Greetings from hot, humid summertime in Florida! Thunder is currently rumbling outside, and I’m glad I have a surge protector on my computer. Such is life in the American “rainforest”!
The first weekend of this month I drove north and spent time with two of our daughters, Rachel and Becca. I had dinner with Rachel in Myrtle Beach. It was great to hug her and see her face. I then went two hours south and was with Becca and Zach helping them settle into their new apartment. I am grateful I got to see their new place, help them unpack and see Charleston.
Andy completed his two summer seminary classes and really enjoyed them. The first was an apologetics class, studying defenses and proofs for Christianity. “Having to step away from the office for an extended period of time is not easy. However, every time I have taken a class, it has been well worth the time and effort!” These classes are created for Cru staff members and students, in conjunction with various seminaries.
“I love that these classes are not designed around a body of knowledge and taking a final exam. The intention is that you apply what you are learning to your life and ministry, allowing more practical and immersive learning.
“I went into the apologetics class wanting to have the ‘dump truck of knowledge’ unloaded so I could answer every question ever posed about Christianity. Instead, while receiving a lot of superb material, the professor stressed that the best defense of the Christian faith is being able to ask good questions, listen and show care for the person.”
The second class Andy took was an introduction (survey) of mission. This was a class that looked at the church’s role in God’s plan for the world from a theological, historical and cultural perspective.
“It was a wonderful reminder of why we (from Cru all the way down to Catherine and me) do what God has called us to do. To illustrate cultural differences, one of the assignments was to attend a church of a culture other than mine, and then write a short paper about it. I asked a co-worker who is from China to take me to his church. It was interesting to see common elements of worship mixed with their cultural values. The people were well dressed and the worship was formal, but I saw how they loved and cared for each other.”
Please pray with us: Rachel returns home for two weeks before returning to North Greenville University. Pray for rest while she is home — she is recovering from strep throat.
I will be traveling to Indianapolis on the 14th to meet with my team of writers. I am excited, have never been to Indy, and have only worked with the team over the internet. Please pray for safe travel as well as good connections within my team.
We are so thankful for your partnership with us!
One final thought: a summer prayer was answered in the affirmative — Miss Rylie is now walking. And she is talking a bit too — she can say ‘momma” and “dada” and when asked what any animal says, the answer is “MOOOOO.”
The Kelloggs 