In America it's really unusual for schools to let Christians into them. Well, this week I've been able to go into quite a few which is one of the best things about this trip.
Yesterday I was in the local private school, and is exactly what you expect when you see nice American school on TV. I got to speak to Grade 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9's ... so I was in lots of classes. I'm not allowed to talk to them about Christian things, but I could tell them all about Scotland, and so all the classes were like question and answer sessions. Everyone is so polite and nice here, and were so happy that I'd come to visit them. A couple of the kids from church were in some of the classes, and so they introduced me, which was quite cool.
Today I was in the Christian school talking with all the different ages. With the younger kids I did the kids talk I had done in church the other week. I got a couple of volunteers that had to come to the front and try to peel and eat a banana using only their teeth. Obviously they couldn't do it. Jim McGillivray, you are still the best at it, no-one else has thought to really rip into it!!! Well, after that I tell them they can use their hands too, and suddenly it's so much easier. We then look at a couple of verses in 1 Corinthians 12 about the church being like a body. The kids loved it! After that little thought (it was their chapel time ... was so funny to see many of them come in with Bibles ... that so doesn't ever happen in Scotland), I told them a little about Scotland. Well, as much as I felt I had their attention for ... about 50 young kids all miming actions for playing the bagpipes was both funny and cute. The older group didn't get a thought for the day, we just had another Q+A session, but we did talk for a while about the differences in churches. Again, was a good time.
Then I had a totally different experience of school yesterday. One of the guys in church runs all the after school programmes for the county, which is where kids stay later after school and work on class work ... either rough kids or not to bright ones, that kind of thing, as well as other reasons. Anyways, we arranged with Joey for me to be able to go to an after school class with 8th Graders (15 year olds), and it was like a total demographic and cultural shock. More than 90% of the class were African American, and there was an obviously different culture, much more like what you see when you look at an inner city American school. To get to the school we had to drive through a really rough and deprived area of town, that we never saw any of when we were here in the summer. It was like a whole different world to the one that I had experienced so far in Warm Springs. The same was true today when I went to another after school, though the differences weren't as stark as yesterday.
Yet, it was the thing that I've loved most since being here. I would really like to go back and spend more time with the young folks, it was such a privedge to be with them ... and people don't often say that about them!
When Jesus met with people He was able to see beyond what people saw on the outside, and that's what I thought when I saw those kids. People are so quick to judge and look down on others, but if we take the time to see beyond the external there is potential and beauty present in everyone (can you tell I'm not a Calvanist!). I had such a great time with the young people. They taught me to 'walk it out' and do the 'two step', and then I taught a few of them how to do a little bit of the highland fling. It was a great time, and they had loads of cool questions and were really interested in the differences between our two countries. Spending time in the after schools reminded me of how scared I was when I started doing LSU (Learning Support Unit) work with young people in high schools, either in workshop courses like behaviour management or self-esteem as well as helping with regular school work, but how by the end it had become my favourite. I may only have spent a short time with those young people yesterday, but it was enough for God to remind me of the little flame of passion I have in my heart for young people like them, and schools work like that.
For now I better go and get ready for the girls Bible Study tonight ... but tomorrows another day with more schools and hopefully more after schools ...
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Seminary ...
Ok, I am so excited!!!
Bob has arranged for me to go to Mercier Baptist Seminary in Atlanta on Thursday. I'm going to sit in on the preaching class and then in an ethics class, and I'll meet with his friend one of the leading experts in Johannine literature so I'm told. Will be awesome!!!
I love Scottish Baptist College, and this school seems to be as small as it is, so will be great to meet people studying for ministry in a different place.
But, as long as I don't love it too much will definately be coming back to continue at SBC!!!
Bob has arranged for me to go to Mercier Baptist Seminary in Atlanta on Thursday. I'm going to sit in on the preaching class and then in an ethics class, and I'll meet with his friend one of the leading experts in Johannine literature so I'm told. Will be awesome!!!
I love Scottish Baptist College, and this school seems to be as small as it is, so will be great to meet people studying for ministry in a different place.
But, as long as I don't love it too much will definately be coming back to continue at SBC!!!
