SHANNON'S SPACE

Happy 2012

2011-12-30T18:13:00.001+01:00

As 2011 comes to an end, one typicallybecomes contemplative and takes a review of the past year. This is happeningeverywhere, from the morning and nightly news, magazines, blogs, statuses andtweets. It is good to reflect,remember, and recite the things that have been. Remembering allows us the opportunity to see where we havebeen and stay on track for the future.

For me this has been a year of change,challenge, and concentration. 2011began with making one of the most difficult decisions of my life. God wasleading me away from a ministry that I had been involved with for the majorityof my missions’ career. Although Egypt was where I was called to ministry, andCambodia laid a foundation for life overseas, Belgium and ContinentalTheological Seminary were where God revealed my heart for discipling andmentoring. (Here's a link to my bio.) Although change is never easy, if navigated well, it can lead to thenext steps of our path toward God. Hopefully I am on the right course.

Many years ago I read the book “Hinds Feet on High Places,” by Hannah Hurnard. This beautiful allegory describes ourjourney to higher places with God. At a crucial point in the book the key character is on a high and rockyterrain. Dense fog covers the pathahead. She can’t see where she is going. However, if she looks down, she cansee the next step. That one rockin the path is the only step she can see, however, that one step isenough. When she sees it, she cantake it.

Throughout the years of discipling studentspursuing God’s call to full-time ministry, I have given this advice: You can’t take the next step if youdon’t see it. Keep doing the lastthing God told you to do, and when you see the next step, take it. But neverbefore you see it. The preparation that happens in the waiting could be themost important preparation you need for the future God has planned for you.

I try to take my own advice to heart, andremember the things I have learned through the years. Have I been good atwaiting? Typically, the answer isno. Do I sometimes take steps on my own, without God’s prompting orrevealing? That’s an absolute,yes! Why is this a challenge?

I have a strong theory that since the timeof man’s fall in the Garden of Eden we have been struggling for control. Westruggle with sin, yes, but the control for the “knowledge of good and evil”that was forbidden in the garden is what keeps us wrestling with the nextsteps.

This year I've had the challenge ofwaiting. One day as I was praying and asking God about his timing, I could sensethe physical touch of God’s hands square upon my shoulders. What I sensed was that God was speaking to me “calm down, relax, the waiting will reveal whatis best, so stop fighting me for control. I’ve got this.” Wow. For methis was a powerful moment that I remember each time that anxious feeling risesin me, longing for control. Inanother post, I'll share more about God’s touch, but the point today is a reminderto allow God to reveal the path before you – in his time, in his way. I guess he’s the fog, but he is alsothe rock on the path, or as the scripture says, “the way, the truth, the life”(John 14:6). I am thankful to know“the way.” To know Jesus isenough. I may not always know where I’m going, but he is enough.

Life maychange, another year pass by, delays occur, but as for me, I’ll keep allowingGod to reveal the next steps, lift the fog, and reassure me that he truly is incontrol of my life.

Happy 2012!
Shannon

PS: If you want to know more about what is happening regarding my return to Europe, click here. Blessings!

Almost to England - End of year giving

2011-12-27T20:12:00.001+01:00

England is getting closer! I can almost smell the scones and Earl Grey tea!

It is my goal to return in the first quarter of 2012 and I am currently in the process of requesting a visa for the United Kingdom and need your prayers for this process. Although I have had a busy year of fundraising and sharing in local churches, I am still a bit short on my fundraising goals. My cash has been raised, but I am still in need of a few partners to stand with me on a monthly basis. To find out more about how to make an end-of-year donation (tax deductible, of course), click here to see all of the options for giving.

Your prayers and partnership are so appreciated. Thank you for helping me return to Europe, move to England, and train & mentor students who are called to ministry.

TOGETHER we can reach Europe for Christ!
Shannon

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2011-12-21T17:11:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas from Missionary Shannon Buckner:

It's the most wonderful time....of the year! Why? Because we have the amazing privilege of celebrating the advent of Christ. The coming of Jesus to reconcile God to man fulfilled more than 300 prophecies from the Old Testament. His birth was humble, but at his birth angels rejoiced, lowly shepherds were chosen to worship him, a star announced his arrival, and kings from afar followed that star to worship this "King of the Jews."

We continue to celebrate today because with the coming of "Immanuel," God with us, God has continued to be "with us" as he walked the earth, related to us, and then sent the Holy Spirit to continue to be our constant comforter. What a gift! The gift of love, the gift of presence, the gift of eternal life. What greater gift could we ask for?

I pray that during this Christmas season you find peace, joy, and hope in our Savior - Jesus Christ. Enjoy your family and friends, but also take time to worship the King!

Thank you so much for your prayers and partnership in missions. Lots of exciting things are happening as I prepare to return to Europe. If you would like to find out more, you can read my recent newsletter by clicking here for the online link.

With love and blessings for Christmas and the year ahead,

Shannon L. Buckner

Missionary to Europe

Training, Mentoring & Making Disciples at Mattersey Hall Christian College

England, United Kingdom

Love for orphans & foster kids

2011-11-03T19:22:00.001+01:00

If you've talked with me one-on-one, you may have found our conversation directed to the needs of those who don't have families - orphans and foster kids. Foster kids have a special place in my heart. It all started about 12 years ago when I was on a flight and read an article in Reader's Digest about the plight of foster kids who turn 18 and are left on their own. It broke my heart.

I then remembered how my parents took in my uncle when he was only 8 years old, after the passing of my grandmother. Had they not taken him in, who knows what his life would look like today. But because they did, I now call him my "brother" and he's a husband, father, and a pastor. Our lives were never the same because my parents took scripture literally and "Defend[ed] the cause of the fatherless..." (Isaiah 1:17). Some may say, "well...he was family, they had to do it."

However, as I have matured and heard many other stories of those abandoned, I have come to realize that not everyone does take it upon themselves to expand their comfort zones, family borders, and circles of love to care for those who have no one else. But God has chosen His church to do this. As a Christian it is my duty. In the Bible, the book of James 1:27 says: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

This month is adoption awareness month. It's a time to get involved by adopting, fostering, helping those in need or becoming an advocate for those who have no one else. What has God asked you to do? I'm asking the same questions and my prayer is that together we can all make a difference and care for those who have no one else. As for me, I believe at some point I will either adopt or care for a foster child. I am also involved in supporting a child, praying, and raising awareness.
If you are from Arkansas - here is a video from a wonderful organization called "The C.A.L.L - Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime" - Get involved! Touch a life.

Will you answer the C.A.L.L.? from The C.A.L.L. in Arkansas on Vimeo.

Get resources for yourself or your church at www.orphansunday.org

BREAK 3!

2011-10-12T22:52:00.002+02:00

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT EUROPE???

Update!

2011-10-12T22:26:00.000+02:00

Since my last post in July I have been busy with missions service and lots of travel. I had the privilege of driving 2000 miles on a round trip to Phoenix, Arizona, for the Assemblies of God General Council. It was a wonderful experience, taking me through states I have never seen before, all to be a part of what was a wonderful meeting of our church fellowship. You can take a look at some of the pictures from the journey in the slideshow below. In Phoenix I worked each day in the exhibition area to promote Europe World Missions. It was a great experience to partner with my Europe missionary colleagues & leaders in sharing about the need in Europe. Our theme was BREAK 3 - less than 3% of Europeans are evangelical Christian and we want to break past this barrier. If you want to know more about this, click here, and watch the video on the site.

Upon returning home I attended a week-long seminar on Compassion Ministries in Kansas City, Missouri. What an eye-opening experience! I learned much about the need to minister to the felt needs of people throughout the world, as well as about the growing epidemic that is human trafficking. My eyes have been opened to this tragedy, which is happening every day in Europe and every country of our world, and I hope to share the knowledge gained from this seminar with the students that I teach.

Although I had hoped to leave for England in October, I am continuing to raise funds and share about Europe in churches throughout Arkansas and surrounding states. I have currently raised 85% of my monthly budget, and well over 100% of my cash budget! Praise God! One of the reasons for my delay was because the request for a worker visa from the college was denied. Would you please pray that God will give me wisdom as to how to proceed in requesting a visa to live & minister in England at Mattersey Hall Christian College? I know God has a plan. I now hope to leave for England in January 2012.

Thank you so much for your prayers & partnership. Until next time we are...

Partners Together,
Shannon Buckner

Newsletter Time!

2011-07-11T21:35:00.001+02:00

I've just sent & posted my latest newsletter newsletter "Shannon's Space." Click Here to view the online PDF document.

Thanks for your prayers as I prepare to return to Europe and the ministry of training young men & women at Mattersey Hall Christian College in the UK.

If you would like to become a financial partner in this ministry, click on How to Partner With Shannon for more details.

May God bless you abundantly!
Shannon

New Post on Itineration Blog...check it out!

2011-06-16T15:44:00.000+02:00

Go and check out my new post on the itineration side of this blog: Long drives, audio books, divine appointments.

Find it by CLICKING HERE!

Praying for Students

2011-05-24T23:33:00.000+02:00

Although I will not be returning to Belgium and the ministry of Continental Theological Seminary, this school and the students have a very tender part of my heart - especially when it comes time for graduation and summer mission internships! Thanks for praying for CTS graduation ceremonies that will take place in the coming week, as well as for the following students who will embark on mission outreaches around the world.

The Power of Partnership

2011-04-29T20:37:00.000+02:00

Mission efforts are about partnership. To everyone who has partnered with me over the years through prayers & finances I say a big THANK YOU!

As I prepare to move to England this fall, I am building more partnerships. My budget has only increased slightly, and for this I thank God! However, I had many partners that were hit hard by the economic crisis during the last several years and were not able to continue their monthly commitments. As a result, I went about 25% below my target budget. These are the funds I am raising now in hopes to complete fundraising efforts by September.

If you would like to help, you can contribute with a one-time cash offering or make a monthly commitment for the 4 years that I will be in England. Cash offerings help with my cash budget which provides for plane tickets, housing deposits, moving expenses, etc., while monthly commitments provide toward the whole of my living & work expenses each month that I am on the field. Both are valuable ways to help me to live in England, train & mentor students called to ministry, and increase the Kingdom of God in Europe.

If you would like to make a contribution, simply click here and fill out the form for a monthly commitment, or scroll to the bottom for credit card donations or one-time offerings. All donations are tax-deductible, and rewards are given in heaven!

Thank you for your partnership.

Holy Week - HE IS RISEN!

2011-04-24T14:05:00.004+02:00

An empty tomb, grave clothes left behind, bewildered disciples, a crying woman comforted by her Savior, a doubting disciple got a first hand look at what had to be done, and he believed.

I am so thankful for the resurrection of Jesus. He did what was prophesied he would do. He came to this earth as man, he walked & talked with us, he healed us, he delivered us from our sin, he emptied himself, was falsely accused, beaten, crucified, dead and buried. But he rose again on the third day, just like he said he would. It really happened. His disciples and many others saw him, talked with him, examined the wounds from his crucifixion, and believed.

As you think about the significance of today, you may become like Thomas and doubt that it really happened. Read the story from the book of John below, or look it up for yourself in other history books. But also allow the greatest story ever told to pierce your heart, and have faith in the one that can take your burden, love you unconditionally, and bring you eternal life.

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

John 20 - The Empty Tomb

¹ Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. ² So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” ³ So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. ⁴ Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵ He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, ⁷ as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. ⁸ Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. ⁹ (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) ¹⁰ Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene - ¹¹ Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb ¹² and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. ¹³ They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” ¹⁴ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. ¹⁵ He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him. ¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). ¹⁷ Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” ¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples - ¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas - ²⁴ Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” ²⁶ A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” ²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Holy Week - Holy Saturday

2011-04-24T02:49:00.000+02:00

On this day of Holy Week, Jesus was in the tomb. Holy Saturday has traditionally been a time of reflection and waiting. I'm sure this is what Jesus' disciples were doing on this day. One day they were walking & talking with him, watching his miracles, hearing his sermons, changing their attitudes, and allowing Him to change their hearts. The next day they saw him be betrayed by their friend, beaten, ridiculed and hung on a cross. They watched him die. They remembered the stories and had seen others raised from the dead, but they were so traumatized and drained by the horrific nature of his crucifixion, that they were in shock. They reflected on their time with him and wondered about some of the things he said (what was that again about tearing down the temple and rebuilding it in 3 days?), and prayed that it was not the end.

But they didn't know what we know.

