. Let us all run to Jesus.
In His Love,
Brad and Hannah
The families and friends of the murdered students-Pray that in their grief they cling to the cross and find their hope and comfort in Jesus Christ.
The family of the student who killed so many- Pray that they would find forgiveness from those affected by him, and that they would be able to cling to the cross in their inevitable time of grief and guilt.
The police officers who responded to the campus- I know all too well how senseless death and tragedy, especially that which is perpetrated to young adults and children, affect the hearts of those who stand guard to protect us. PLEASE pray that they would be given opportunity to help those who they have sworn to protect, that they would be able to separate their struggle from their life at home, that they would not take personally this tragedy that occurred on their watch, and that they would be able to be strong for those who cannot.
The students and faculty who live and work on campus- Please pray that this tragedy would bring them closer and not force them to put up walls in their relationships with each other. Let them lean on each other and find help in their relationships. Please pray that those who are Christians on that campus would be convicted by their love in Christ to minister to those who are in need, and that they would come together as one body to show, and not just speak, the Gospel to those who have not heard it.
And of course, overall, please pray that the Holy Spirit would be moving int he hearts and minds of all of us who have watched it unfold on TV. Pray that we would all remember that we too are human, and that this kind of sin and death is the last thing that God intended for His people. Let us all run to the Cross in our pain and confusion. Let us all run to Jesus.
In His Love,
Brad and Hannah
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
And now that it's spring...
Man, Easter was busy. 3 additional services at our church are awesome, but they are a lot too! By far, the highlight was playing at Soul Expedition (more info at the link on the bottom left of this page) Wednesday night. Thanks to everyone who came! The Spirit was definitely there and in force.
As the semester picks up for its last big push before summer, life has followed suit. Classes are starting to kick my butt, and Hannah and I are starting to pray for a quick conclusion to the semester! Our Community Group is absolutely incredible, and we have been blessed by having so many people in our home every week. It is an awesome opportunity to hang out with other people on fire for what God has in store for them.
A couple other things that have also developed for me:
1.) I got "promoted," I guess as the Managing Editor for the St. Louis Iraq War Veterans Website. Right now, all I do is post some articles and help generate some interest and publicity. But as this thing picks up speed and needs increase, I'll be actively helping with the strategic vision and networking for the organization. It is an incredible opportunity to help and serve our country's veterans. I'm stoked.
2.) I got rehired by Bruce Siddle to continue the research work I was doing while at Truman. For those of you who don't know, he is the CEO of a defensive tactics training company for military and law enforcement (I think, the world's largest now). I used to work, helping him research for his second book, called "Combat Human Factors." I now get to continue that research and help him lay out the outline for the finished project. I'm stoked because it brings in some much needed grocery money, as well as lets me use a skill that I have already developed and contribute to an awesome field of research.
We've been somewhat remiss in updating on here, but things are starting to work themselves out and we promise to update more frequently! Thanks for reading, and leave us some love!
-Brad and Hannah
P.S. As far as prayers go, we would GREATLY appreciate a kind word for our finances and ability to meet the monthly bills, as well as special blessings over our Community Group and other ministries we are involved. Oh yeah, and praying that I survive Greek would be great too!
As the semester picks up for its last big push before summer, life has followed suit. Classes are starting to kick my butt, and Hannah and I are starting to pray for a quick conclusion to the semester! Our Community Group is absolutely incredible, and we have been blessed by having so many people in our home every week. It is an awesome opportunity to hang out with other people on fire for what God has in store for them.
A couple other things that have also developed for me:
1.) I got "promoted," I guess as the Managing Editor for the St. Louis Iraq War Veterans Website. Right now, all I do is post some articles and help generate some interest and publicity. But as this thing picks up speed and needs increase, I'll be actively helping with the strategic vision and networking for the organization. It is an incredible opportunity to help and serve our country's veterans. I'm stoked.
2.) I got rehired by Bruce Siddle to continue the research work I was doing while at Truman. For those of you who don't know, he is the CEO of a defensive tactics training company for military and law enforcement (I think, the world's largest now). I used to work, helping him research for his second book, called "Combat Human Factors." I now get to continue that research and help him lay out the outline for the finished project. I'm stoked because it brings in some much needed grocery money, as well as lets me use a skill that I have already developed and contribute to an awesome field of research.