Warm Springs ...
I'm here!!! After a nine hour flight I finally arrived. Bob and Erin met me at the airport, was so so so good to see them. And of course the first thing we did ... go and eat Tex Mex! And the first thing we did when we got back to the new Patterson residence ... have people come over and eat dessert. No, not peach cobbler, but this pastry like thing Bob made. Will maybe attempt it when I come home if I can find some guinea pigs to try it out on!
Sunday was cool here and so busy. At both services I did the readings. We were looking at John 1v1-14 in the lead up to starting the 'Walk Across the Room' evangelism training programme next week. The God Rods that were one of the legacies from the summer performed with the most beautiful signing in it too. The young people had a Bible Study between the two services and Katy the leader of it really did some stuff that tied in with what I'm going to be sharing this week.
Bob and I met with a group of mothers and daughters to talk about baptism and what it means to be a Christian. We don't do that kind of thing, and so I was a little sceptical and thought it would be like bullying them into making decisions ... but I was wrong. Was such a beautiful and special time. The girls had loads of great questions and you could tell they've been thinking about whether they want to become Christians or not.
Sunday night we had the normal youth group Sunday Night Live, where we ate and I did the first session of my Livin' Loud programme. I looked at the life of Rachel Joy Scott, a girl killed in the Columbine High School shootings in 1999 and the kind of life she lived, and then we looked at who Timothy was in the Bible. The key verse for the week is 1 Tim 4v12, telling them not to let anyone look down on them because they're young but to set an example in how they live. To set up the rest of the week we looked at the key words of unimportant, instead, believers, example. Unimportant is pretty self explanitory, instead meant a change of something, one for another, believers was in the church before we even got outside to others and example was what we had to be. The rest of the week focuses in on the examples looking at speech, life, love, faith and purity. After we'd looked at them all, they had to spread out and write their own prayer for the week ahead and what they hoped would happen etc. Was such a good night, and really felt God's presence in it, such an answer to prayer.
Yesterday I was in schools, but at night I had the same youth as Sunday from the church and we went bowling. Was such a laugh! I won came second in my lane in the first game, and then first in a different lane for the second. In reality was just a great team building, fun activity where I could spent time talking and getting to know the young people more in an informal manner before we go on with all the discipleship weekend stuff. Tomorrow I have a session with them on speech, and I think relationships are stronger already because of things like hanging out on Sunday night and last night, so should be a great session.
Sunday was cool here and so busy. At both services I did the readings. We were looking at John 1v1-14 in the lead up to starting the 'Walk Across the Room' evangelism training programme next week. The God Rods that were one of the legacies from the summer performed with the most beautiful signing in it too. The young people had a Bible Study between the two services and Katy the leader of it really did some stuff that tied in with what I'm going to be sharing this week.
Bob and I met with a group of mothers and daughters to talk about baptism and what it means to be a Christian. We don't do that kind of thing, and so I was a little sceptical and thought it would be like bullying them into making decisions ... but I was wrong. Was such a beautiful and special time. The girls had loads of great questions and you could tell they've been thinking about whether they want to become Christians or not.
Sunday night we had the normal youth group Sunday Night Live, where we ate and I did the first session of my Livin' Loud programme. I looked at the life of Rachel Joy Scott, a girl killed in the Columbine High School shootings in 1999 and the kind of life she lived, and then we looked at who Timothy was in the Bible. The key verse for the week is 1 Tim 4v12, telling them not to let anyone look down on them because they're young but to set an example in how they live. To set up the rest of the week we looked at the key words of unimportant, instead, believers, example. Unimportant is pretty self explanitory, instead meant a change of something, one for another, believers was in the church before we even got outside to others and example was what we had to be. The rest of the week focuses in on the examples looking at speech, life, love, faith and purity. After we'd looked at them all, they had to spread out and write their own prayer for the week ahead and what they hoped would happen etc. Was such a good night, and really felt God's presence in it, such an answer to prayer.
