James Cuénod's Newsletter 2009-04-29

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To those
interested who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Well, this term certainly hasn't started slowly despite the myth about
public holidays (last Wednesday we had lectures before lunch and were off
only after lunch to vote). I've handed in a small Worldviews assignment, a
Philosophy essay and done a Philosophy test, in addition I wrote my Greek
1A exam. That was just today...

Greek 1A was tougher than I anticipated but I anticipated something much
simpler than was really fair to expect. I did last year's past paper (the
rewrite) and I finished it in about 10 minutes (we have an allotted time
of 2 hours). It went reasonably well though.

This past Sunday I was able to go and hear John Blanchard preach at Tokai
Community Church in the evening, his topic was "Does God Believe in
Atheists?". It was much better than his talk that I went to in Joburg
entitled "Where Do We Go From Here?". I still would like to hear the one
that he presented at Honeyridge though so I plan on downloading the mp3s.

It seems, having spoken to Mark Dickson, that my ministry placement is in
sight so keep that in your prayers but hopefully it will be set by the end
of next week.

I can't remember whether or not I mentioned my plans last time to join the
Evangelism class... That plan has come through so I am now doing it on
Thursday afternoons.

The public holidays have been a nice relief from the amount of work we
were suddenly given at the beginning of this term and I've managed to get
some extra reading done. I read "God's Smuggler" last week (about Brother
Andrew; a missionary who smuggled Bibles into closed, communist countries
like China, Bulgaria, East Berlin etc.), it is well worth the read. Work
is picking up though so my plans for "Tortured For Christ" are falling by
the wayside a bit.

That's about all I can think of right now. Thanks, once again, for all
your support. Please pray that my ministry placement is really sorted out
in the next week and that I use my time this term wisely and well. Also,
that I keep in focus the point and purpose of my studies here.

Thank you all.

In Christ,
James Cuénod

--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

James Cuénod's Newsletter 2009-04-21

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To those
interested who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Firstly, I would like to give my sincere apologies for the time interval
since my last correspondence. I have just returned to GWC to kick off the
second term. I'll quickly catch you up on some interesting stuff that
happened towards the end of last term first though: I had the opportunity
to hear Daniel Dennet (I'm not certain of the spelling), a very prominent
atheist who specialises in the philosophy of the mind, speak at UCT on the
topic "What can we teach our children". We got quite busy at the end of
the first term, writing our final test in Ephesians as well as handing in
various assignments (hence the lack of newsletters at the end of the first
term).

Upon consideration of writing a newsletter when I got home to Joburg, I
realised that my contact list is all sitting here at GWC (hence the lack
of newsletters during the last two weeks). Nevertheless, the holiday was
quite relaxing. During the first week I didn't do much GWC work but I
helped out with stuff for www.neverthirstagain.co.za (the h2o website)
(Although I'm given to understand that there are still some problems that
need to be ironed out). I also had the chance to speak to various people
about recent events at the church which was helpful.

During the second week of my "study break", I focused more on GWC stuff
and completed some work that needed to be done for when I got back.
However, it was still a restful time and I managed to relax and have a
break from the work. I also got to see a number of friends from church but
also a couple from school which was a lot of fun.

I write the final test for Greek 1A next week Wednesday and so that is my
main focus right now but I also have a few other assignments to do. Today
we had a discussion after lectures on who to vote for tomorrow which I
thought was done really well. Well, in that there was no specific party
that was pushed but rather, the way to think about who to vote for was
thrashed out.

You can pray that I get back into the swing of things quickly and that I
work to the best of my ability but that my focus is not on results but my
walk with God. Thank you for your prayers it is always a comfort to know
that there are people supporting you.

In Christ,
James Cuénod

--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

James Cuénod's Newsletter 2009-03-21

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To those
interested who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I now have only two weeks to go until the end of the term. My workload is
heavy but doable. I have a few assignments left and still a fair amount of
reading to do but that's about it.

I think I've probably mentioned the fact that for the last three days of
term we will be doing a course on African Traditional Religions (instead
of the normal academic program) which means that I have some more reading
to do (but not much) and another assignment.

Recently there have been discussions here about ministry week: A week,
normally towards the end of the second term (1st semester), when we will
be going to various churches around the country and doing whatever they
have planned for us to do. I have been assigned Bryanston Methodist Church
so it seems I'll never get away from all these crazy foreign theologies
:).

I would ask that you pray that I finish strong and can focus on my
studies. More than that though, you can pray for my home church which is
going through a rough time right now.