We've been somewhat remiss in updating on here, but things are starting to work themselves out and we promise to update more frequently! Thanks for reading, and leave us some love!
-Brad and Hannah
P.S. As far as prayers go, we would GREATLY appreciate a kind word for our finances and ability to meet the monthly bills, as well as special blessings over our Community Group and other ministries we are involved. Oh yeah, and praying that I survive Greek would be great too!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
It might as well be spring
Hey all! Hannah here, just giving an update on our present lives after Brad's run-down of everything since October :)
- We have been very blessed in having the opportunity to faclilitate the CoEd community group (small group/bible study) for Damascus Road. We feel so honored and humbled by this incredible opportunity to grow as teachers and friends. Prayers are very much welcome in this area for: wisdom in teaching, strength in the face of opposition, authentic relationships among group members, openness, transparency, and a whole lot of fun. Praises are also very much in order for the community group, as we have had about 12 members at each meeting so far and it has been great! Thank you, Lord!
- Just recently, Brad visited an ENT doctor to find out about the chronic sinus infections and headaches that he has been plagued with for several years. His mom recommended a great doctor with outstanding (and prompt!) staff, so praise God for that! After an initial appointment and a CAT scan, the ENT found that Brad has a deviated septum toward the left sinus and a foreign object/substance on the right (from an old AirSoft injury... you'll have to ask Brad for more clarification ;) ). He is now scheduled for surgery on April 26th to correct the septum and repair the injury. At least we finally know what is going on and a hopeful end to his pain is in sight!
- Brad's chaplain candidacy paperwork is still moving right along. He has been approved by the church (www.greentreechurch.com) and the denomination (www.epc.org) and the appropriate letters have been sent to the chaplain people in Jeff City. Praise God for a smooth process so far!
- My job is still going well. Meeting and getting to know a group of great people, learning what it looks like "on the inside" of vocational ministry. I'm thinking that the experience I'm gaining here will be invaluable for our possible future in church planting :)
- We have a squirrel family living in our ductwork. They've been with us for several months now, and while we took sympathy on them in the sub-freezing temperatures, they are now going to get the boot. Especially since they dug up my mini herb garden (that I was really excited about!), and I bet the little stinkers even ate the seeds...
Thanks for checking in with us! We'd love to hear from you and how God is working in your life. We'd love to pray for ya too :)
In Him,
Hannah
- We have been very blessed in having the opportunity to faclilitate the CoEd community group (small group/bible study) for Damascus Road. We feel so honored and humbled by this incredible opportunity to grow as teachers and friends. Prayers are very much welcome in this area for: wisdom in teaching, strength in the face of opposition, authentic relationships among group members, openness, transparency, and a whole lot of fun. Praises are also very much in order for the community group, as we have had about 12 members at each meeting so far and it has been great! Thank you, Lord!
- Just recently, Brad visited an ENT doctor to find out about the chronic sinus infections and headaches that he has been plagued with for several years. His mom recommended a great doctor with outstanding (and prompt!) staff, so praise God for that! After an initial appointment and a CAT scan, the ENT found that Brad has a deviated septum toward the left sinus and a foreign object/substance on the right (from an old AirSoft injury... you'll have to ask Brad for more clarification ;) ). He is now scheduled for surgery on April 26th to correct the septum and repair the injury. At least we finally know what is going on and a hopeful end to his pain is in sight!
- Brad's chaplain candidacy paperwork is still moving right along. He has been approved by the church (www.greentreechurch.com) and the denomination (www.epc.org) and the appropriate letters have been sent to the chaplain people in Jeff City. Praise God for a smooth process so far!
- My job is still going well. Meeting and getting to know a group of great people, learning what it looks like "on the inside" of vocational ministry. I'm thinking that the experience I'm gaining here will be invaluable for our possible future in church planting :)
- We have a squirrel family living in our ductwork. They've been with us for several months now, and while we took sympathy on them in the sub-freezing temperatures, they are now going to get the boot. Especially since they dug up my mini herb garden (that I was really excited about!), and I bet the little stinkers even ate the seeds...