Yesterday I was in schools, but at night I had the same youth as Sunday from the church and we went bowling. Was such a laugh! I won came second in my lane in the first game, and then first in a different lane for the second. In reality was just a great team building, fun activity where I could spent time talking and getting to know the young people more in an informal manner before we go on with all the discipleship weekend stuff. Tomorrow I have a session with them on speech, and I think relationships are stronger already because of things like hanging out on Sunday night and last night, so should be a great session.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Flight leaves in T minus 18 hours!!!
Flight leaves in 18 hours ... not that I'm counting and totally excited!!! Me ... excitable ... never!!!
Was up until the early hours this morning finishing off some prep atuff, and have just printed out the last session outline. It's finally here and finally happening. Was talking with Bob the other day and forgot to get his address ... been sent it by millions of folks now, so will definately get into the country.
Been thinking today about the different culture I'm going to. Sure, in some ways it's the same, but in others it's totally different. Really felt that last night as I was preparing stuff on purity. So glad God's Word is timeless and therefore the different culture is irrelevant. At the same time though, will be good to experience trying to teach like this in a whole other way than what I'm more used to.
Suit-case just about packed. Have been putting stuff in and taking it out all week. But the stuff that has stayed in is my schools work clothes. Yahey, they're letting me into schools!!! I have no problem not being able to talk about Jesus in the explicit way I would here, if I can just get in and form some links. I'll gladly tell them about Scotland, and hopefully even in that Jesus will be reflected in me. Who knows, Bob was thinking that some of the kids I meet may even come to some of the stuff going on in the week. That would be brilliant! Not for large numbers, but just because it'll enable relationships to be build and kids to get closer to Jesus ... maybe (please Lord) make a decision for Him!!! Ohhh, it's so cool. What an exciting possibility and such an awesome priviledge.
Really prayed into what I should be doing, and loads of it I really feel is the right stuff God's laid on my heart. I really want God to speak through me and use me, challenging and changing me as much as the young people, so I just pray that the stuff thats of me dyes away, so only He remains. The young folk are great, and I really pray that they encounter God in an even deeper way in what goes on. Man, I always just think, look at what they are now, all the stuff that they're into now and the way that they're drawing close to God ... and then I think, what will they be like in 5 years time.
The really disapppointing thing is that some of them may not be walking with God. I've seen it happen in my friends, in youth groups ... and though I pray against it, that may still be the case here. But at the same time, why can't they be different. Imagine what could happen?! Look at their potential, and then add in God who does things that are immersurably more than we can ask or imagine ... and wow, what a picture ......
And that's why I do what I do. Because I want God to use me, not to get a big head, but to help change people's lives. Not because I can do it, but because I know beyond a shadow of doubt He can!
So, off I go to pack, hopefully relax and sleep if I'm not climbing the walls ... and we'll see what happens ...
Was up until the early hours this morning finishing off some prep atuff, and have just printed out the last session outline. It's finally here and finally happening. Was talking with Bob the other day and forgot to get his address ... been sent it by millions of folks now, so will definately get into the country.
Been thinking today about the different culture I'm going to. Sure, in some ways it's the same, but in others it's totally different. Really felt that last night as I was preparing stuff on purity. So glad God's Word is timeless and therefore the different culture is irrelevant. At the same time though, will be good to experience trying to teach like this in a whole other way than what I'm more used to.
Suit-case just about packed. Have been putting stuff in and taking it out all week. But the stuff that has stayed in is my schools work clothes. Yahey, they're letting me into schools!!! I have no problem not being able to talk about Jesus in the explicit way I would here, if I can just get in and form some links. I'll gladly tell them about Scotland, and hopefully even in that Jesus will be reflected in me. Who knows, Bob was thinking that some of the kids I meet may even come to some of the stuff going on in the week. That would be brilliant! Not for large numbers, but just because it'll enable relationships to be build and kids to get closer to Jesus ... maybe (please Lord) make a decision for Him!!! Ohhh, it's so cool. What an exciting possibility and such an awesome priviledge.