Thank you for your support and prayers; particularly now, I truly
appreciate them - keep up the good work!

In Christ,
James Cuénod

--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

James Cuénod's Newsletter 2009-03-14

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To those
interested who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

My last newsletter seems to have been so recent that I really can't think
of much news. I attended MCC again last Sunday; the service was good, our
principal preached from Hebrews. I must say, I really enjoy good ol'
exposition - verse by verse - which doesn't seem too common here. Tomorrow
I'll hopefully be going to Tokai (I say hopefully because quite often it
seems that these things are only definitely going to happen once they
actually materialise and you're on the way there).

I've had some time to relax in this past week and last night I went to one
of the college couple's res house for supper with a couple of other res
students. The workload is still quite heavy but I think I've got a
reasonable routine down now (at least I should hope I do after over month
here).

A lot of the guys at res (myself included) are now looking forward to
going home this April now that we are past the halfway mark. That's not to
say I'm no longer enjoying college; I'm still learning a lot and I'm
really loving it.

As far as prayer requests go: I just want to settle into a church here now
so that I can get involved so please would you pray that I am assigned a
church during the coming week (I plan to try to get the ball rolling a bit
- it seems that a number of the students who are not already involved in
churches down here - because they live here - knew churches in the area
and had contact with them; the apprenticeship thing in CESA seems to
assist in that area). Other than that though, just that my spiritual life
would grow at least as fast as my knowledge does.

Thank you, once again, for your support!

In Christ,
James Cuénod

--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

James Cuénod's Newsletter 2009-03-06

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To those
interested who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Before writing this newsletter, I checked the last one (because it has
been two weeks since I sent it) and discovered that it was after my first
full week of lectures. I must say, work has picked up significantly but I
am thoroughly enjoying it.

Last week I had the oppurtunity to go to the South African National
Gallery to see the William Kentridge display called "I am not me, the
horse is not mine". It was typical modern art: Very abstract! I returned
to the exhibition last Saturday to have a second look at it and I do
believe that Kentridge is saying something - though it would be very easy
to dismiss it saying, "Look where post-modernism gets you". Since I've
mentioned it, while I was at the gallery on Saturday I also stopped in at
the "Wildlife Photographer of the Year" display which is at basically the
same place and was absolutely amazing. It was, in fact, the wildlife
photography that was the highlight of my visit.

Two Sundays ago, I visited St. Peters in the morning again which was again
good. That evening I went to St. Pauls which is essentially a church plant
of the morning service at St. Pauls but for students. The vibe there seems
great and the group seems nice (all but a few are students), they have a
Bible study on Wednesday nights and it is almost the size of the evening
service. The only problem is that it is about a 30-40 minute drive to get
there. Last Sunday I went to MCC in the morning again (the church that
uses GWC facilities) and then I went to The Message, a church next door to
the UCT campus, in the evening. The Message was quite a lot like St. Pauls
and I enjoyed the atmosphere and the preaching. Transport there is a
slight problem though so I don't want to be placed there.

Assignments mounted up during the week before last, most of them being due
this past week which is probably why I didn't get to sending out a
newsletter last week. I don't feel overloaded but I feel enough pressure
to keep myself focussed.

This coming Tuesday is the "Matriculation Dinner" which is a formal dinner
where they officially welcome the first year students. During the last 3
days of term (1-3 April), we will not be having normal lectures; we will
be doing a course on African Traditional Religions which promises to be
very interesting.

I think that everyone is settling into routine here. The most recent break
from it was that a new guy, Chaka (I can't remember his surname), has just
arrived from Zimbabwe. He had problems getting a visa and has only just
managed to get here so he has some catching up to do but he knows some of
the guys here already (who are also from Zimbabwe) and I'm sure he'll do
fine.

This may seem to get old but I really do appreciate your prayers. The only
prayer requests that I have are: One; that I discerningly learn as much as
I possibly can and in so doing take maximum advantage of my time here and
two; that my spiritual growth exceeds my intellectual growth while (and
that does not only apply to my time here).

In Christ,
James Cuénod

--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To those
interested who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As my first week of lectures has come to an end, I can see that I will be
getting very busy as the term wears on. For this reason I am planning on
working well ahead, particularly with regards to the required readings but
also with regards to the assignments that I am able to do in advance.
Having said that, I am confident that I will not be overwhelmed if I work
hard and effectively. Ironically then, I suppose, I joined the philosophy
class (which happens on Wednesday afternoon where I have a free spot on my
timetable). I really enjoyed my first lecture and some of the students
recommended that, if I can, I finish the course this year and thus, not
have to worry about it later. I won't let it get in the way of my primary
studies but I have started the required reading and have found it
fascinating (Sophie's World for anyone interested). I also have the
opportunity to do sign language which shouldn't require an incredible time
commitment (and, more importantly, one that I can afford) so I plan to do
that too.

