Utterly amazed, incredibly humbled, thrilled to the heart…a sense of joy causes our spirits to lift up praise and thanksgiving to our God. He has sustained us and much more these past 30 semesters…15 years now at New Tribes Bible Institute. We look back and can hardly believe it. And yet…here they come; another NTBI freshman class and dozens of returning students. Hallelujah! Lord willing we’ll see 66-70 new faces and about 75 returning, all with the goal of studying God’s Word full time for 4 semesters. Lord only knows where these guys will end up, but we hope and pray that many will join in the work of taking the Gospel to a people group without it at this time. We would appreciate your prayers as classes begin Wednesday August 24. This is the first semester I will have an opportunity to kick things off at Orientation Monday morning.
I plan on going through some of the rich history NTM has and challenge the students with 3 verses…Hebrews 11.6; “…without faith it is impossible to please God; for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a reward-er of those who diligently seek Him.” 2Chronicles 16.9 “The eyes of the Lord look to and fro throughout the whole earth; to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” Psalm 33.4 “The word of the Lord is right and all His work is done in truth.”
There is a theme here that I will unpack…having to do with missions being God’s work, done by the Strong One, according to His Word by those who have faith in Him. Missions is not done by super humans, but by regular, normal, everyday people who believe and trust God for wisdom, enablement and provision in every area of life. “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Hebrews 13.4
Oh yea…Shirley is at this moment in CA with Rico and Megan awaiting the arrival of Olivia, our first grandchild…due today!!! Even so Olivia, come quickly!
Thanks for listening and thanks for praying! Your fellowship in the Gospel is such a blessing!