As I reflect on Jesus' death and sacrifice for my sin, I realize I know the rest of the story! Jesus wasn't in that tomb very long and all of the prophecies and promises came true. He was the Messiah. My reflection & waiting is filled with a longing and expectation for the unbelievable: The RESURRECTION!!

And I can't wait!

Holy Week - Good Friday

2011-04-22T15:53:00.004+02:00

This day of Holy Week is called Good Friday. It's hard to understand why the word "good" is associated with such horrible things that happened on this day. On this day Jesus was betrayed by someone closest to him, arrested in the garden, brought before Pilot, tried, beaten, and humiliated. He suffered greatly on Friday. He was crucified, died, and buried in a borrowed tomb. But some of Jesus final words were "Father, forgive them..." (Luke 23 :34) and this is the essence of his sacrifice - it was for our forgiveness.

We don't celebrate today, rather we mourn. We mourn for the pain & suffering that Jesus had to endure, but we also mourn because of our sins which were great. It took the sacrifice of the Son of God to remove them for me. It was foretold long ago in the book of Isaiah what would happen, and why:

Isaiah 53:3-12

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Thank you, Jesus, for the cross. And thank you that death could not hold you!
Sunday is coming!

Holy Week - Maundy Thursday

2011-04-22T02:04:00.000+02:00

This is Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday, with Maundy meaning "commandment or mandate") of Holy Week, and a day to remember Jesus' most holy of commands to us: Love.

As Jesus and the Disciples were eating their final meal together before Jesus’ arrest, he washed the disciples' feet to illustrate humility and the spirit of servanthood. After they had finished the meal, as they walked into the night toward Gethsemane, Jesus taught his disciples a "new" commandment that was not really new (John 13:34-35): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, you also ought to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

As you remember Jesus and his sacrifice for you, remember the events from this day of Holy Week: community, humility, serving, and loving. This is how others will know we are his disciples.

You can read more about the days of Holy Week here: http://www.cresourcei.org/cyholyweek.html

New post on Itineration Blog...check it out!

2011-03-30T05:24:00.004+02:00

Check out my Itineration Blog...there's a new post about the recent Arkansas Sectional Council tour that I participated in (good times!) and an update on my budget. Plus - I reveal my 2011 Itineration Motto! You don't want to miss this folks...

Announcing: Third Term Mission Assignment

2011-03-01T15:57:00.003+01:00

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity

under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1

After 13 years of serving as a missionary on the campus of Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels, Belgium, and after much prayer, fasting and counsel, this season of ministry has come to a close and I will not be returning to Brussels. It has been a joy to invest into the lives of hundreds of students over these many years. CTS alumni are serving in more than 70 nations of the world. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have had to have a little part in preparing and sending them out into full-time ministry.

I remain an A/G Missionary to Europe and am excited about what God has planned. I have a call to train, mentor, and make disciples of the next generation of ministers. Therefore, my third term as a missionary with the A/G World Missions will take me 400 miles across the English channel from Brussels to the United Kingdom. I have received and accepted an invitation to serve as a missionary on the campus of the Assemblies of God Bible College in the United Kingdom: Mattersey Hall Christian College, in Mattersey, England. Mattersey Hall is a Christian College founded in London in 1909. At the heart of its mission, both the College and the Graduate School are committed to preparing men and women through an education that is innovative and marked by academic excellence for productive Christian service in vocations and ministries matched to the marketplace of the 21st Century.
I will continue mentoring and training students for ministry. Therefore my mission simply changes geographical location. I am thankful for this new opportunity to accelerate the spread of the Gospel in Europe through the formation of young lives called of God. I will serve on the campus as a missionary, and will NOT receive remuneration - so your continued financial support is greatly appreciated!

My goal is to arrive in England in the fall 2011. I am currently at 77% of my financial budget. If you or your church can partner with me on a monthly basis, this will accelerate my fundraising to be in England by Fall. Click here to find ways that you can partner with me financially. If you are already a monthly donor, thank you for your partnership. If you can consider a “cost of living” increase to this monthly donation, any amount is greatly appreciated.

I also have many open dates on my calendar for missionary services. Thank you for contacting me to schedule a service and hear about what God is doing in Europe through the Assemblies of God World Missions. You can find my updated calendar of services by going to my Online Calendar.

We are partners together in reaching the next generation of Europeans with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

In His Service, Shannon
Here are some photos of Mattersey Hall. To find out more about the college, click here to go to the website.

Travel, Snow & Meeting Great People

2011-02-11T20:59:00.000+01:00

That's what life is all about right now...travel, snow and meeting some great people. I would say "cool" people, but it's cold enough right now as it is 28 F here in Arkansas, and we've just had some amazing snowy weather - record snow, record temps. I love it!

But here are some photos for you to enjoy of a trip I made in January up to South Dakota. You can read more about this on my Itineration Blog: www.shannonsitineration.blogspot.com.

A Season for Everything Under Heaven...

2011-02-09T17:11:00.001+01:00

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Change is inevitable. After 13 years of serving as a missionary on the campus of Continental Theological Seminary, and after much prayer, fasting and counsel, this season of ministry has come to a close. I leave CTS with such respect for my colleagues from around the world, and with a knowledge that the ministry of Continental Theological Seminary will continue for long into the future. It has been a joy to invest into the lives of hundreds of students over these many years - to see them enter as first-year students, prepare themselves, and graduate to go into full-time ministry. CTS alumni are serving in more than 70 nations of the world. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have had a little part in their preparation for ministry.

As for the future, I remain an A/G Missionary to Europe and am excited about what God has planned. I will keep you informed of the details of ministry for my next term, but it's not quite "time" to post this information. PLEASE PRAY during the coming weeks as my mission assignment is finalized. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and God's divine direction.

I first sensed God calling me to full-time ministry when I was 13 years old. I tried to run away from this calling, but God continued to show Himself faithful to me and the call to ministry remained. My call was further solidified in Bible college, and then, 20 years ago, I found myself involved in ministry as a youth pastor, short-term missionary in Cambodia, and for the last 13 years in Belgium. Now as I look at the next stage of life & ministry, I am excited to see how God will lead and guide.

At the end of the day, ministry is all about showing the love of God and leading people to Him so they can know hope and true peace. I pray that the next 20 years of ministry will be filled with God's wisdom, direction, and fruitfulness - but most of all, God's love.

Merry Christmas, Friends!

2010-12-20T04:37:00.000+01:00

It's the Sunday before Christmas, and all through the house,
only one creature was stirring, and it wasn't a mouse!

It was me, in America this year for Christmas. I am very happy.

But Christmas is not just about being in the USA this year. And although I am so very excited to be with my family this year (last year we had Christmas via Skype), it's not even all about that.

Christmas is about Jesus. This is a time to celebrate my Saviour. Jesus Christ. Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and my personal favorite name for God: Emmanuel - God with Us!

Isaiah foretold Jesus arrival in chapter 9 verse 6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

I don't deserve a saviour because my sins were too great, but God saw past my failures to my heart and said I was worth saving. He saw what He had created me to be...His! Every day I thank God for my salvation. What am I saved from? From my sins and failures, but also from an eternal hell. God's plan meant that He gave up His son, Jesus, and sent Him to earth to live a life so that He could relate to, of all people, me! Who does that? God does. Because He cares so much for us that he wanted to be WITH US!

And Jesus remains with us today. He lived, and yes, He died on this earth, but He lives today because He rose again (that's Easter!) and then sent the Holy Spirit (our comforter) to live in our hearts and guide us through life.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Wise men do still seek Him.

This year, let's keep CHRIST in CHRISTMAS and celebrate Him!

Merry Christmas!
Shannon

PS: You can read my Christmas newsletter by clicking here. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving...updates

2010-11-17T15:58:00.001+01:00

It's Thanksgiving! So thankful to God for the life and hope that he's given to me, for my family and the joy that they bring, for my friends that are sent by God, for my partners in ministry - both in the US and Europe - because we are stronger together than apart. Here's a wonderful video that helps us to see what it is to be thankful, no matter what.

Give Thanks from Element Church on Vimeo.

I've also updated my itineration blog. Go take a look at the new post called "Fellowship Meetings" at Shannon's Itineration Trail.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FRIENDS!

New posts on my Itineration blog

2010-09-17T21:09:00.001+02:00

Hi friends - although this site is fully active and functional, don't forget to pop over to my other blog: Shannon's Itineration Trail. On this site you can take a look at what I'm doing during my one year of missionary furlough in the USA. I'll provide information on my travels, services, and ways that we can partner together to continue reaching Europe with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Right now you can see ways for us to partner together, and also view a video about Continental Theological Seminary!

If you would like for me to come and share with your church or group about what is happening in Europe, I would be thrilled! Send me an email by clicking here, or if you want to see what my calendar looks like go to Shannon's Itineration Calendar to check if I have a particular date available.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks for your partnership!
Shannon

Orphan Sunday

2010-09-01T00:53:00.001+02:00

Hey friends - did you know that there is a special event that you can get involved with at your church on November 7, 2010? It's called Orphan Sunday and is an opportunity for local churches to get involved in reaching out to orphans and foster kids in their communities. The church has a mandate to care for orphans and defend the cause of the fatherless. Make a difference in the world and your community by hosting Orphan Sunday at your church! Click on the banner above to go to the website. They have lots of resources for you to use to promote the event!

Want to know more, watch the video, then go check out the website!

Why Love Orphans? from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Calendar Updated!

2010-08-19T19:07:00.000+02:00

You can now view my Itineration Calendar of Events by clicking HERE, or using the link on the left sidebar. Now you can see what I'm up to, and also know if I might have a particular date available for a missions service.

If you have any questions, or would like to book a missions service or time to share over a cup of coffee, don't hesitate to EMAIL ME! I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Yard Sales = Missions Moments

2010-08-14T15:55:00.000+02:00

There's a new post on my itineration blog entitled "Even Yard Sales Can Be Missions Moments!" Check it out by travelling to Shannon's Itineration Trail.

Meetings in Springfield, Missouri

2010-08-10T17:40:00.001+02:00

I am currently in Springfield, Missouri, representing AGWM Europe at the Assemblies of God General Presbytery meetings, along with my Regional Director Greg Mundis and fellow missionary to the Canary Islands, Larry Henderson. It is an honor to represent my colleagues at this meeting. It is also interesting to observe the difficult job that our A/G leadership have as they navigate our fellowship toward reaching the lost for Jesus. Thanks for your prayers for the churches and ministries of the Assemblies of God.

As I prepare for the coming year of furlough in the US, I have created another blog that will track my travels and time in local churches throughout Arkansas and other states. You can check out this blog by going to SHANNON'S ITINERATION TRAIL. If you would like to know where I will be speaking, surf over to my ITINERATION CALENDAR where you can link to dates, times and locations.

I hope to see you at a service in the coming year. Be blessed!

Missionary Renewal

2010-07-01T14:28:00.002+02:00

Every summer the Assemblies of God World Missions hosts missionaries from around the world in Springfield, Missouri, for training of new missionaries, and refreshing for veterans (that's me). It used to be called School of Missions. Now it's called Missionary Renewal. I like the name change, and am happy that the schedule reflects this shift in focus.

After 5 years on the field, with just a few brief visits back to the USA (the last one for me was Christmas 2009 and only lasted 6 days!), a "renewal" is welcome.

This week has been very refreshing and renewing for me. Much to think about and more importantly, pray about, but there is an environment present to do just that.

I am excited about the year ahead. It will be busy: traveling 40,000 miles, speaking 100+ times, making thousands of phone calls, sending thousands of letters. But I get to share about one of my favorite subjects: what God is doing around the world, specifically in Europe, as we at Continental Theological Seminary train students for ministry.

If you are a pastor or church member and would like for me to share at your church, small group, Sunday school class, kids church, youth group, or we just meet at a local coffee shop and talk over a cup, SEND ME A MESSAGE! It would be a joy to meet you and talk about God's work in Europe.

TOGETHER - we can reach a world without hope with the HOPE OF JESUS CHRIST!

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK!!: Click Here

Graduation 2010

2010-06-07T09:06:00.003+02:00

We made it through another year and on Saturday 5 June, 32 graduates received their Master or Bachelor Degrees in Bible & Theology from Continental Theological Seminary. This was my 10th opportunity to participate in these special ceremonies. I am very proud of all of our graduates. They now leave us to pursue God's plan for their lives. Some will continue their education, others enter full-time ministry, all will become vital members of the church in Europe and the World.

