Summer & Fall Semesters 2017
Donation protected
Dearest Friends and Family,
Before my friend and counselor and shepherd Ken McCarty died this summer, he encouraged me to finish my seminary degree. On our last visit I was telling him how hard the spring semester had been -- my first one as part of the Reformed Theological Seminary system following the closing of my beloved Redeemer Seminary. I must have sounded a little discouraged, so he urged me on to finish the challenge. That meant a lot to me. It is my firm conviction that God called me to seminary. He will help me persevere. My vision for my life's work continues to sharpen as time goes on. I am a total body discipler, helping to restore wholeness -- shalom -- in body and soul. I am already doing it but continue to pray that God will direct me to whatever He has for me.
I have been working on one online class this summer called Advanced Biblical Exegesis. It's been very good and helpful, teaching me how to find meaning in a text and do responsible interpretation. My payment for the course is still due before I can register for the fall semester. That amounts to $1352. Since Easter my plate has been full with work as a health coach and ministry to yet another precious woman the Lord brought into my life to disciple. Raising money for a course has been the last thing on my mind, but alas, it must be done.
The fall semester begins on August 31st -- two weeks away! I can't believe how fast the past few months have passed! Because of my experience of overwhelm in the spring semester with three courses totaling 7 hours, I am limiting myself to 2 courses totaling 6 hours. The first class to start is in the area of systematic theology, "Soteriology, Christology, and Eschatology". It will be taught by our new executive director Mark McDowell. He's an Irishman, so I'm really looking forward to listening to his accent for three hours on Thursday afternoons. :)
The second course is on the Pauline Epistles, except for Romans, which I had in the spring. That class will be taught by Dr. Robert Cara, who will fly in from Charlotte on seven Mondays. Digging in deeply to Paul's letters is so rewarding because they are instructive about our union with Christ and for how we Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are to live as citizens of the new creation even now, before Jesus returns.
The fall semester tuition and fees amount to $2317. Together with the summer, I am asking you to help me come up with $3669, plus at least some of the 7% GoFundMe charges. Because I already have most of the books, I don't need any help with those this time around. I should be able to get any remaining ones myself. Fortunately, I don't have to cancel any clients to accommodate these classes, just adjust one to different days. That is a huge blessing!
Precious ones, thank you for taking this journey with me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your faithful support and encouragement. I could not go to seminary without it. Perhaps one day, God will provide me with more income to be able to finish my degree without having to raise funds, but right now He wants me to learn dependence on His care. Please don't feel any pressure to give if you aren't able to this time. Each campaign is a different mix of people. If you can't give, please pray with and for me.
If you are able to help this time, please click on the big Donate button. It is a gift for the expansion of God's kingdom!
Most humbly and gratefully,
Lisa
Before my friend and counselor and shepherd Ken McCarty died this summer, he encouraged me to finish my seminary degree. On our last visit I was telling him how hard the spring semester had been -- my first one as part of the Reformed Theological Seminary system following the closing of my beloved Redeemer Seminary. I must have sounded a little discouraged, so he urged me on to finish the challenge. That meant a lot to me. It is my firm conviction that God called me to seminary. He will help me persevere. My vision for my life's work continues to sharpen as time goes on. I am a total body discipler, helping to restore wholeness -- shalom -- in body and soul. I am already doing it but continue to pray that God will direct me to whatever He has for me.
I have been working on one online class this summer called Advanced Biblical Exegesis. It's been very good and helpful, teaching me how to find meaning in a text and do responsible interpretation. My payment for the course is still due before I can register for the fall semester. That amounts to $1352. Since Easter my plate has been full with work as a health coach and ministry to yet another precious woman the Lord brought into my life to disciple. Raising money for a course has been the last thing on my mind, but alas, it must be done.
The fall semester begins on August 31st -- two weeks away! I can't believe how fast the past few months have passed! Because of my experience of overwhelm in the spring semester with three courses totaling 7 hours, I am limiting myself to 2 courses totaling 6 hours. The first class to start is in the area of systematic theology, "Soteriology, Christology, and Eschatology". It will be taught by our new executive director Mark McDowell. He's an Irishman, so I'm really looking forward to listening to his accent for three hours on Thursday afternoons. :)
The second course is on the Pauline Epistles, except for Romans, which I had in the spring. That class will be taught by Dr. Robert Cara, who will fly in from Charlotte on seven Mondays. Digging in deeply to Paul's letters is so rewarding because they are instructive about our union with Christ and for how we Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are to live as citizens of the new creation even now, before Jesus returns.
The fall semester tuition and fees amount to $2317. Together with the summer, I am asking you to help me come up with $3669, plus at least some of the 7% GoFundMe charges. Because I already have most of the books, I don't need any help with those this time around. I should be able to get any remaining ones myself. Fortunately, I don't have to cancel any clients to accommodate these classes, just adjust one to different days. That is a huge blessing!
Precious ones, thank you for taking this journey with me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your faithful support and encouragement. I could not go to seminary without it. Perhaps one day, God will provide me with more income to be able to finish my degree without having to raise funds, but right now He wants me to learn dependence on His care. Please don't feel any pressure to give if you aren't able to this time. Each campaign is a different mix of people. If you can't give, please pray with and for me.
If you are able to help this time, please click on the big Donate button. It is a gift for the expansion of God's kingdom!
Most humbly and gratefully,
Lisa
Organizer
Lisa Brown
Organizer
Euless, TX
