The Long Lost Newsletter

Well now I've had my four hundred years of silence, it's probably about
time to send a newsletter again. I thought college was busy. That was then
though.

Let me give you an idea of what I'm doing this year and then some updates.

I'm working at Trinity Church Hilton 2 days a week.
My responsibilities there vary depending partly on what needs to be done
and partly on how much I'm doing. I've preached, lead Bible study, done
Sunday school (for a number of different age groups), I've even played
piano (or at least tried). I think it's going pretty well - maybe you
should verify with them though. Looking forward to more Bible study
leading this coming term and who knows what else.

What do I do on the other 3 days? I work at Grace College.
Grace College is a local high school originally started from Trinity but
independent from it. It's a Christian school that welcomes everyone. My
main role is to teach Bible Education to grade 8s and 9s. I'm doing a kind
of Bible overview / biblical theology (for those in the know) course with
them. Teaching is far more of a challenge than I ever imagined and it's
definitely stretching me but I get the chance to teach the Bible to a
bunch of kids (many of whom have almost no biblical knowledge whatsoever).
I also prepare a kind of Bible study for teachers to use with small groups
of kids of Friday mornings where everyone comes to a "mentor" group so
there are real opportunities here.

I've settled into Hilton life and I've gotten to know a number of people
here - the people at the church are very friendly. It'll take time to
develop deep relationships but I guess I've only been here a few months.
Some of the fun stuff so far has been getting back into Hebrew. I'm
working through a Hebrew textbook with another guy at the church which is
fantastic (but quite depressing to realise how much I've forgotten). I've
had the chance to see a lot more of college friends than I had expected to
see - they're not nearby but they are near enough. I've had the chance to
preach a bunch of times and I always enjoy that.

I haven't made any plans beyond this I'm just kind of enjoying life here.
I do miss college and the people and the study so don't worry humongous
books - I haven't forgotten you.

Sorry this newsletter has taken four months to land. Things are pretty
nuts - I'll try get back into the habit of sending these to keep you up to
date.

As for prayer requests. I could definitely use some divine enabling with
regards to teaching skills - I'm fascinating to myself but I could
certainly be a better teacher. Also for some good relationships to
develop, it's tough to leave the people you've been with for four years
and start from scratch although I think it's been quite successful when in
that light.

Keep well, watch out for the fish and stay away from the sunlight.
James Cuénod


--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
http://www.rekindle.co.za