Thank you to my prayer partners and financial supporters for making it possible for me to serve at Continental Theological Seminary. I will be leaving for the US at the end of June for my year of furlough. I will be moving back to Arkansas and I look forward to reconnecting with many of you and sharing about what is happening through the ministry of CTS. God is giving us the ability, with his strength and wisdom, to disciple and train young men and women for full-time ministry.

Photos and video will follow, but for now just a simple - THANK YOU!!!

If you are on Facebook - perhaps you can see a special video by clicking here...

My Mom

2010-05-20T09:09:00.002+02:00

I am very proud of my mother, Carolyn Buckner. She retires next week from years of service as the Food Services Manager at my hometown high school. She was honored this week along with other retirees.

I LOVE YOU MOM!! Congratulations!

CLARKSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT RETIREES RECOGNIZED

Three Clarksville (AR) school district employees were recognized during the school board meeting on Monday, May 17th. Martha Allen, Kim Ballard and Carolyn Buckner will be retiring at the end of this school year. Mrs. Allen is a teacher at Pyron Elementary School. Mrs. Ballard is the District Literacy Specialist. Mrs. Buckner is Clarksville High School Food Service Manager. The retirees were presented plaques of recognition and were honored with a reception and music from a clarinet ensemble under the direction of Ralph Brody and Crystal Reeves, band directors in the Clarksville District.

Together the women represent 51 years of service and dedication to the Clarksville School District. THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Light of Antwerp

2010-05-09T13:07:00.005+02:00

As many of you know, for the last almost 4 years I've been privileged to work alongside CTS graduates, Reijo & Esther Nevalainen, in the Belgian port city of Antwerp, to establish an international church/fellowship. Many hours of prayer, planning, more prayer, more planning have gone into this outreach.

Recently, the following article was published by the Fellowship of European International Churches to tell the story of this church-planting endeavor. What was known as All Nations Together in Antwerp (ANTIA) is now the Lighthouse Fellowship and Lighthouse Cafe. Here's a copy of the article below, or you can CLICK HERE to see the article on the FEIC website. Be blessed and thanks for your prayers for Antwerp, and the efforts of these CTS graduates in this city.

Promo Video 2010 from Reijo Nevalainen on Vimeo.

A year ago, Reijo Nevalainen, pastor of Lighthouse Antwerp Church (formerly known as ‘All Nations Together’), found himself at a crossroads. After two and one-half years of working to plant a new international church in the Belgian port city of Antwerp, he was disappointed with the result. In a small team meeting one night, bared his soul. “I told the team that I had taken the church as far as I could,” he said. “I felt that I had failed and didn’t know how to continue.”

Reijo’s honesty proved to be pivotal moment for the church. After a meaningful time of prayer, Reijo surrendered the project to God. “Peace followed confusion,” explained Reijo. “It was not my project anymore, but God’s. Now, He was in charge… And when I look back, It was from that moment onward that good things started to happen.”

What started to happen was actually a new work in downtown Antwerp called ‘Lighthouse Cafe’, a joint venture between Lighthouse Community Church and another Christian worker in the city who had started a kindergarten.

The seeker sensitive cafe is a monthly outreach, which produces new contacts in the city. The group has grown from a handful to an average of 30. “In January, five people came forward for prayer, something that does not often happen here,” says Reijo.

In addition to the monthly event, the Lighthouse continues to have a weekly small group meeting at home.

“I am really encouraged to see how God’s work in the lives of people moves forward,” concludes Reijo. “People have started to open up, take more active role and commit to the group. And they are open and hungry to learn more about God. We sense this year will be year of growth. Not only in quality, but also in quantity. We want to lead the group deeper into the presence of God and experience the good things He has for each of them. A glimpse of this we have already seen, but we are thirsty for more!”

Although All Nations Together in Antwerp (ANTIA) has ceased to exist as a church planting project, the group is now in a transition and building phase to become The Lighthouse, a community church. Lighthouse Cafe Antwerp is a monthly outreach and Lighthouse Fellowship is currently a weekly small group meeting.

“If ANTIA was the cocoon, then Lighthouse will be the beautiful butterfly,” says Reijo today, with renewed hope. “The time we invested in developing ANTIA wasn’t wasted, but serves as a solid foundation for future development.”

For more info see:

http://antia-online.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Antwerpen-Belgium/LightHouse-Cafe-Antwerpen/52649684966

A View of Brussels

2010-04-13T22:16:00.003+02:00

Thought you might enjoy the video below of the skyline of Brussels. I am privileged to live in a beautiful city!

If you are viewing this on facebook, click on the title (A View of Brussels) and it will take you to my blog.

Enjoy and God bless. While you are at it, why not say a prayer for Brussels and Belgium!

Peace.

BRUSSELS SKYLINE from Roy Bauwens on Vimeo.

Jesus - my reason for living

2010-04-01T19:56:00.002+02:00

Lessons from Robbers

2010-03-05T11:20:00.006+01:00

The last month has been interesting to say the least. At the end of January, while driving down a street that I have driven many times during the last 12 years in Brussels, I was stopped at a traffic light. Suddenly, a man comes flying through the glass of the passenger-side window, rips my purse from the front seat and runs away. This is the first time in 20 years of international travel that I have had a purse stolen - and it happened just a few minutes away from where I live.

Two weeks later, while I was eating lunch at our school, a man walked onto our campus and into my office and stole my laptop and my wallet (again!).

With both incidents the police were called, reports were filed - I even chased the young men who broke into my car (only for a little while until I realized that this was probably not the safest thing to do!). I was mad, I was hurt (in my spirit and literally the first time as I cut my hand on the broken glass reaching for the bag), and actually felt like it was all just too much at one point.

So what lessons have I learned from this?

First - don't drive through this part of town alone - and definitely don't drive with my purse on the front seat (although this is the habit for most women who drive alone!).

Second - always lock my office door - even though I was sitting less than 100 feet away from it, and even though we are a Bible school where things like this shouldn't happen.

Third - these men can take my stuff, but they cannot take my joy, my security, or my purpose for being here.

Fourth - God is our ultimate protector - even when bad things happen, He remains very good and tremendously faithful! To illustrate - a nice person found my first wallet and threw it in a postal box, and a very nice postal worker made the effort to call me and return the wallet. Of course the money was gone, but everything else was still inside! God knows what we need!

Saturday I bought one more wallet and yesterday I made plans for the purchase of a new computer. Life goes on. No thief can take what I refuse to give - and I will not give up!

Today I am just very thankful to God who called me to live and work in Belgium. I'm thankful for His protective hand - even during difficult seasons. I'm also thankful for His joy and peace that always remain.

What Happened?

2010-01-12T20:49:00.003+01:00

I guess it's life. Soon after I wrote my last post, life started up again on the campus of Continental Theological Seminary and you haven't heard from me since! Of course a newsletter has gone out, and there have been a few Facebook posts, but the blog has been silent. Forgive me.

Just after the school year began, I celebrated my 40th birthday. A milestone. Over-the-hill. Hard to believe, but it still happened! On that day, my colleague was injured and I did the job of 2-3 people for about 6 weeks. During that time, I got out of the habit of updating this blog and did only the essentials. Finally, after the Christmas holidays, I feel like a normal person who got some much-needed rest (well...as normal as I can be!). So it's time to blog again!

Starting tomorrow students will be taking first semester exams, and in less than 5 months we will hold yet another graduation of wonderful CTS students. How can time go so quickly? Life gets so full of activity, that sometimes I forget to cherish quiet times, building relationships, and thinking about what has been and what will be. I don't make new year's resolutions, per se, but I do take time to think about the year that has past. Boy...has it been a wild one. Full of God's favor, but not without its challenges. I have learned much, including forgiveness, long-suffering, adapting to change, handling disappointment, when to say no (well...i'm still working on that - a life-long struggle!), and so many other things.

But what I've experienced more than anything is God's faithfulness. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, or how much we do or don't achieve - no matter if people are disappointed in us, or if we feel like we have failed, God continues to remain faithful and unchanged. His constant presence sustains me. How could I live without Him?

There are days when I, like you, want to give up. There are moments when life is too overwhelming and it seems there is no one with whom I can talk. There are hours when the only thing to do is to hold tightly to Jesus. And He is ALWAYS there. Never failing. Never walking away. Never giving up. Always loving. Always forgiving. Always present.

There is power in presence.

In just a few months I'll be returning to the USA for my missionary furlough / itineration. These days will pass quickly. My prayer for 2010 is that I continue to remain faithful to God in every area of my life. I fail quite often, but I pray that I can hear His voice more clearly, be obedient to His bidding, and come closer to Him. This is the best goal I feel I can have for this year.

There is power in being in His presence.

Ministry will always be there. The work won't end. There will always be need - always want - always demands. But I can lose touch with Him if I don't stay close.

Jesus - teach me to stay close to you. Teach me the power of Your Presence.

It's that time again...

2009-09-03T19:54:00.003+02:00

Only a few more days and CTS students will be returning for another year of training for ministry. Although it's been a good summer, it's been extremely busy and for the most part, extremely quiet without our students here. I'm ready for the life to be back on campus.

In June we had 40 graduates. Our prayer has been to enroll 40 new students to replace those graduates! We have not quite met our goal so pray for God to open the doors for young men and women who are called to full-time ministry to join us for training.

Thank you for praying for the next generation of European ministers of the Gospel. Pray for church planters. Pray for worship leaders. Pray for committed pastors and evangelists. Pray for youth leaders. Pray for children's workers. Pray for missionaries. Pray for those called to compassion ministries. Pray that all of these disciples of Christ develop the heart of servant. My prayer is that they develop hearts that can look beyond the surface of a society hardened to Jesus and see individuals for who they were made to be - God followers. I pray they have hearts of compassion first, not judgement. I pray they create loving communities that draw the hopeless, not just another church for the sake of having a church.

Classes resume on 16 September. I'll be teaching Youth Ministries and Spiritual Leadership development, as well as continuing my service to the seminary as Director of Student Life. Thanks for your prayers for wisdom and direction through this year. Only 10 months and I'll be returning to the US for my scheduled furlough. I pray that God give me wisdom, patience, strength, and financial support to do my very best for Him during this year.

May God bless you for your prayers and partnership!

Summer Newsletter

2009-07-21T08:18:00.006+02:00

The summer has been great so far with CTS hosting several conferences, 4 weeks of intensive courses in Hebrew, summer student workers, and preparation for the new school year that begins in less than 8 weeks!

To see what happened during the last several months at Continental Theological Seminary, click on the picture to the right to read my Summer 2009 Newsletter. Thank you so much for your prayers for me and for the seminary. God is using us to train men and women for full-time ministry in Europe and the world. You are a part of that process! THANK YOU!

2009 WAS A MONUMENTAL YEAR AT CTS AS WE CELEBRATED 50 YEARS OF TRAINING.

You can help CTS Celebrate our 50th Anniversary - Our Year of Jubilee! Read the second page of the newsletter for information about donating to special scholarships.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership!

The Idea Factory

2009-07-10T19:11:00.004+02:00

Here's an interesting site with a bit of insight into the young European mind: The Idea Factory. The site says it is "an exclusive place for young, bright thinkers to come and discuss the issues that burn deep in their hearts, but flicker weakly in the European public debate." Enjoy!

Graduation and Vacation

2009-06-23T16:36:00.006+02:00

We completed another great year at Continental Theological Seminary and graduation was a beautiful occasion, with many guests, former students, staff and presidents joining in the festivities. Here are some photos of our students as they complete their studies:

The day after graduation my parents arrived for a 2-week holiday in Europe. I put them to work for a day at CTS and then we set off on our trip to Normandy and London. We made some memories, finally did the WWII tour, and I was able to drive in England as we crossed on the ferry. Good times. Enjoy some of our memories!

Now it's back to work, preparing for another school year at CTS, but also hosting various conferences and groups that stay on campus during the summer. Schools don't stop just because it's summer time, unfortunately. I'm excited to make preparations for the coming school year. Only one more year and I'll return to the US for my scheduled year furlough. Many exciting things planned for the future and I'll keep you filled in along the way.

George Bernard Shaw said, "We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future." Thanks for your prayers as I seek for wisdom, learn from the past, but hold tightly my responsibility for the future. Have a great week!

It's Graduation Day!

2009-06-06T11:39:00.004+02:00

Today is the big day! After a wonderful Baccalaureate on Thursday morning, banquet Thursday night, and amazing 50th Anniversary Celebration last night, we are finally to the highlight of festivities at Continental Theological Seminary: GRADUATION 2009!