Thanks for checking in with us! We'd love to hear from you and how God is working in your life. We'd love to pray for ya too :)
In Him,
Hannah
Friday, March 23, 2007
Finally Settled
Wow. We were married in October, and it is now almost Easter. Time flies when you are having fun! Things have progressed at the speed of light and we are only now coming to a place where we have the time to breathe. Here is all that has gone on since then:
10/7: Married (and it was GLORIOUS!)
10/10: I graduated from U.S. Army MP School
10/11-18: HONEYMOON!
10/19 - Thanksgiving: I moved in to Hannah's apartment in St. Louis and started my job at Target.
Thanksgiving-Christmas: Unpacked, got used to the routine, and tried our best to visit various family members. Here's where things went nuts... My job at Target kept me away from home 60 hours a week (including nights and weekends), and I didn't feel like it was what I was supposed to be doing anyway. Hannah was asked to quit her job because she refused to participate in unethical business practices (LONG story...). After much prayer and consideration, we felt that God was urging us to trust Him to provide for us and apply to Covenant Seminary, which had been a goal of ours for many months. We trusted. I was accepted, got a killer scholarship, and Hannah got a great job at Chesterfield Presbyterian Church.
1/2: I applied (and am still in the process) to transfer to the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, where I can practice ministry serving our country's soldiers (and get paid doing it too).
1/22: I quit my job at Target and started at Covenant the same week Hannah started her job at CPC.
So what now might you ask? Well, if you figure that out, we'd love to know! We are very happy being stable for a little while and easing into this new lifestyle. It is very difficult to live here in West County due to the cost of living, but it is necessary for us to be close to campus and be available to learn and practice ministry. At the same time, we have an incredibly network of friends and God-given relationships that have provided for us in a number of ways. We also have become members of Green Tree Community Church (there's a link in the bottom left corner of this page), and connected with a ton of awesome people there. We're excited to serve and help wherever we can.
You'll notice that, along with the Green Tree link, there are other links to groups and activities we have become involved with along the way. Click on them to learn more and if you have any questions, we'd love to hear them!
Not too shabby for a first post. We will do our best to keep this updated with things we have in the works, prayer requests (and prayers answered), and other fun stuff.
Thanks for reading!
In Him,
Brad
10/7: Married (and it was GLORIOUS!)
10/10: I graduated from U.S. Army MP School
10/11-18: HONEYMOON!
10/19 - Thanksgiving: I moved in to Hannah's apartment in St. Louis and started my job at Target.
Thanksgiving-Christmas: Unpacked, got used to the routine, and tried our best to visit various family members. Here's where things went nuts... My job at Target kept me away from home 60 hours a week (including nights and weekends), and I didn't feel like it was what I was supposed to be doing anyway. Hannah was asked to quit her job because she refused to participate in unethical business practices (LONG story...). After much prayer and consideration, we felt that God was urging us to trust Him to provide for us and apply to Covenant Seminary, which had been a goal of ours for many months. We trusted. I was accepted, got a killer scholarship, and Hannah got a great job at Chesterfield Presbyterian Church.
1/2: I applied (and am still in the process) to transfer to the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, where I can practice ministry serving our country's soldiers (and get paid doing it too).
1/22: I quit my job at Target and started at Covenant the same week Hannah started her job at CPC.
So what now might you ask? Well, if you figure that out, we'd love to know! We are very happy being stable for a little while and easing into this new lifestyle. It is very difficult to live here in West County due to the cost of living, but it is necessary for us to be close to campus and be available to learn and practice ministry. At the same time, we have an incredibly network of friends and God-given relationships that have provided for us in a number of ways. We also have become members of Green Tree Community Church (there's a link in the bottom left corner of this page), and connected with a ton of awesome people there. We're excited to serve and help wherever we can.
You'll notice that, along with the Green Tree link, there are other links to groups and activities we have become involved with along the way. Click on them to learn more and if you have any questions, we'd love to hear them!
Not too shabby for a first post. We will do our best to keep this updated with things we have in the works, prayer requests (and prayers answered), and other fun stuff.
Thanks for reading!
In Him,
Brad
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