As you read this, you may think that I am, at least mildly, insane. Well;
as it happens, I am already aware of that. I figure that since I came here
to learn, I should probably do some learning. Furthermore, while I'm in
first year I will have the most time for this sort of thing so I'll take
advantage of it (a sentiment that I feel may not be shared by some of my
peers). Having said that, I don't think that I'll take on anything more,
especially right now.

Our timetable here is one week long (with 10 subjects for first years) so
I have now had at least one lecture in each subject. I think that my
favourite subjects will be Hard Questions, essentially an introduction to
theology (as well as related topics such as the defence thereof etc.), and
NT Greek, which I am still really enjoying.

The majority of my "free" time is spent reading; most recently I have been
reading "The Message of Ephesians" by John Stott, an article out of
"Church, Worship and the Local Congregation" by D.B. Knox, "Sophie's
World" by Jostein Gaarder as well as numerous smaller articles that have
just been printed up for us by authors like J.I. Packer and chapters out
of books like "Encountering the Old Testament".

In short, and I suppose this phrase is getting old but nevertheless holds
true, I'm still loving it here. It is nice to be settling into routine now
you can pray that I keep on top of my work and maintain a sharp mind
during all the lectures.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or
think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in
the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

James Cuénod

--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

Greetings in the name of Christ,

Let me begin again by thanking you all for your prayers. I praise God that
there are people such as yourselves who He has placed in my life for
encouragement and prayer and I pray that I would not "be wise in my own
eyes" but that I would "Fear the Lord and turn away from evil".

Lectures have finally commenced, however slowly. I began on Thursday with
Hard Questions (a theology course) and Church Life (a short course
regarding church life). This was followed, on Friday, by more Greek,
Public Speaking (our preaching course) and Learning Development (a course
on how to study/learn). Today I the only new course was Biblical Theology
(which is a course designed to help us to interpret the Bible in light of
the rest of Scripture). It is good to be getting into the swing of things
and I foresee a lot of work in the future (we did not have all our
allotted subjects on Thursday or Friday for various reasons).
Nevertheless, I am grateful to be here and I am still thoroughly enjoying
it.

As I mentioned last time, I went on camp on Monday morning which gave us,
the students, a chance to get to know one another better and there was
some preaching. The structure was a lot like the Honeyridge Church Camp
with specific sessions but plenty of time to relax (although it was
primarily to get to know one another so there were fewer sessions). On
Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, the second and third years had
gone back to college and started lectures. We began the Learning
Development course (which is required by the government but does seem
useful) discussing note taking.

On Sunday the 8th I went to two new churches. I went to Tokai in the
morning which is a CESA church. It was very interesting; the worship was
probably the best of all the churches that I have been to, however, the
sermon was topical (though I am told that this is rare), the topic was sex
and they had an infant baptism. Strangely, I think it is probably one of
my better options at this stage. In the evening I went to Mountainview
Baptist; the teaching was pretty good, unfortunately they were a bit too
Charismatic (in the theological sense of the word) for my liking.

Yesterday I finally attended the college's church, MCC (Muizenberg
Community Chapel). It was okay but I disagreed with the interpretative
method used on the parable that was presented (Luke 20). Also, because it
is the college's chapel, the speaker is always different; I would prefer
to be under one good pastor.

I also had my second Hebrew lecture yesterday. I can't remember whether or
not I mentioned this; a lecturer from BI (the Bible Institute, a Bible
college in Kalk Bay) offered Hebrew lessons to the students here. We will
be doing Hebrew in second year (we will kick off second year with Hebrew
Week) so no one was really interested because either they were overwhelmed
with all the new Greek or they were already doing Hebrew. Being marginally
odd, however, I decided to investigate. It is only an hour and a half on
Sunday and a tiny bit of time during the week for homework and I think
that it'll be of great benefit to me next year. So, I am now familiar with
the Hebrew alphabet as well as the vowels and dipthongs.

I am truly looking forward to the coming term and, more particularly the
coming week when I finally have a full week of lectures. Please remember
me in your prayers and praise God for the opportunity of being here that
He has afforded me.