Thanks for praying for our administration, faculty, staff, students and most of all, GRADUATES, as we celebrate this day of conferring degrees. The 40 graduates will receive Masters or Bachelors Degrees in Bible and Theology and will "go into all the world to preach the Gospel!" The reason that CTS exists is to train labourers for the harvest field. This fact alone makes graduation a very special occasion.

Pray for these graduates as they are obedient to God and His calling on their lives to reach a lost world with the Love of Christ!

CTS truly is CHANGING LIVES TO CHANGE THE WORLD!

50th Anniversary & Graduation - ONE WEEK AWAY!

2009-05-29T09:34:00.005+02:00

CONTINENTAL

THEOLOGICAL

SEMINARY

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium

50th ANNIVERSARY & GRADUATION

4 - 6 JUNE 2009

Come and join us!

Events include 2009 Graduation, with guest speaker George Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, and visits by previous presidents, students, professors.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
THURSDAY, 5 JUNE
09:00 - Baccalaureate & Awards Assembly - in the chapel. A special service to highlight our graduates, hear the student speaker, and giving of awards and scholarships.

19:00 - Graduation Banquet - in the chapel. A fun evening of food & fellowship to honor the 2009 Graduating Class - Tickets 15 EUR - Limited seating. Final day to purchase tickets Friday 29 May.

FRIDAY, 5 JUNE
14:00 - Alumni & friends gathering - visit with former students, faculty & staff, tour the campus, look at photos from your days at CTS/CBC.

19:00 - 50th Anniversary Celebration in the chapel. Featuring former presidents, vision for the future, movie of photos.

SATURDAY, 6 JUNE
14:30 - GRADUATION COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
40 Students graduating with BA or MTH in Bible & Theology.
Guest speaker: Rev. George O. Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God World Fellowship.

Promotional Items on Sale to celebrate the 50th Anniversary! T-Shirts - Mugs - USB Stick with History of Photos & Song by Alumnus Barto & Gaelle Di Pasquale - Photo & History Book to Commemorate 50 Years of Ministry. Items will be available for purchase on Friday, 5 June and will help to raise funds for the seminary to prepare for another 50 years!

Write to Director of Enrollment Management & Alumni Emmanuelle Rouffet - erouffet@ctsem.edu - for more information and lists of hotels & restaurants in the area. Or call +32 2 334 85 55.

JOIN US IN THE CELEBRATION!

A new use for the church in Belgium

2009-05-24T08:11:00.002+02:00

"This church hadn't seen a visitor in 20 years."

Just ran across this news item regarding a hotel that opened in a former Catholic church in Mechelen, Belgium. Click here to watch the video. This happens far too often.

Thanks for praying that the kingdom of God advance in Belgium. Pray for some of our students who feel called to be church "planters" - starting relevant and missional churches throughout Europe. The church doesn't need big, beautiful buildings, but does need people who want to truly know God, and make Him known.

CTS Summer Mission Interns

2009-05-13T15:05:00.003+02:00

Thanks for praying for the five students who have been chosen to represent CTS on the Mission Field during the summer!

Monica, Michael, Isabel, Ciprian, and Samantha (from Belgium, France, Romania & USA) have gone through mission internship training, expressed that God may be leading them into full-time missions, are ready to spend at least 3 weeks in a foreign country, and are willing to raise funds to go on mission. These students will be an extension of CTS in Taiwan, Brazil, Central Asia, Dominican Republic, Malaysia & Thailand. CTS students, faculty, and staff have given in Missions Offerings during chapel services this year to support these interns. We are excited about what God is doing in the lives of our students.

Graduation is less than a month away! I may not post much in the next few weeks, but hope to have graduation and 50th Anniversary photos up in June! Thank you for your prayers and support to train students from around the world for full-time ministry. May God bless you!

Link to Article about CTS

2009-05-05T07:43:00.002+02:00

As promised, here is the link to the May 3, 2009 article about Continental Theological Seminary in the Pentecostal Evangel - World Missions Edition. Click here to view the PDF with photos of our school, president and wonderful students.

Here's the article - enjoy and thank you for your prayers for us!

Continental Theological Seminary:
Equipping students to reach the world

By Charity Sites

Its humble beginning was in a stable. Now, in St. Pieters-Leeuw near Brussels, Belgium, Continental Theological Seminary ministers from a beautiful building amid a picturesque landscape. But while its surroundings have changed, it has never wavered from its purpose: to prepare men and women for Pentecostal ministry.

In more than 70 countries around the world, CTS graduates are ministering as pastors, teachers, evangelists, missionaries and church leaders. In at least 15 of those countries, CTS alumni have been named to serve in executive leadership or as Bible school directors.

“As I travel and visit places, I constantly find pastors and leaders who graduated from CTS,” says Dr. Joseph Dimitrov, CTS president. “This speaks a lot about the success of the initial vision that still goes on today.”

In 1959, Charles Greenaway and Alfred Amitie, a French-Belgian pastor, had a vision to train ministers, missionaries and evangelists in Europe by combining missions with education. A small group of students responded, and CTS was birthed. Now, 50 years later, it continues to carry out the vision of its founders by providing Pentecostal training for students from around the world. Since its beginning, the school has graduated more than 720 students to serve the Lord and His kingdom in various areas of ministry.

The Many Faces of CTS

One word — diversity — describes CTS and its ministry. Both the student body and the faculty represent as many as 30 nations and cultures. This diversity brings a vital international perspective to the school, giving students the opportunity to live and learn with people of many different backgrounds.

Students come from across Europe, as well as Asia, North and South America, and Africa. Because programs are offered in French, CTS draws many students from French-speaking countries.

“Many African churches and national movements prefer to send potential leaders to study in an international environment,” explains Dimitrov. “That way, the students will return better prepared and have a greater understanding of multiple cultures and perspectives.”

A New Leader

As CTS grows, its international reach also continues to expand. This is significantly reflected by Dimitrov’s recent appointment as president.

Born in Bulgaria, he grew up during the years of strict communism. Because he was a believer and ministered in a church context, he was somewhat ostracized. He attended Sofia Technical University in Sofia, the nation’s capital, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical science, specializing in intellectual property law.

A renowned scholar, he followed his secular education by receiving a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology and master’s in theological studies from CTS. He then received his Ph.D. majoring in historical theology from the Evangelical Theological Faculty in Leuven, Belgium. He served as head translator and general editor for the Bulgarian New Testament Open Bible, and currently serves as supervisor for the University of Wales-Bangor Ph.D. program offered at CTS, as well as president of Evangelical Theological University in Bulgaria. An accomplished author, he has written many articles that have been published in various theological journals. He and his wife, Iveta, have three children, Pavel, Carina and Benita.

Dimitrov has served on the CTS faculty for 14 years, and was named dean/vice president of education in 1999. Last year he was unanimously approved as president.

“Joseph Dimitrov is a spiritual giant,” says Greg Mundis, regional director for Europe and chairman of the CTS board of directors. “He is humble, focused and committed to CTS, its mission statement and its goals.”

A Fresh Vision

Along with the school’s new leadership come new ideas and initiative. President Dimitrov describes the future of CTS as an “ever-growing vision.” And while many changes have taken place within the last 10 years, more exciting developments are under way.

To broaden the academic program, leaders plan to implement several new academic degrees, including Christian counseling and Christian leadership — two degrees that are not generally offered in Europe, especially in Pentecostal Bible institutions.

“There is great potential in offering these degrees,” says Dimitrov, “They will generate great interest from among European churches.”

To increase opportunities for students to attend the school, leaders plan to expand beyond CTS’ main campus location and establish centers throughout Europe.

“Because of its accreditation and validation with the University of Wales,” explains Dimitrov, “CTS has the potential to look beyond our facilities and help local churches and Bible schools, being careful to respect their own particular interests.”

To further develop student resources, an expansion of the school’s learning center is being planned.

“We have one of the largest evangelical libraries on the continent of Europe, with more than 45,000 volumes,” says Dimitrov. “We want to increase this by establishing a new learning center that will incorporate the existing library’s assets with information technology, making the school a center for advanced theological studies.”

While the school considers and plans for several changes, its leaders are committed to continuing the “Europeanization” of the school. Initially, CTS focused on a strong “American” style of education. But during the last 10 years, the board has sought to increase the number of European teachers and administrative leaders, as well as adopt a format that is more European in scope. Continuing this process will bring the school closer to European churches and ministers.

“This is one of the reasons we want to establish learning centers outside of the CTS location,” says Dimitrov. “It’s all part of continuing the Europeanization process.”

Through Dimitrov’s leadership and the dedication of gifted faculty members, these goals will help CTS extend its reach in training leaders.

 A Spirit-led Future

“No matter how much CTS grows and the vision develops, the original idea of combining missions and education will continue,” says Dimitrov. “CTS has been and will remain a ‘sending school’ — a Pentecostal learning center where training is primarily driven by a spiritual mandate and where the workshop for sharpening the tools is found in the midst of the harvest field.”

As CTS prepares to move into the future, its potential for influence and effectiveness has never been stronger. With a new leader, fresh vision and continued Spirit-led guidance, it will produce fruit that will help transform Europe and beyond.

CHARITY SITES is editorial coordinator of AG World Missions Communications.

CTS in the Pentecostal Evangel

2009-04-26T15:21:00.002+02:00

For those of you in Assemblies of God churches, or if you are one of my financial supporters, be sure to look for the May 3, 2009 issue of the Pentecostal Evangel - World Missions Edition. The title of this month's magazine is Montenegro, but if you'll take a look at page 24+ you'll find four-pages of focus on the ministry I am a part of - Continental Theological Seminary.

We are super excited for this article and pray it raises awareness of CTS, our students, alumni, and the mission that God has called us to - to train students for full-time ministry in Europe and the world.

If you would like to order your own copy of the magazine, click here.

When it's available, I'll post a link to the online PDF of the article. For now, you can read the article about CTS published in 2006 by clicking here.

Thanks for your continued prayers for CTS, our students, faculty, and staff. We are in the last 6 weeks of the semester, which will culminate in the celebration of our 50th anniversary and one of the largest graduation ceremonies CTS has ever had - with 40 graduates! As is normal, the last few weeks run fast and furious, so pray for wisdom, strength, and a wonderful end to a tremendous year for the seminary. And also pray for those that God is calling to join us in training for ministry in the years to come.

Sound of Music - Antwerp style

2009-04-15T11:33:00.003+02:00

As many of you know, for the past 3 years I've been involved in ministry in Antwerp, Belgium - first attending a Flemish church, and now as a member of a core group of people starting an international Christian fellowship called All Nations Together in Antwerp.

Antwerp is a beautiful city, filled with history, fashion, diamonds, and wonderful people. I ran across this recent publicity stunt for a local television channel, that just happened to take place in the Central Train Station in Antwerp. Since I love the Sound of Music, I thought it was something worth sharing.

"More than 200 dancers were performing there version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. with just 2 rehearsals they created this amazing stunt! Those 4 fantastic minutes started the 23 of march 2009, 08:00 AM. It is a promotion stunt for a Belgian television program, where they are looking for someone to play the leading role, in the musical of "The Sound of Music"."

Ministry Week - First Reports Coming In...

2009-04-10T07:39:00.008+02:00

I have been receiving some great reports of the ministry of our students during the annual Student Ministry Week held each spring at Continental Theological Seminary. All of our students will be involved in some type of local church ministry, for a minimum of 5 days of intensive ministry during the next 3 weeks.

Team ministry this year ranges from playing with and feeding street kids in Brussels, running a coffee house on a military base, a Belgian church youth camp in Sweden, a Chinese church conference in Germany, international church ministry in Morocco, a Easter outreach in the Netherlands, children's drama and choir concerts in Belgium and France, and as well as many individual ministries in France, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Bulgaria, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany... even all the way to Haiti as one student leads a choir to minister in this nation!

Of course, an endeavor like this doesn't come without challenges: one student got to the airport with an expired ID card, one team was prevented from doing street witnessing, and students learn that ministry sometimes involves sacrifice of time, energy and money. However, with each challenged, we have also heard reports of how the students faced it: the student with the expired card is helping at his local church in practical ministry; the team turned street witnessing into video interviews about Easter, and some that invested finances were blessed by the local church with generous offerings!

Thanks for continuing to pray for these students from 32 countries as they minister here in Europe and around the world. What an exciting Easter!

Here are some photos of the CTS Singers, during their Student Ministry Week, at a concert held Wednesday in the international church in Waterloo (Christian Center). Enjoy!

Good Friday!