Really prayed into what I should be doing, and loads of it I really feel is the right stuff God's laid on my heart. I really want God to speak through me and use me, challenging and changing me as much as the young people, so I just pray that the stuff thats of me dyes away, so only He remains. The young folk are great, and I really pray that they encounter God in an even deeper way in what goes on. Man, I always just think, look at what they are now, all the stuff that they're into now and the way that they're drawing close to God ... and then I think, what will they be like in 5 years time.
The really disapppointing thing is that some of them may not be walking with God. I've seen it happen in my friends, in youth groups ... and though I pray against it, that may still be the case here. But at the same time, why can't they be different. Imagine what could happen?! Look at their potential, and then add in God who does things that are immersurably more than we can ask or imagine ... and wow, what a picture ......
And that's why I do what I do. Because I want God to use me, not to get a big head, but to help change people's lives. Not because I can do it, but because I know beyond a shadow of doubt He can!
So, off I go to pack, hopefully relax and sleep if I'm not climbing the walls ... and we'll see what happens ...
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
3 days to go!!!
Not that I'm at all excited, but only three days now til I fly back over to Warm Springs. Things really begining to take shape. Was talking to Pastor Bob, Erin and Katie on the phone last night. Everyone seems pretty excited, and the whole thing will be great. Got my schedule through too ... man are they going to work me hard!!! But as they've paid for me to be there really can't complain. And I'd much rather that than sitting around all day.
The schedule is as follows:
Warm Springs Teaching Trip Visit Schedule
Saturday 27th:
Leave Scotland early in the morning.
Fly all day! (Thanks for the book Stewart, will finally get to enjoy it!)
Arrive in Warm Springs in the afternoon.
Hang out and relax with Bob and co.
Sunday 28th:
Early morning service.
Youth Bible Study.
Second morning service.
Youth Discipleship Cafe.
Sunday Night Live (Youth Group at night) - Session 1 of Livin' Loud (1 Tim 4:12)
Monday 29th:
In area schools all day.
Youth activity at night - possibly bowling.
Tuesday 30th:
In area schools all day.
Lunch with Bob at Rotary club.
Girls Bible Study at night.
Wednesday 31st:
In area schools all day.
Church dinner at night.
Youth Bible Study - Session 2 of Livin' Loud (Speech)
Thursday 1st Feb:
Free day ... at the moment
Friday 2nd Feb:
Final prep in morning.
Youth Discipleship Weekend starts - Session 3 of Livin' Loud (Life)
Chill out time.
Sleepover
Saturday 3rd Feb:
Breakfast at church
Youth Session - Session 4 of Livin' Loud (Love)
Fun and games
Youth Session - Session 5 of Livin' Loud (Faith)
Lunch at church
Mission work - social action
Youth Session - Session 6 of Livin' Loud (Purity)
Collapse in a heap!!!
Sunday 4th:
Early morning service / breakfast at church
Youth Session - Session 7 of Livin' Loud (Communion and Commissioning)
Morning Service
Lunch with people
Pack and Leave
Fly all night!
Monday 5th:
Arrive back in the UK
Try not to fall asleep
Go to a meeting related to discipleship stuff
Worship group (?)
Sleep!!!!!!!!!!!
And then it's straight back into college life from the Tuesday!!!
Am so excited about the chance to get into schools!!! We'll see how that all goes. Bob was saying the schools on the Tuesday are Christian, so I may be able to share devotionally and not just about Scotland, but the fact they are letting me in at all is great!
There could be anywhere from 10-25 young people around for the week and the weekend, plus any others that come as a result of hearing about it. That's quite a nice number, and I'm glad the first few days are more relational than teaching. Some of the young folk I'll know a little from the summer, and others not at all, so will be good to get to know them and for them to get to know me. That way when I share what I feel God's led me to, they will hopefully be more open to hear it because we'll have bonded a little.
Also glad that I get to spend some time with just the girls. The Bible Study on Tuesday may help give me some fresh ideas for our girls discipleship group. Bob was telling me last night that he's volunteered his place for the girls to sleep-over in on Saturday night as he has three bathrooms ... so may not get the peace and rest we'd hoped for, but will be able to spend more time hanging out with the girls.
Hopefully will be blogging while I'm away and not just keeping my normal journal, but we'll see how that goes time wise and computer wise. Should be doable though.
