We’ve Signed!

I am the resurrection and the life… Do you believe this?

I recently encountered Jesus’ astounding statement in a new way while working through John 11:17–27.

Jesus speaks these words to Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus, while she suffers a tragedy. She grieves the loss of her beloved brother and worries over the financial uncertainty his death could bring to the family. To make matters worse, Martha had asked Jesus to help because she knew he had the power to heal. But Jesus arrives too late! Lazarus’ death has killed Martha’s hope.

“Those that believe in me,” Jesus says “have life even if they die. And those that live in and believe in me will never die.” Jesus does not minimize the pain of Lazarus’ death. In fact, Jesus himself mourns (11:33, 35, 38). At the same time, he speaks into Martha’s pain to bring her along the path of discipleship. Jesus promises both victory over death and a life that death cannot diminish. This is not only a spiritual reality. It is also a physical, bodily reality. Physical death cannot ultimately defeat our physical bodies because Jesus is the resurrection and the life. We will be physically raised even if we die.

For the Christian, life is not a slow and steady journey to the grave; life is a slow and steady journey toward more abundant life!

If this is true, if death cannot diminish the life Jesus gives, then with confidence and freedom, I can give my life to and for him! Yet, I must answer John’s question to Martha: Do you believe this, Andrew?

---

We’ve signed!

Just a few weeks ago, I officially signed a three-way agreement between our mission organization (Mesa Global), the seminary where I will teach (Centros Teológicos Bautistas, CTB), and myself.

Once we arrive in Peru, I will work full-time with CTB. I will be the Academic Director and Professor of Old Testament. I’ll teach several classes each year and oversee the seminary’s academics.

In the next few months, I will share more details about the seminary and my role. For the time being, let me say that I am very excited! CTB has been doing an important work. CTB’s mission is:

To provide quality, accessible, and contextualized theological education for leaders and pastors in and outside of Peru so that they do not have to leave their communities.

Last year, CTB served 514 students with a staff of only 6 people (3 full-time and 3 part-time)! Students come from a variety of denominations, cities, and countries. Please pray for God to continue to use CTB to equip pastors and ministry leaders to further Christ’s kingdom.

---

Upcoming Ministry Opportunity

At the end of the month, I will be travelling to the Dominican Republic for a symposium titled: “The Future of Leader Formation in Latin America.” In this two-day conference, the participants will wrestle with how the church can form and train the next generation of Christian leaders for the challenges facing the Latin American church. My father was invited to attend and lead a group discussion. He extended the invitation (to attend) to me. Please pray that this time of reflection would be formative and that we would make good contacts with others invested in theological education in Latin America.

---

Family Updates

In just one week our children will be back in school and the rhythms of fall will be under way. We have enjoyed a busy summer full of kids sports, beach time at Lake Michigan, and more. As a special treat, Adriana’s parents arrived for a visit two weeks ago. We love having them with us. We are looking forward to the day that they do not have to fly across the world to see their grandchildren!

On another note, Adriana has been struggling with back issues for a few years. This summer has been particularly challenging for her. The doctors have begun to identify the cause, but solutions have not been easy to come by. Please pray for healing and endurance through the pain!

---

Progress Updates

Ph.D. Progress Tracker

Dissertation

I continue to plug away… my advisor and I have agreed on a spring defense (i.e. sometime between January and April). I will need to submit a  full draft between October and December. To make this happen, I must write my conclusion and make revisions to earlier chapters. Please pray for energy and endurance for me and the whole family as my work inevitably impacts everyone in many ways.

Throughout the writing process, my advisor and second reader have given me very helpful feedback which has pushed me to think more deeply and to better articulate my thoughts. They have been a blessing!

Comprehensive Exams

• 28 of 37 book reviews done.
• 9 more to go.

---

Ministry Partner Tracker

Even though I have prioritized working on my dissertation over raising support the past several months, new partners have joined out team. We are now at 50% of our goal for monthly support!

---

Please Pray

---