2009-04-10T07:30:00.003+02:00

It's Friday, 10 April, and it's a good Friday. The Easter Season is always inspirational for me because we in the Christian faith commemorate the sacrifice that Jesus made when he was crucified on the cross to give me eternal life, and more than that, the fact that He still lives, loves me, forgives me, and wants to be in relationship with me and anyone that seeks Him. Jesus is everything to me! He gave me my family and friends, my health, the air that I breath! I am nothing without Him! And I wouldn't have it any other way. Because of Jesus, and the faith to believe that He put inside of me, I can face any circumstance, knowing that God will never let me down and that He has a plan for my life that is far greater than anything I could ever dream. These things all bring me hope.

Easter is about Hope! Hope for eternal life. Hope for love. Hope for protection. Hope for good in my life.

So when you wake up on Easter morning, think of the Hope that you have or long to have, and then proclaim "He is Risen!" and remember that the hope we have came not only through Jesus' death on a cross, but also from the fact that He still lives today!

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

Have a wonderful Easter!

Prayers for CTS Student Ministry Week

2009-04-03T08:22:00.003+02:00

Thanks for praying for the 80 students from Continental Theological Seminary that will be traveling to 12 countries to minister in local churches during CTS STUDENT MINISTRY WEEK. Students begin travelling this Friday, 3 April, with the last team returning 23 April. There are 10 teams of students and many doing individual ministry, all to bless and help the local church in Europe, as well as one team in Morocco and an individual in Haiti.

The CTS Singers, the traveling music group from CTS, will be in France and Belgium, holding concerts in local churches. Plus, the first CTS Puzzle team (children's drama) will be performing in the Normandy, France area in several churches, then returning to Belgium and holding 4 performances in one day in the largest Catholic school in Brussels, plus other church outreaches. We hope to have wonderful reports of all of the ministry that takes place during the next 3 weeks!

Thank you for your prayers. Here are some photos from the Commissioning Service held in our chapel this morning! Enjoy!

Updates

2009-03-25T07:11:00.004+01:00

Let's see...I said I would be more regular to blogging, but instead, I've been here less! Interesting! I guess it shows that when we started a new semester at CTS things got really busy and time got away from me.

One thing I have been doing is spending a bit less time on the internet. My stupid router is helping with this endeavor because recently it is determined to take regular coffee breaks.

I also decided this year to observe the season of Lent. I did not grow up observing Lent, but I see it's benefits to prepare my heart for the Easter season. My "sacrifice" has been Facebook. I only log on to this social network on Sundays, just to check messages and make sure that students haven't tagged incriminating photos of me at the most recent CTS event. I think it's helped me to focus on the more important things, like real people, instead of this virtual world. A colleague just sent me a link to the magazine "The Weekly Standard," recent article Down with Facebook by Matt Labash. Take a look - it's a funny article, with some sobering realities!

While I enjoy connecting with new friends and reconnecting with the old, I was spending too much time in this virtual restaurant of socializing. I have enjoyed seeing photos of old friends, one of my KINDERGARTEN friends recently updated our class photo from 1974. Wow. We were cute, and that was a long time ago! Facebook is not all bad, but it did take too much time.

So now I'm spending my early mornings with my Bible study (currently going through Experiencing God once again and loving it!) and other work.

And as for the blog, no more talk about Facebook, but I'll soon be uploading some new photos, giving you CTS updates, and perhaps a little reflections of my Bible study.

Have a great week!

Why so long?

2009-01-18T08:14:00.004+01:00

I follow a few blogs during my day: friends, leadership, authors. I am thankful for RSS feeds that allow you to see when a writer has updated their blog. If you want to track this blog, you'll see my SUBSCRIBE TO on the left that makes it easy!

I anticipate seeing a little notification that the author has written something new and usually go there first (sometimes even before checking Facebook!). However, I've not been so good at updating this site. Currently my website is down, so I rely on this blog, Shannon's Space, to communicate with family, friends, supporters and others that follow my ministry. Since April 2005, I've had more than 6,000 visitors to the site! Since 2006 I've been tracking the countries these visitors come from (with Neocounter) and have now reached 78! Amazing. But I must admit that I've been a poor blogger over the past several months. It's been a Bog, rather than a Blog! Bogged down, little content, boring!

I've been using this name for missions communiqué's far before MySpace came out - all the way back to 1992 and my mission in Cambodia, if you can believe! The name reflects me, my love for sci-fi, travel and missions. My "space" is wherever God has me for the time.

So, in the spirit of a new year, please have high expectations for a new & improved Shannon's Space. More blogs, more photos, more updates about the "space" God has me in now - training students for ministry at Continental Theological Seminary. We are currently in exam time, and will start a new semester the first of February. There are some exciting things ahead this semester, including Spiritual Emphasis, Student Ministry Week, and the 50th Anniversary of CTS - a special highlight of 2009.

Since I have not written for over a month, here are some photos from my brief trip home for Christmas. It was a joy to spend time with my family, so enjoy the photos and see how my nieces & nephews have grown. They now range from ages 7 to 16!

Watch this space for more updates, and subscribe to the RSS feed to get instant notification of my blogging activity! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Twas the night before...

2008-12-15T22:49:00.004+01:00

Several years ago one of the many Canadian geese that live at CTS emerged with a broken wing. We were all wondering what would happen when winter came. Some dreamed of cooking the goose, others wondered if it would perish in the cold. Neither happened and he continues to roam the grounds. However, what emerged from that time was a "retelling" of the class Christmas Story. To celebrate the eve of the essay submission deadline, I give you "Twas the Night Before Essays." Enjoy!

Twas the night before essays, and all through the dorm.

Every student was studying, and feeling very worn.
The suitcases were packed, and set by the door,

in hopes to fly home to study a bit more.

Most professors were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of high marks danced in their heads.
The others sat wondering, “are my essays alright?

It seems the rewording made it ‘theology light’.”

When out on the pond, there arouse such a clatter;

Tina sprang from her bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, she flew like a Spartan,

tore down the wreath and threw up curtain.

When what to all our surprise did appear,

but a flock of wild geese, with snowsuits and gear.
And a small electric heater, so small and compact,

we knew in a moment, this was bird saving tactic.

More rapid than eagles in flapping they came,

and whistling and shouting a flock of geese names
“Hey, Momma, Hey Poppa, Hey sister one, two and three…
Hey, brother number 4, and numbers 5 through 13.

To the top of the chateau, to the top of the wall,

Let’s make lots of noise and wake them up all.

You’ve kept our poor brother; he’s turned into a duck
We’re here to save him, before he’s run out of luck
And placed on a plate by Frank in the kitchen
We know what some of you missionaries are wishin’.
To eat our poor sibling and stuff him with dressing
And then you’ll ask Joseph to please ask the blessing.
What a shame, what a tragedy – it’s sad don’t you know.
What if he freezes before you catch him in the coming Belgian snow?
Then what would you do, and what would you say
“That poor old goosey, with the wing in a bad way, we couldn’t catch him,

and he couldn’t stand the cold, he’s now in goose heaven, even before he’s so old.”

So with a big hefty push, the birds opened a window,

and let brother goose unthaw on a nice synthetic pillow.

They plugged in their heater, and turned it full blast,

and to repair the broke wing, they set it in a cast.

They then prepared a net, to place brother goose, to fly him away, without his coming loose.And with the rustle of wings and the cries of the flock, they took off with the net, and circled the block.

But with one final fly-by, the geese came by the school
The net for brother goose, it looked kinda cool
With the heater cord trailing, and geese in formation
We knew this would be our last visitation.

It’s strange, this we know, but this story is true
Geese are caring, and loving, and a strong family crew.

And we heard them proclaim, as they flew out of sight,
Merry Christmas CTS, and to all a good night!

Urgent Need @ Continental Theological Seminary

2008-12-08T16:16:00.003+01:00

Continental Theological Seminary faces a great challenge!

Due to several issues that were beyond our knowledge, the main large electrical power cabin that provides electricity to the campus of Continental Theological Seminary, was on the verge of explosion this week. Our campus consists of 5 buildings that hold our chapel, classrooms, offices, as well as apartments for staff, and dormitories for 60 on-campus students. Since yesterday, due to this electrical problem, we have started powering our campus with a powerful generator until a solution can be resolved to either replace the electrical cabin, or find another source of power to the campus.

The challenge is this: the electrical company states that it is our responsibility to replace or repair this electrical cabin as it is on our property, and has been since the property was first purchased by the Assemblies of God in 1976. The total costs, at this point, are rising every day. The generator alone could be close to $1000 per day! The cost for replacing the electrical power box and cabin could be up to $40,000 - all of which we do not currently have. Of course we are doing all we can to find out the role of insurance, what the city can do to help, etc., but at this point all we know is that we must make repairs.

CTS is a missions school - the regional school of the Assemblies of God USA in Western Europe. Currently we have 120 students in various programs (BA, MTh, PhD), providing them training for full-time ministry in Europe and the world. We are a team of missionaries and workers from 12 countries, training our student body from 32 nations who will literally change the world with the Gospel. We need to keep the lights on. We need to keep training these students.

My plea to you: would you be able to partner with us to meet this very urgent need of funds that can keep our lights on and allow us to continue being the LIGHT TO EUROPE & THE WORLD?

If you can do anything at all, including commit to pray for us that God would meet this very urgent need, please send me a message and I'll get you whatever information you need.

If you would like to go ahead and make a financial commitment, GOD BLESS YOU!

Offerings are tax-deductible and, if requested, will receive World Missions credit when given through the Assemblies of God World Missions.

Funds may be sent to CTS through online giving by going here.

Or, you can mail offerings to:

A/G World Missions, 1445 Booneville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802
and designate to Continental Theological Seminary, Account # BS 9050212.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP IN TRAINING STUDENTS! I'll keep you informed of the situation and thank you so much for your prayers during this time.

Here are some photos of the big mobile generator that is providing our electricity and the problem electrical boxes.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

2008-12-01T12:08:00.008+01:00

I love Christmas. I love decorating (my apartment is finished!). I love Christmas music. I love Christmas parties. I love being with family (thank God for frequent flyer miles that allow me to go for one week during our break at CTS). I love everything about Christmas!

As this season rushes in, I also become contemplative about the "reason for the season." I love Jesus. I love that he came to earth as a man. I love that he came in the form of a vulnerable and innocent child. I love the fact that he did it so that he could relate to me, and in relating to me, save me, and be willing to spend eternity with me.

There are many reasons to love this season, but I pray that the main reason is to love Him more. To love his mercy, his grace, his sacrifice, and to share the joy that those things bring with the people around me.

Christmas
It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Missions Convention 2008!

2008-11-19T21:25:00.003+01:00

We love missions at CTS. Since we are a missions school, training students for full-time ministry, a large percentage of our students become missionaries and it is exciting to see the Great Commission at work! Each year we hold a special missions convention. Here are some photos of the week so far. Thank you for praying for our students, the guest speakers, and that God would speak to hearts during this week.

FREE STUFF FOR STUDENTS!

2008-11-17T17:24:00.000+01:00

Working with students means that you learn where there priorities lie. First, they are serious about what they are studying. Second, they like stuff that is free.

Thanks to my friend and former student, Brad, for providing this link to get some free theological resources and other links to free books. Leave it to a professional student to find these things! Check it out! bradandgeo: free theological resources...

Visit to the European Parliament

2008-11-14T07:01:00.004+01:00

On Thursday I was privileged to attend a conference on Women & Spirituality at the European Parliament. This was my first time to this government building, and I felt privileged to attend. I went with one of my students, Maria, whose husband is affiliated with the EP and actually got the invitation! I just got to tag along and observe.

This conference was a mix of dialogue with people from all cultures and faiths. Delegates mainly represented Europe, but every religion possible including Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, Orthodox Christianity, Islam, B'hai, Buddhism, Sikh, Hindi, Humanism, and others! (I was probably the only Pentecostal Christian in the room!)

One interesting thing that you begin to observe and hear in the messages is that all are searching for peace and ways to end suffering in the world. How do you do that? By giving a place for religion in society. Now, each have their way by which this place must be attained, but the one message that I gained from this conference is what I already knew: Every soul on this planet is on a quest for something, but only God can truly fulfill our longings. Of course, when you are in a multi-religious group of people, you hear "God" spoken many times, and each one has his or her own connotation of who God is (and being in a room of women, God was referred to as "she" several times!), but the need for a higher being to be in our lives is within all of us.

I pray that freedom of religion remains, as spirituality is an expression of our souls. However, I also pray that Europe find true peace, that I believe, can only come through Jesus Christ: the way, the truth, the life.