Oh, so weird thinking it's just days away now - been months for so long and then whomf, all of a sudden it's here and it's happening. Going to go and carry on with the preparation work for a while just now I think. What a shame that means I have to watch a movie to check content as one of my prep tasks!
The schedule is as follows:
Warm Springs Teaching Trip Visit Schedule
Saturday 27th:
Leave Scotland early in the morning.
Fly all day! (Thanks for the book Stewart, will finally get to enjoy it!)
Arrive in Warm Springs in the afternoon.
Hang out and relax with Bob and co.
Sunday 28th:
Early morning service.
Youth Bible Study.
Second morning service.
Youth Discipleship Cafe.
Sunday Night Live (Youth Group at night) - Session 1 of Livin' Loud (1 Tim 4:12)
Monday 29th:
In area schools all day.
Youth activity at night - possibly bowling.
Tuesday 30th:
In area schools all day.
Lunch with Bob at Rotary club.
Girls Bible Study at night.
Wednesday 31st:
In area schools all day.
Church dinner at night.
Youth Bible Study - Session 2 of Livin' Loud (Speech)
Thursday 1st Feb:
Free day ... at the moment
Friday 2nd Feb:
Final prep in morning.
Youth Discipleship Weekend starts - Session 3 of Livin' Loud (Life)
Chill out time.
Sleepover
Saturday 3rd Feb:
Breakfast at church
Youth Session - Session 4 of Livin' Loud (Love)
Fun and games
Youth Session - Session 5 of Livin' Loud (Faith)
Lunch at church
Mission work - social action
Youth Session - Session 6 of Livin' Loud (Purity)
Collapse in a heap!!!
Sunday 4th:
Early morning service / breakfast at church
Youth Session - Session 7 of Livin' Loud (Communion and Commissioning)
Morning Service
Lunch with people
Pack and Leave
Fly all night!
Monday 5th:
Arrive back in the UK
Try not to fall asleep
Go to a meeting related to discipleship stuff
Worship group (?)
Sleep!!!!!!!!!!!
And then it's straight back into college life from the Tuesday!!!
Am so excited about the chance to get into schools!!! We'll see how that all goes. Bob was saying the schools on the Tuesday are Christian, so I may be able to share devotionally and not just about Scotland, but the fact they are letting me in at all is great!
There could be anywhere from 10-25 young people around for the week and the weekend, plus any others that come as a result of hearing about it. That's quite a nice number, and I'm glad the first few days are more relational than teaching. Some of the young folk I'll know a little from the summer, and others not at all, so will be good to get to know them and for them to get to know me. That way when I share what I feel God's led me to, they will hopefully be more open to hear it because we'll have bonded a little.
Also glad that I get to spend some time with just the girls. The Bible Study on Tuesday may help give me some fresh ideas for our girls discipleship group. Bob was telling me last night that he's volunteered his place for the girls to sleep-over in on Saturday night as he has three bathrooms ... so may not get the peace and rest we'd hoped for, but will be able to spend more time hanging out with the girls.
Hopefully will be blogging while I'm away and not just keeping my normal journal, but we'll see how that goes time wise and computer wise. Should be doable though.
Oh, so weird thinking it's just days away now - been months for so long and then whomf, all of a sudden it's here and it's happening. Going to go and carry on with the preparation work for a while just now I think. What a shame that means I have to watch a movie to check content as one of my prep tasks!
Exam over!!!
Ok, stress levels can go back to normal once more. Biblical Survey exam over. Wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be - lets hope I'm still saying that after it's greaded though!
All in all first semester both flown in and dragged in. Now that my last assignement for now is handed in, I plan on reflecting on the past few months. Think I'll be doing that especially in relation to things I want to impliment for this coming semester.
But for today, it's all over and I can breathe a sigh of relief!
All in all first semester both flown in and dragged in. Now that my last assignement for now is handed in, I plan on reflecting on the past few months. Think I'll be doing that especially in relation to things I want to impliment for this coming semester.
But for today, it's all over and I can breathe a sigh of relief!
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