Flourishing in the gospel,
James Cuénod

--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

James Cuénod's Newsletter 2009-02-06

Hello again everyone,

My first full week at GWC has just drawn to a close. We had a college
braai to celebrate the end of "Greek Week" which was great fun (the Greek
Week - not the braai; I'm pretty much neutral towards the braai). I can
now translate delightfully large amounts of Greek (we did 5 chapters of
Duff's NT Greek textbook in the 7 days of Greek Week).

I haven't spent much time on anything else really because we've been
getting a lot of vocabulary to do every day and on days when there is not
as much vocabulary to do, we're learning strange grammar. I wouldn't say
that I have it all figured out; with what we have done so far I understand
it but need to practice it quite a bit.

My Greek lecturer, Jonathan More, seems brilliant; he arbitrarily sprouts
French or Latin (and of course he knows Greek and Hebrew) during class and
today he wrote a play on words on the board in Italian saying, "I think
that's how it goes, my Italian isn't that good…" – mine isn't either.

I may be able to do Hebrew in the coming months with a lecturer for BI
(the Bible Institute; a nearby Bible College that used to be closely
related to GWC). He was at the college a few days ago and said that he
would be giving free extra lessons. Of course, next year the language
school will be "Hebrew Week" but I may as well get a head start if
possible.

I don't have any plans for this coming weekend except that I want/need to
explore the churches and find a good one. On Monday I will be going on the
"Commencement Camp" which is a time to get to know other students
(regardless of what year they are in) and then Wednesday I will return
with the other first years after a day of something that only first years
do (other people return on the Tuesday evening). Next week Thursday then
is my first day of lectures and next on week Friday I will have my first
non-Greek-Week Greek lesson which means that there is a full week until my
next Greek lesson so I hope I retain all that has been taught over the
past few days.

If it seems like all I talk about is Greek it's probably because I do.
We've been finishing between 14:45 and 16:00 every day (except today) and
starting at 9:00 but have had a lot of homework so although our lecturer
told us that because Ancient Greek is not spoken anymore they do not use
the immersion technique, I certainly feel immersed.

I hope there aren't any spelling or grammar mistakes here, I don't have
time to proof read the mail because the library is now closing. My
profound apologies if there are any.

Once again, I appreciate the prayers and support. If there's anything that
I would like prayer for right now, it's that I find a good church to join
down here. Other than that, I am still loving it here and I praise and
thank God for this opportunity.

James Cuénod

--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

Newsletter 2009-01-30

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ,

Thank you very much for your prayers and support. I have truly appreciated the knowledge that there are people praying for me "back home". Almost a week has elapsed since my arrival on Monday morning. Arriving a day early allowed me to settle in before having to worry about registration and lectures. In case anyone is not aware of my location; I am at the George Whitefield College (hereafter referred to as GWC) which is in Muizenberg, Cape Town. My room is one of the larger rooms as I think it should normally support two students, however, I am on my own here. It is very comfortable and much larger than my room at home (with the added advantage
that I do not have all the muck that I have accumulated in my room at home in my room here). My room overlooks a lovely slate roof and is conveniently tucked behind some high buildings (more specifically; the college and another res house) so as to prevent me from being distracted by anything annoying, such as the sea or birds (although the sky is unfortunately visible if I move close to the windows). I get three meals per day and we alternate washing up the dishes (Fridays and Sundays are
the best because the supper is packed and thus there are no supper dishes).

On Tuesday we began the registration process, receiving a number of forms, and getting a tour of the surrounding area and the campus. Only the first years were there which allowed us to get to know one another a bit (though there are still people whose names elude me). The library is delightfully big and I foresee myself spending a great deal of time there.

Lectures began on Wednesday morning after the veterans (anyone who isn't here for the first time) had registered which took an hour. Immediately before lectures, though, was chapel. Because it is language school (which ends at the end of this coming week) we have chapel every day. The preacher for this period (since it will normally be a student as far as I know) has been Gavin Millard, a local CESA (Church of England SA) pastor. He has been expositing Jeremiah and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

It is now, as I have said, language school. I, therefore, have been learning Greek, a class taken by Johnathan More. I can see that it is a subject that will stretch me but as of now, I have been loving it. At the time of writing I can construct simple sentences and have a small, but rapidly expanding, vocabulary. The pace that we have been going is fast and I think that the slower people may struggle because of that but I am trying to read a day ahead in the text book so that the lectures are not
completely foreign and I am also trying to keep at least a chapter ahead in vocabulary; the killer of many a procrastinating Greek student.