Enjoy some photos of the conference:

Political Wisdom from our Assemblies of God Gen. Superintendent

2008-11-06T19:51:00.001+01:00

European View of US Elections

2008-11-04T20:01:00.001+01:00

Here's one of the many opinions of the European view of our elections in the US:

True Religion

2008-10-20T10:53:00.003+02:00

During the past weekend CTS honored the memory one of our very own, Patrick Scholman. Patrick, a graduate of CTS, was a pastor and leader in the Flemish Pentecostal movement in Belgium. On Monday, 13 October, at the young age of 38, he was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. CTS hosted the memorial service on Saturday, where more than 400 people came to honor the family and Patrick's life.

Times like these are never easy, but through these moments you begin to see what "real ministry" truly is: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27, NIV).

As I saw Patrick's widow, Angelina, and his three young children, I was happy to be there to serve this family by helping to park cars, clean up the chapel, set-up chairs, and hopefully make one of the worst days in their lives a little easier. The CTS family came together in true servant form and "looked after" this widow and her children, as well as the extended family and friends.

It's times like these that reinforce why I love training students for ministry. My prayer is that they see ministry as so much more than preaching, teaching, and "platform ministry," but it sometimes involves getting your hands dirty and blessing those who are hurting in a very practical way.

If you read this and happen to have known Patrick, you can go here to see the web site dedicated to Patrick, or click here to leave a post for the family. Also, you can see their family website in English here.

Another year has begun

2008-09-26T11:27:00.002+02:00

We have begun another year of training students for ministry at CTS and welcome 24 new students to our campus. I'll be teaching Youth Ministries again this year, and it's fun to get back into this topic. Since I just celebrated by 39th birthday, it's nice to find ways to keep young!

Of course, I'm also continuing as Director of Student Life and enjoy working with our students in this way. This year 17 Student Leaders came to our annual Student Leader Retreat held last week, and it is a wonderful pleasure to invest in this specific group of students. They lead our students in the dorms, missions, ministry, and also student government, and I have the privilege of helping to train them as leaders. Thanks for praying them.

For your viewing pleasure, below are some highlights of last year, and a little of what I do. More photos to come, so keep returning to this blog that will follow my ministry in Belgium. Thanks for your prayers!

A few weeks...

2008-08-31T09:49:00.003+02:00

In just a few weeks CTS will return to its normal programming as students return and classes resume. Hard to believe that the summer has passed so quickly, but the campus gets way to quiet in the summer, so we are all anticipating their return.

This year we will welcome new students from around the world that have heard God's call to full-time ministry. Our returning students will continue the process of study, writing, and engaging in practical ministry. It's a joy to see their progression through their studies, maturity in Christ, and fulfillment of God's call.

The coming generation of students will reach their generation for Christ. They sometimes think in ways that I don't and do things that I wouldn't, but in the process they stretch me to think differently, act boldly, and live in a way that is perhaps out of the proverbial Christian "box", in order to be who Jesus wants me to be.

I appreciate your prayers as I prepare for the Fall semester. Not only will I continue serving as Student Life Director (overseeing the non-academic areas of CTS - dorms, student leaders, ministry, missions, etc.), but I will also teach two courses: Youth Ministries and Spiritual Leadership Development. I look forward to the opportunity of being back in the classroom and interacting with students in this formal manner. I typically learn as much from them about culture, ways of thinking and ideas, as they do from me.

Pray also for our students. Student leaders arrive on 18 September for the Student Leader Retreat, for which I am responsible. All other students will be streaming onto the campus shortly after for Registration on 22 September (yes...it's a working birthday for me!) and classes resume on 24 September. Pray for a good school year in every respects: spiritually, academically, ministerially, relationally, etc.

Thanks for your partnership and your prayers!

some summer photos...

2008-08-19T11:17:00.004+02:00

Thought you might enjoy a few photos from the summer.

Summer

2008-07-25T18:30:00.005+02:00

It's been some time since my last post, but the summer got busy!

It was a joy on 7 June to watch 29 students from 19 countries complete their degrees in Bible & Theology as they graduated from Continental Theological Seminary. 95% of CTS students continue into full-time ministry or furthering their Biblical education. Thank you for your investment and prayers for these students as they enter ministry throughout the world.

CTS also sent 4 summer mission interns around the world. Currently these students are involved in missions ministry in the Philippines, Madagascar, Ecuador, and even in the US! Four students from four nations, serving on four continents of the world. Our mission at CTS is "Changing Lives...to Change the World," and it's great to give these students a summer experience that can shape their future ministry. This is how I got started as a missionary - spending 3 weeks on a short-term team in Egypt in 1989 changed my life! Now, almost 20 years later, it always touches my heart to train students for a summer missions outreach that could set the course for a future in full-time missions & ministry.

Summer is also the time for preparation and planning for the new school year set to begin at the end of September. I will be teaching two courses this fall (Youth Ministries and Spiritual Leadership Development), and am busy preparing my coursework. In addition, as Student Life Director, I'll be working on various projects to enhance the lives of our students both on and off campus as they pursue their education and training.

CTS has now welcomed a new president! On July 1st, Dr. Joseph P. Dimitrov took his new office and is busy with setting in place several changes that will enhance CTS . Dr. Dimitrov served as Vice-President of Education at CTS since 1999 and was the obvious choice to lead CTS to the next level of ministry training. Thanks for your prayers for Dr. Dimitrov!

Thanks also for your prayers for me and the students of Continental Theological Seminary.

Pray for new students that will join us this fall.
Pray for our student's as they work to raise finances to come to seminary.
Pray for the new deans and professors as they prepare to train this next generation of leaders.
Pray for the new student leaders that will begin their work in September.
Pray for the missionary budgets that are quite stretched at the moment due to the low dollar value.
But most of all...pray that the Hope of the Gospel will be revealed in Europe and the world. That's why we are all here. May His will be done!

The End is Near

2008-06-01T10:30:00.003+02:00

It's Sunday and in a mere six days CTS will hold commencement exercises and another school year will be complete. This year 29 graduates from 19 countries will receive diplomas, Bachelor of Arts, or Master of Theology degrees.

Amidst all of the graduation excitement, we are also saying farewell to President Roland Q. Dudley and his wife Judy. They have resigned their post as president after 13 years of service to Continental Theological Seminary. On 1 July, our new president, Dr. Joseph Dimitrov, will take office. Thanks for continuing to pray for this transition.

Here's the week lineup of activities:

Tuesday - my family arrives for 2 days in Belgium

Wednesday - Graduation rehearsal - 14:00

Thursday - Baccalaureate - 09:00; Dudley Farewell Reception - 19:30

Friday - Graduation Banquet - 18:00

Saturday - Graduation - 14:30; Faculty Staff Dinner - 19:00

After graduation starts a busy summer of wrapping up the past school year, preparing for next year, as well as hosting work teams and conferences.

Thanks for your prayers!

The Need for Youth Ministry

2008-06-01T09:47:00.003+02:00

Although I'm not involved in youth ministry as much as I was in the past, my heart still cries out for young people to come to know God before it's too late. I pray that God will raise up committed youth workers in the local churches that have the ability to talk to youth in such a way that they listen, and that God touches their heart toward repentance. Europe is desperate to hear that there is hope. And Jesus is the only one who can truly bring us hope.

Following is a video report of what's happening in Belgium this week, and why my thoughts turn in this direction. Keep praying for Belgium and the youth of our world.

Music @ CTS

2008-05-16T08:17:00.003+02:00

Music has always been an important part of the culture at CTS. With students from more than 30 nations each year, it's easy to see why.

Last night I attended the CTS Spring Concert. I'll have photos and video of that later, but for now, why not enjoy our Chapel Coordinator and Professor, Dr. Donovan Barron, with his multi-cultural tutoring group, as they sing the "In the Upper Room" - a West African "classic" (as told by Donovan).

Trust me....you will enjoy this. (Glen Johnsen, get your tissues out!)

In case you were wondering...

2008-05-06T08:03:00.004+02:00

...how much things are in Europe compared to the US, let me give you a brief look:

Yesterday I filled up my four door diesel sedan with fuel. For a 15 gallon tank (60 litres), the grand total was... are you ready?

US $105.00 (68 Euro)

Yes - that's US $7 per gallon. Had I been driving a gasoline burning car, the price would have been $133.00 (89 Euro) and price per gallon $8.90.

I told my dad about this and to quote him directly: "Well Praise the Lord for $3.42 a gallon!" I agree, Dad. And by the way....tell mom I'm off to buy a bicycle!

Have a great week!

Global Day of Prayer

2008-04-29T07:55:00.006+02:00

CTS and I are participating in the Global Day of Prayer taking place on Pentecost Sunday, 11 May 2008. For the 10 days leading up to the day, people around Belgium, and around the world will be praying 24 hours per day.

Why don't you join us?

If you do participate, why not take a look at the Pray4Belgium site to know how to pray for this country that I live in?

THANKS FOR PRAYING!

The downhill slide

2008-04-28T11:29:00.004+02:00

Some months are more difficult than others to keep up with blogging and reports. This has been one of those months! In fact, I can't believe that it's almost May. At CTS, we are now in the downhill slide toward graduation to be held on 7 June. We are also preparing to say goodbye to our president of 13 years, and welcome a new president in our current Vice-President of Education. It's hard to say goodbye, but we are all extremely pleased with our new leadership. Continue to pray for CTS during this time of transition.

Life is getting more and more hectic, calendars filling with activities, students a bit more restless, and time flying faster than we can hang on for the ride!

At this time of year it's always good for me to reflect on the past year and the joys that have come with it. I am completing my second year as Director of Student Life and continue to enjoy this role at the seminary. It comes with interesting days, but fulfilling as I am hopefully able to speak into the lives of our students.

We have a wonderful group of students from 32 nations that are preparing themselves for ministry. Twenty-eight students will graduate in June and move out into full-time ministry or continue with their studies. We are so thankful for each one that God has placed in our care "for such a time as this."

This summer, four students will go out as summer interns to the four corners of the earth: The Philippines, USA, Madagascar, and Argentina. I think that covers four continents! Thanks for praying for these students from the UK, Belgium, Pakistan and Ecuador as they fulfill God's call on their lives to world missions! (More on this later!)

At CTS our motto is: "Changing lives to change the world," and we fulfill it each year as students study for ministry, go out into ministry, and make a difference in the world around them. Your prayers and support help us to train them. Your prayers and support help to sustain them.

Thanks for your investment in me and the lives of these students!

NEW President-Elect at CTS

2008-04-08T12:39:00.005+02:00

On Tuesday, 8 April, exiting President Roland Q. Dudley announces Joseph P. Dimitrov, PhD, as the President-elect of Continental Theological Seminary. Dr. Dimitrov will assume the position of president on 1 July 2008. This is a historic moment for the Europe Assemblies of God and CTS as Dr. Dimitrov will be the first European president of the seminary.

Dr. Dimitrov has served as Vice-President of Education since 1999 at CTS, and has a long history with the seminary as student and faculty member.

Induction ceremonies and celebrations for the new and exiting presidents will be held Graduation week in June 2008.

Thank you for praying for Continental Theological Seminary in this time of transition and as we continue to fulfill our mission of changing lives to change the world!

Snow on Easter Monday...

2008-03-28T10:13:00.003+01:00

Yes...we had a wonderful snowstorm (literally...I heard thunder & saw lightening) on Easter Monday. Here are a few pics I took...starting from midnight (thus the reason it's so dark!).

It's quiet at CTS these days, but have heard from a few students that Student Ministry Week was been a wonderful experience for everyone. I'll have more to report and photos of their journeys when they all get back from Easter break on April 7th. Pray for the team to Romania - they begin their week of ministry this Sunday!

I'm off to Antwerp once again this weekend for ministry. We are currently doing a study on Philip Yancey's book "What's so Amazing About Grace?" (If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it.) We had a good Easter meeting on Saturday with a topical study of the Resurrection: Fact or Fiction?, and pray for more people to join us for the Grace study. Thanks for your prayers for the city of Antwerp and this new international fellowship/church (All Nations Together in Antwerp - check us out on the web!).

Have a great weekend!

It's All Good

2008-03-20T20:43:00.005+01:00

Good Friday. I like that phrase.

Normally, Fridays are good. We say phrases like "Thank God it's Friday," and normally that's very true. We like Fridays because it denotes an end, and a beginning. The end of what seemed to be a long week, and the beginning of a what we hope to be a long weekend. We like Friday's because we can sleep in on Saturday, so that could mean a little party time on Friday night. We like Friday's because Monday seems so very far away.

