August 2017 Update

Hi folks,

Thought I'd give you a review of the trip to UK, complete with a power point of the main sights. You can see it by going to my YouTube channel here:

(If it goes too fast for you, just click pause)

I was so blessed to be able to see some of those countries from which most early Americans came. Wish I could remember more of my studies on the history involved, and learn more details! I was surprised by what I didn't remember about the history of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the UK in general! When I went to the Island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland, I was so blessed by the natural beauty, but also more motivated to study the history of the Celtic monks who evangelized Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of the world, and to learn more about Saint Columba, the founder of the Abbey there. You might want to read about him!

As I'm about to start a new school session this Monday, I thought I should let you know about some developments. Some time back, I asked for prayer as I considered whether to write a sixty-plus-page thesis or do a more practical  project, maybe teaching something in various parts of the world. Well, after much prayer and wrestling with thoughts and asking advice, I decided the thesis was more what I should go for.  I even came up with a proposal and submitted it for approval. A professor was assigned as my mentor for the project.

However, as this was all going on, I also came to realize that the degree I was working on was simply not deep enough or thorough enough for me. I had elected to complete a Masters of Theological Studies (MTS) instead of the Masters of Divinity I originally signed up for.  But the discussion about doing a thesis came up because I was going to finish my program by next May, and as I looked at what was still required, I realized it just wasn't enough. I considered various possibilities, but ended up just switching back to the M.Div. By completing that degree, I feel I'll get more of what I originally went back to seminary for. As I've said all along, I'm not studying because I need this degree for a certain job. I don't even know if I'll have a job after my studies! I'm studying because I feel called to study and learn. Naturally, this means I won't be finishing the course next May, but rather, sometime either at the end of 2018 or maybe even early 2019, depending on how things go.

My greatest test these days is a test of faith. I have to trust that God is leading me and will provide for Lynn and me as I complete this course of study. It's hard at my age to study like this without any income or knowing a certain result will come of it. I would appreciate your prayers in this regard. But I am enjoying the studies, and am making straight A's in all my courses. Let's face it, this is what I do, and it's what I've been doing for over 30 years. A person with my background ought to be making A's!

This session, I'm finally beginning to study Hebrew. I've been looking forward to that for a long time, even though I expect it to be tough and tedious! I love learning languages, and learning the biblical ones is especially important and helpful. I've already begun copying the letters out over and over. I'm also taking a course in world religions, which promises to be quite interesting as well. Till next time, thanks for reading. I'll try to keep you updated on my/our progress as time goes on. May the Lord bless all of you!

Warren