The interaction that I have had with the other students, specifically those in res, has been marvellous. We have already had discussions about various issues (such as spiritual gifts and the doctrines of grace). There are many Baptists studying here including the SRC (student representative council) member in charge of my res. There are students here from Sudan, Tanzania, Ghana, Zimbabwe (and possible more) and a few from South Africa; probably only by a slight majority, most are from Cape Town. Tomorrow I will be taking a hike up the mountain that is usefully positioned behind
the college. I am told that it takes approximately three hours to get to the top.

I am still unsure which church will become my spiritual home here but I have about two Sundays in which to figure that out (I wrote this on Friday afternoon, since then I have been to St. Peters which was good but I am not sure whether I will make it will be the church I fellowship at). Most of the lecturers seem excellent, a few seem slightly eccentric but I'm looking forward to all my classes (I am particularly delighted that Greek is coming on so fast though). Many of the first years will be doing their BTh (as opposed to just a one year certificate in Theology) which
means that we will go all the way through together which should be good.

I am truly grateful, once again, for the prayers and support from you all and I look forward to what the coming year brings.

In Christ,
James Cuénod


--
James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ

A Brief Biographical Note

I assume that if you, the reader, exist; then you must have some interest in my person. Therefore I thought it apt to make this first post a biographical note. I should, however, warn you that my language is cumbersome and only the likes of John Owen could hope to match such clumsy, awkward language (though do not think that this clumsiness is an indication of quality-of-content; I assure you that it has no bearing on said attribute whatsoever). Therefore, I greatly appreciate the fact that you would take the trouble to read anything "penned" by the author.

I suppose that there is only one thing that is of any real consequence regarding any individual who has, does, or will ever live and that is: Does that person know the special, saving grace of God. It is upon this point in my life that I shall elaborate.

I was certainly blessed to have grown up in a Christian family and to have, I am told, professed faith at about the age of three. Looking back I think it is unlikely that I was saved at that age simply because I doubt that I could have understood what it meant (though, with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible). I was baptised at the age of eleven and I believe that I was indeed saved when I was baptised (in other words - at the time of my baptism I was saved; not that my baptism saved me). Satan, however, tormented my over many issues in Christianity. For example I wondered about God demanding all glory for Himself, sinfully pondering that it may be egotistical or further, I, like Jonah, would think that there are places and things hidden from the sight of God. Looking back though, I see the thread of God's sovereign grace in my life as I hid His word in my heart at Awana (a youth group I attended from grade 2 till grade 5), a growing hunger for Him during a "dry" period which parched me to the point that upon reaching the oasis I would drink it dry. The introduction of "Kent Hovind" and soon after "The Way of The Master" in grade 9 and following, in my opinion, constitute this oasis. This led to hearing Paul Washer (originally on Way of The Master Radio) and being deeply challenged regarding not merely my way of life but the end that I am living towards. It was probably a sermon by Paul Washer that had the single greatest influence over my decision to study a Bachelor of Theology after Matric. I am now, by the grace of God, no longer a stranger to the doctrines of grace, apologetics (formerly traditional though of late, presuppositional) as well as countless other sciences that center on God.

I often thought how unfortunate it was that my testimony did not contain some sort of great recovery from worldly wretchedness of drugs and gangs. I should now affirm to those who hold this view of their own testimony that indeed, my testimony does contain such a miraculous recovery! I was as sinful as they come; self-righteous, proud and arrogant, idolatrous and every other sin you can name in thought if not in deed and in omission if not commission. Even now, though I am assured of my salvation, I cannot but wince at the thought of the sin that still lingers. Indeed I can say with Paul Washer; "I was such a wretch you would not have wanted to run me down with your car." Though my vileness was not outward but inward. It is with great ecstasy then, that I can declare "I am saved". It is infinitely difficult to convey with mere diction the glorious holiness of God and the contemptuous sin and miserable nature of man. We were not neutral to God; we were His enemies (Psalm 5:5 and Romans 5:8-10). Certainly, I deserved punishment for my infinite offense against my Lord but not only this, I loved to transgress His law and scorned His grace and gospel. Yet, He saw fit to save me.

Many hymns express my feelings but this one springs to mind as I write:

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Refrain
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

'Tis mystery all: th'Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.

Refrain

He left His Father's throne above
So free, so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race:
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Refrain

Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.

Refrain

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Refrain

(should you wish to listen to this hymn, it can be freely downloaded from songsandhymns.org)

So, what more can I say; the question of the one thing of consequence in my life has been answered - what could possibly matter enough to be given even a sentence on this post?

So I close, "Soli Deo Gloria".
Please do not neglect to keep me in your prayers.