Here in Europe, this Friday is a holiday. It's Good Friday. Good Friday didn't start out so good more than 2000 years ago. Jesus had been arrested, and on this day was brought before the king of the land to stand trial for making himself king, opposing the tax laws of the day, and seemingly undermining the authorities of the day. But Pilate couldn't find reason to charge him, so out of the goodness of his heart - and because of the season of Passover - he let's tradition rule and allows the people to choose a person to be freed from a sentence of death.

It sounded like a good plan for Jesus, but the people were incited to riot and turned against Jesus and asked for the baddest guy in town to be released instead of a man of Peace. So, on this first Good Friday, Jesus was tried, beaten, flogged, spit upon, forced to carry a cross that he would later be hung upon to die, pierced with a sword, and guards gambled over his clothes. Sounds like a bad film, not a good day.

But something beautiful happened that day. A sentence was given and posted above this man that read "Jesus of Nazereth, King of the Jews." Doesn't sound like a sentence of death, and in fact it wasn't. It was a sentence of life. Did Jesus die that day? Yes, He did. That's why it's a Good Friday. He died on a cross, as was foretold would happen hundreds of years before, and He did it willingly. He did it for you and He did it for me. He died so that you and I could live.

That's why I celebrate Good Friday. I celebrate because it was the end - end of my sin & eternal death - and the beginning - beginning of a life that will last for all eternity. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me. Thanks you for enduring all that you did so that I could live for you today.

And thanks also for living today. Let's not forget that Sunday came...and that's why we celebrate Easter. Let's make sure that today is so much more than a bank holiday!

Have a really GOOD FRIDAY!

Understanding God

2008-03-17T07:35:00.003+01:00

Perhaps this seems like a strange post, but during the past week I've thought much about how do we understand God: His wisdom, His timing, His plan, His will? Hopefully you aren't reading this looking for answers, for I, too, am a seeker.

When we ask God for healing, and we know he can do it, why doesn't it come immediately?
When we ask God for deliverance, and we know he can do it, why doesn't he do it at that moment?
When we ask God for safety, and we know he provides it, why are there moments when it seems he is not there?
When we ask God for direction, and we know he gives it, why do we need to wait for answers?

Last week our family received devastating news. Throughout the last 8 months my brother & sister-in-law were ministering a woman who found herself single, pregnant through an abusive relationship, and on the verge of abortion. She did not abort the child, through the process gave her life to God, found out the one baby was actually three (!), and through God's direction, decided to give the babies up for adoption. The adoptive parents were to be my brothers family. They didn't minister to this lady for that reason, but just felt it was the right thing to do.

As the months went by, so many unbelievable aspects of this woman's story began to unfold: abuse, tragedy, family issues, and extremely unbearable circumstances. The smallest of the triplets died in the womb at 4 months. Then the word "cancer" came into her life. However, her faith in God continued to grow despite all of the horrible things happening. My family rode the dramatic ride with her, and people around the globe began praying for this dear lady and the babies in her womb. For many months the babies did not seem to grow, but the tumor in her uterus grew larger each day.

Finally the due date arrived, but the babies were still small, so the doctors delayed delivery - for three more weeks! The twins gained weight, the mother stayed strong despite great pain from the cancerous tumor sharing the womb with the babies, and the faith of all increased as it seemed that the babies would survive despite great obstacles.

Last week, on Tuesday, 11 March, a cesarean section was planned. However, at the time to go to the hospital, the water broke, paramedics were called, and ultimately the babies needed to be birthed at her home. After all the months of ups and downs, and seeing God's sustaining hand upon mother and babies, no one would have imagined what would have come next. Due to difficulties with the birth, both of the babies died. It was unavoidable. The condition that occurred at birth has an extremely high mortality rate, and this was heightened with the address stress of home birth. This only 2 hours before their scheduled C-section delivery.

Why, God? Why after all of this roller coaster of emotions? Why after all these months of waiting? Why?

As I spoke to my brother yesterday by phone, the only conclusion that any of us can come to is because you are sovereign. You hold all of our lives so closely in your hands, and ultimately, you know what is best for all of us. Do we understand you? No. Do we want answers to the questions of "why?" Absolutely. Do you always give us exact answers? Unfortunately, no.

But do we trust you? YES! We trust your wisdom, your power, your hand of mercy - even when we think it is a hand of destruction, we can know that it is mercy and grace that is being poured out upon us.

Thanks, God, for allowing us to see your hand, even in the darkest of days. Thanks for helping us to understand that you are ALWAYS in control, even when we might have a different plan, or not understand you.

What I do understand is that God is ALWAYS faithful. He is always God. He never changes.

Perhaps that's all the understanding that I need to make it through each day.

Student Ministry Week Commissioning Service

2008-03-16T10:55:00.002+01:00

Here are some photos of our special commissioning service for all of the individuals and teams going out for Student Ministry Week. Thirteen nations of the world will be touched with the Gospel as an outreach of Continental Theological Seminary! Thanks for praying!

Look out world...here they come

2008-03-10T10:33:00.004+01:00

At the end of this week CTS students will embark on an adventure in ministry. Every spring CTS dismisses classes for a week of intensive practical church ministry. This year, students are going to Romania, Czech Republic, England, Belgium, Morocco, Sweden, Germany, Finland, and France! Look out world...here come our CTS students.

During Student Ministry Week, students will partner with local churches and missions agencies to get a first hand look at ministry. Some are working with their own church and pastors back in their home countries. Others are embarking on an adventure to a new nation. Still others will be working in a second or third language to meet the felt needs of the city. Several students are leading teams for the first time. All are hoping to use their gifts, see God's hand at work, and to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thanks for praying for these students as they leave this Friday. Immediately after Student Ministry Week, CTS will be closed for Easter Vacation, and a much needed break from studies for our students. My colleagues and I will still be working hard to make preparations for their return. The end of the year will come faster than we can imagine after the return from Easter.

Continue to pray for CTS in the next few months. After 13 years of ministry at CTS, Missionary President Roland Q. Dudley has announced his resignation. A new president will be announced in June and a search is currently underway. Pray for all of us during this transitional period, and for the wisdom of the Board of Trustees as they make the selection of the new president.

Also, if you want to know more about CTS, why not check out our new & improved website? It's now also in French! www.ctsem.edu

A Mentoring Moment

2008-03-01T11:38:00.002+01:00

Ok..maybe it wasn't as much as a moment than a long week - but I just completed teaching a twenty-hour intensive course on Mentoring. Although exhausted, for me it was a wonderful experience of passing on all that I researched, studied, wrote about, during my Masters work.

Each semester CTS suspends normal courses to offer practical intensive courses to our students. This is the first time that I have been able to teach one of these courses, and was thrilled to finally teach something so near and dear to my heart. I pray that as a result, the students comprehend the importance of being mentored and mentoring others. For me it's been a wonderful experience to invest into the lives of 35 students who have given their lives to God.

Thanks for your prayers for them as they make disciples and mentor others, and for me as I continue to mentor and develop these students to be all that they can be for God!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

2008-02-09T13:20:00.000+01:00

Enjoy this video of our amazing talented CTS Students singing "The Gospel of Jesus Christ" at our recent Open Doors.

Monumental Events

2008-02-01T14:37:00.001+01:00

Some days go by without incident - nothing for us to take notice. But yesterday was not one of those days. In March 2008 I will have lived in Belgium for 10 years. I arrived 10 years ago to stay for a short 6 month term before returning for, what I thought would be, a lifetime in Southeast Asia. Alas, I am still here, and love it more now than ever.

Each year I must renew my missionary "visa" - the residency permit that allows me to live here. That's not a big problem, but typically after 5 years, you can apply for long-term residency. However, some of you remember 2002 and the events that took place as I was delayed almost 2 years to validate my residency, was asked to leave the country in 5 days, and went through a year long legal process to stay in the country. What a mess.

Today is a new day, as yesterday I was granted a FIVE-YEAR RESIDENCY PERMIT (see photo). Monumental Event. Several of the missionary staff were also granted these recently, but I wanted to take the time to rejoice in what God has done. I don't take this lightly and see it as another confirmation of God's hand upon my life, offering provisions each day to do His work.

Thanks for your prayers as I continue on for another five years.

New Beginnings

2008-01-25T07:35:00.000+01:00

Exams are over (did you hear the big sigh of relief?) and we begin a new semester on Monday. Several new students are joining us, and we look forward to getting to know these men and women that God has called to prepare themselves for ministry.

Each new year we tend to make new resolutions, commit to change habits, or bad patterns, and look forward to gaining a new perspective. I think the same is true in education and ministry. With each new semester, or phase of ministry, I tend to be optimistic and hopeful that "this one will be different." Yes, I can be an eternal optimist, but I think it all stems back to the fact that I have hope. Hope can bring healing, is our lifeline, and gives a new perspective. The late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, of Guideposts fame, and author of the book "The Power of Positive Thinking" had this to say about hope: "Practice hope. As hopefulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit."

I honestly do not know how individuals cope with difficult times of life without hope. When we lose family members, face tough life decisions, or perhaps suffer through horrific events.

Today, I choose hope!

A Challenge to Students

2008-01-16T21:41:00.000+01:00

Exam Time

2008-01-13T08:50:00.000+01:00

In just a few days our students will enter exams for their first semester courses. There are several times in a school year that cause stress for students, and this is one of them! Some wonder why a Bible school needs to give exams and have a high level of academic requirements. What do the exams prove? Do you need a high grade point average when you pastor a church? Aren't there more important things we should be evaluating or training them to accomplish?

I think that these questions swirl around in the mind of students and theological/missionary educators on a regular basis. However, we come to find that a high level of academic achievement shows a students drive to be excellent in his or her life. We see that exams help them to learn discipline and focus, necessary tools for effective ministry. I'm not so sure that a high grade point average is a necessary requirement to be a pastor or a missionary (you would not be impressed if you saw my Bible School transcript!), but I do think that it is the effort exhibited that makes the difference, and is what God sees as commendable. God looks deep into the heart, sees the desire of a person to do his or her best, and gives them the ability to fulfill His call. Sometimes an exam can confirm the call, but sometimes it can confirm that you need to work on your weakness!

Pray for our students this week as they take their exams. Pray for God to continue His plan for their lives. Pray that God will reveal the aspects of His character that He wants to form in them while studying, taking exams, writing papers, and seeking His will.

Family Time

2007-12-29T22:05:00.000+01:00

Thanks to the wonder of frequent flyer miles, and two weeks of holiday at CTS, I was privileged to spend time with my family at Christmas.

Here's the whole crew, complete with my gifts to the nieces & nephews - t-shirts that read "somebody in Belgium loves me." Hopefully it will remind them that their Auntie Shannon does indeed love them and misses them while she is serving as a missionary in a foreign land.

And here's a photo slide show with more family images. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-15T17:52:00.000+01:00

Thanks for praying for our Christmas concert. More than 200 people came, and as always, our students did an amazing job with their musical presentations. Many from our community came, and it was nice to share this Christmas event with them. Yours truly even sang with our CTS choir and had a blast! It is so amazing at times to think of the blessing it is to work alongside these students from all nations, tribes, and languages. Thank you for your investment in them, and me!

To all of my friends and family that peruse this blog regularly, I say a very Merry Christmas! I'm taking vacation days and am off to see my family for 2 weeks in Arkansas. I may not be blogging again until 2008!

Please have a safe and happy time wherever this Christmas finds you, and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers for a beautiful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Christmas at CTS

2007-12-07T11:52:00.000+01:00

If you live in Belgium...or within driving distance, come and join Continental Theological Seminary for our annual Christmas Concert on Thursday, 13 December at 19:30. We are privileged to welcome gospel vocalist Robert Solomon to our concert this year, and as always, we will feature the many musical talents of our wonderful students!

If you can't be present, thanks for praying for this outreach of our school. On Wednesday around 30 students blitzed our neighborhood with candy canes and invitations. They are out again next week to invite our community to this event. Pray that we have an impact in the world we live and learn in every day!

Amazing Testimony

2007-12-05T13:04:00.000+01:00

Last year we prayed for the brother of friend & missionary colleague, Don Martin. The brother (Bill), who had only been a believer in Jesus for a short time, was in a horrible truck accident that should have taken his life. Watch this video that tells his amazing story. I hope it inspires you to never give up and make the most of the life God has given you!

Thankful for YOU!

2007-11-22T06:42:00.000+01:00

To all of my American friends out there....HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Enjoy family, friends, football, and all the wonderful food you will have today!

We at CTS are having our own Thanksgiving dinner with students from around the world! It's pretty cool to share this holiday with them.

Yesterday in the cafeteria one of our American students was explaining her family traditions to a student from the Reunion Island (these are some of our friends that are able to go to the beach at Christmas, so life is very different there!). The American was explaining favorite foods, activities (watching Macy's parade), and shopping the day after!

I love living in another culture, but there is something about Thanksgiving that tends to make me a bit nostalgic. In her blog, my friend Susan reminded me of a time in Cambodia when friends brought an American turkey to us in a cooler on dry ice. That is one of my favorite Thanksgiving memories.

I hope what is more prominent to me today, and to many that are celebrating Thanksgiving, is not the four-day weekend, or all the food (even though my family will be eating cherry pie without me!), but the fact that we take a day to be THANKFUL. That we offer thanks to God for providing the family, friends, food, and football, and memories. That we recognize that all of these things are ultimately from Him, and he deserves our thanks today, and every day that we live.

Today, have a wonderful Thanksgiving....no matter where you are, and remember that I am THANKFUL FOR YOU!!

Waiting or Worshiping

2007-11-18T19:29:00.001+01:00

I spend each Saturday evening in the beautiful city of Antwerp with my church fellowship. We've been meeting together to study 40 Days of Purpose and it's been great. We changed locations last week to the Antwerp Seafarer's Centre. Those of us involved come early, set up our rented room, and wait for the people to come - not necessarily "on time." We've been averaging around 12-13 people, but on Saturday, time kept ticking and we kept waiting.

After waiting outside to direct people where to go, our project leader walked in and said, "no more waiting, let's pray." And we started with a song. In the middle of our worship and praying the door opens and our number doubled as a group of people walked in!

I've learned an important lesson through this. We tend to wait for things to happen before we worship, when really we should start worshiping no matter what. (Wow...that's a lot of "w's" in a sentence.) But seriously, what would transpire if every time, when doing His work, we decided to worship, instead of waiting to worship? I guess church planting is teaching me some lessons. It's not about waiting for the people that will come, but our being obedient to Him.

My advice to you today...turn your waiting into worshiping...and wait to see the results!

Interesting sightings today...

2007-11-14T22:33:00.001+01:00

We have been freezing here. Cold, wet, rainy Brussels. I took this photo back in July when it was also cold & wet. Hmm....I see a pattern forming. Yes, I've lived here for 9 years, but you never get used to cold & wet weather and long for the sun.

However, today was a beautiful day in Brussels. Cold, but sunny. A nice surprise after dark days of rain.

Perhaps it was the sun that got to their brain, but I thought it strange to see two flip-flop clad, short-wearing men carrying surfboards into the airport. I was able to grab a very bad photo on my camera phone.

I guess that some days it's just the best idea in the world to don your shorts and grab your surfboard and head to the beach...no matter your location, or the weather in your country of residence!

And if that doesn't work, why not drive your armored personnel carrier down the freeway while wearing a red motorcycle helmet. I saw this as well on the way home from the airport. And yes, I took this photo while driving. Does that qualify on the rules of not using your cell phone while driving in Belgium?

Yes...some days have a few more interesting sights than one person should actually see.

Hope your day is filled with the interesting!

These are a few of my favorite things

2007-11-05T13:35:00.000+01:00

Yes, I adore the Sound of Music, and one of my favorite songs is "My favorite things." I've been contemplative lately...thinking of friends, family, how I've been blessed, and not wanting to forget any of these things. As the song goes..."when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I've feeling sad. I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel...so bad." Some days bring such excitement and enthusiasm that you can't contain yourself. Some days you are so proud of your accomplishment and know you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. However, some days don't go quite the way you expect. Some bring surprises, some disappointments. Some days you want to walk away from what you are doing and just go to bed, or start fresh the next day. The difference in the good days and the bad days is how we approach them. I pray that with each day I meet the challenges as they come, that I use the wisdom God gave me, and that in the end, I honor him in everything I do. To celebrate today, here are some photos of my favorite things!

Mission Accomplished?

2007-10-26T07:27:00.000+02:00

ACTUALLY, WE'VE JUST BEGUN! CTS held it's annual Missions Convention during the past week. The student mission association did a wonderful job of challenging us to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to all nations!" Our main speaker was Robert Solomon, evangelist & vocalist. He grew up as a street kid in India, but God changed his family's life by the power of the Gospel. Here are some photos!

During the days of missions convention, we prayed for the nations, heard about what God is already doing, were challenged by the needs, and encouraged when five CTS Summer Interns shared about how God used them last summer as they ministered in Taiwan, Burkina Faso, and Mayotte (near Madagascar). Now we begin the process of giving so that even more students may go on mission next year.

We have a wonderful group of students and I count it a privilege to walk with them during this part of their spiritual & ministerial journey.

I don't mean to keep bringing this up...but come on!

2007-10-23T07:32:00.000+02:00

I have a diesel engine car. A nice black Ford Mondeo. I've enjoyed it and one of the reasons is because fuel prices are lower for a diesel engine. But no longer.

As I reported earlier, not only are grocery prices increasing, and electricity prices increasing, but now the tax laws are changing and diesel fuel will also increase. Here's an article about the increase. And all this at a time when the US dollar is at an ALL TIME LOW.

I'm just happy that God is bigger than any of these circumstances! And although it's expensive for an American who gets paid with US dollars to live and work in Europe, I would not want to be anywhere else!

Pray for us....that we would live frugally, purposefully, and walk more often!

Thanks

2007-10-22T11:22:00.000+02:00

Thanks for praying for our first 40 Days of Purpose meeting on Saturday. We had several first time visitors join us, and we are praying for even more this coming Saturday! Continue to pray for us each Saturday evening at 8PM, from now until December 1st. After this, we will continue to have Saturday evening "celebration" meetings. Pray that word will spread and that many will find God's purpose for their life as a result!

40 Days in Antwerp

2007-10-20T15:03:00.000+02:00

Today in Antwerp, the fellowship I am a part of, All Nations Together in Antwerp (ANTIA), is launching a 40 Days of Purpose campaign. We have prayed, advertised, prayed, organized, and prayed some more. Now the results are up to God.

Pray with us that through this search for purpose that God would do something special in the lives of the people we meet during the next 40 days...and beyond.

If you live in Belgium and would like to join us, you are welcome! We will meet each Saturday night at 20:00, and then again in "Together Groups" (small groups), to study the topic "What on earth am I here for" and the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Contact us for details, or go to www.antia-online.org for directions!

How does 20 years pass so quickly?

2007-10-12T06:44:00.000+02:00

No, it's not a wedding anniversary. (I wish!)

Today, in the beautiful town of Clarksville, Arkansas, the graduating high school class of 1987 is gathering together for our 20 year reunion. Although I am not with them, it still makes me a bit nostalgic.

I went to the same school from kindergarten through graduation. So many memories in those 13 years, and most of them good as I was a happy kid. I remember successes and failures, and the things that shaped my life - formed me into who I am today. I remember characteristics from kindergarten that continue even today!

I remember doing really stupid stuff (like rubbing our hands with erasers in 5th grade), and trying to see how much we could get by with without the teachers finding out. I remember when I made fun of other kids, and I remember when they made fun of me. I remember being shy, but once you got to know me....a motor mouth (see, some things stay the same!)

I also remember -

joining the band...a journey that made me love music and created long-lasting friendships.
making a robot in 8th grade with my friends...the beginning of a love for technology and a step along the way that helped me believe in myself.
learning how to write in Mrs. Usery's English class. She loved to teach, and it made me love to learn (even though I wasn't the best of students - but I guess it doesn't matter now - I'm now working in the field of education!)
working in high school, so that I could buy my first car...the job in the local hardware store was one of the best things for me - where I learned about life, and how to fix stuff! I will forever be grateful to the Cecil family (and my dad for getting the job for me!).
being too shy to sing or act in a school play...and now regretting that I didn't do it because I love singing & the theatre.
so many friends. We had lots of fun together, learned from each other, did good & bad things together, but ultimately loved on each other as only high school kids can.

Do I want to go back to high school? Absolutely not! But I'm thankful for the journey that God has taken me on, the people he's allowed me to meet, and the lessons that I've learned along the way.

This post is dedicated to the CHS Class of 1987. Go Panthers Go!

It was already bad, but now...

2007-10-11T19:06:00.000+02:00

Just as we are adjusting to one of the worst exchange rates in years in Europe (currently one Euro costs US 1.42), I just read this article that states grocery prices in Belgium are expected to rise as well.

I also just found this article that states our gas and electricity prices will also increase. Ahhh!

However, I am thankful that I can live in Europe, and know that God will provide what I need, no matter the situation!

But if you are an American and plan to vacation in Europe, now may not be the best time! Analyst say this trend will most probably remain until US elections in November 2008. Wow...

A Time to Pray...

2007-10-10T20:29:00.000+02:00

Sometimes a lot can happen in a week, and we just need to pray for one another. Matthew 18:18-20 tells us to agree together in prayer - "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Here are a few items that you can pray for:

One of our students suddenly lost her father today. We don't know the details, but we know she is devastated. We saw her father every Friday as they picked her up to go home for the weekend. Will you please pray for Laura and her family?
My brother & sister-in-law are ministering to a woman who is pregant with triplets and has many, many issues that affect her life, health and the health of the babies. They will actually adopt these children when they are born, but the main concern at the moment is that the birth mom and babies remain healthy. Will you please pray for her and that God would have His way in this woman's life and keep the babies in His care?
My CTS colleagues, Ken & Peggy, have a 13 year-old granddaughter that has lung cancer. Will you pray for this girl and her parents as they seek wisdom from the Lord and from the doctors.
Another friend is going through a very serious family struggle. Will you pray that God would have his way in their situation.

Thanks for praying. I'll keep you updated on how God works in each of these situations!

Great news to start the year with...

2007-09-30T15:51:00.000+02:00

This week we received great news. Our Master of Theology degree was given full accreditation by the Belgian government. If you can read Dutch, click here to see our listing!

We have been registered with the government for 2 years, but this is the first time that CTS has received full accreditation for any of its degree programs. We are also applying for accreditation of the Bachelor of Arts Degree. Thanks for your prayers for us! We trust that this accreditation will allow even more students to study at CTS and be trained for ministry.

Here are all of us that were present to receive the news (students, faculty & staff).

Let the games begin...

2007-09-19T19:36:00.000+02:00

It's not the Olympic Games, but a training & conditioning event is beginning once again!

Today the faculty & staff of Continental Theological Seminary met together for our annual seminar. Tomorrow student leaders meet together for training & planning. Over the weekend, new students arrive, and next Wednesday, we begin another year of training students for ministry.

Thanks for your prayers as we begin a new school year!

Pray for safe travels of our students arriving from more than 30 nations.
Pray for the 30+ students that will be in our first year class!
Pray for our faculty & staff as they make final preparations for the school year.
Pray for revival on our campus!
Pray for our student leaders as they prepare to lead their fellow students in ministry, missions and student government.

Selling Belgium...

2007-09-19T19:33:00.000+02:00

A friend sent me this link and it is hilarious. Click here to read about one frustrated Belgian man's attempt to sell his country on Ebay!

And here's another article, this one from the Economist, about the ongoing government dispute that is trying to split Belgium apart (and cause it's citizens to want to sell it on Ebay).

While you read, why not pray for Belgium. Pray for the leaders & authorities here. Prayers for wisdom. And pray that we would have a positive impact on this country for Christ.

CTS Mission Interns

2007-09-10T15:54:00.000+02:00

Last year CTS students, faculty & staff raised over 7,000 EUR (that's almost $10,000) to send five students on mission outreaches. Nikolas & Matthieu went to a small island off the coast of Madagascar, Caroline went to Burkina Faso, and Magali & Karine are currently in Taiwan.

If you happen to read & understand French, here's a link to Magali & Karine's blog about their ministry in the far East! If you don't understand French, you can look at the photos & pray for them!

Thanks for praying for these students as they complete their mission internships, and for the students that God will call and use in the year to come.

And if you follow sports...

2007-09-09T09:41:00.000+02:00

You'll see that Belgium's Justine Henin won the US Open this weekend. This lady is one of the reasons I started watching tennis (the other being Belgium's Kim Clijsters). Henin is from the southern Walloon side of Belgium (French-speaking), while Clijsters is from the northern Flanders (Flemish/Dutch-speaking) part of this small nation. They are both very well loved here in Belgium...even by the expatriates. Congrats Justine!