S.D.G.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 18, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 21:42:00 +0000

"If you don't love people, you don't love Jesus."

These are the words of the lovely Samayra, my seven-year-old friend whose father owns our hotel. She was born in the US and attends an English-only private school here. She and I had some lively conversations when I was trying to get some work done in the hotel dining room.

In my last lecture today I did a "fly over" of the book of Hosea titled "Hosea, Redemption and Your Marriage." It teaches what marital love--and any love--ought to look like. One excerpt connected Hosea's purchase of his runaway bride with Peter's commission from Jesus after his denials:

In John 21 the resurrected Messiah walked with Peter next to Galilee and asked him a difficult question: “Do you love me?” In case you don’t know the story, this is similar to Hosea asking Gomer that question. Peter said, “yes,” but he used a weaker word than Jesus used. Jesus asked a second time and Peter responded with the same weaker word. Finally Jesus used Peter’s word and Peter realized that Jesus could see right through him. What helps us understand love in this text is that each of the three times Jesus called Peter to do something: “Feed My sheep.” Here is the point: whatever your level of love you need to do the loving thing. The test of love is not mustering the courage to express it verbally. Love is something shown. The test is in its outworking

Love is first what you do rather than what you feel. When kept in the right order the feeling that follows the action is true delight. Samayra's words certainly reflect why I am here and what I know should be the objective of all who claim to follow Christ.

Samayra must have heard John's words somewhere along the line: "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." 1 John 4:20, NASB

We are all done with exams here. Tomorrow I get to go home and put some love into action at my house.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 17, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 22:28:00 +0000

Today was very sober at our hotel. A tragic accident in Haiti's version of the Fat Tuesday (Carnival) parade left at least 18 people dead or wounded. A parade float apparently came in contact with a power line, which fell

fell to the ground, electrocuting some and sending the crowd into a panic that left some trampled.

Oddly enough, I am teaching Biblical Counseling 201, in which we covered the role pastors play in crisis counseling people who are suffering the saddest effects of life in a sin-cursed world.

Here are some of the notes we covered regarding the way we respond to tragedy (which Haitians know so well after the events here January 12, 2010):

After looking around the globe, you need in times like these to consider the smaller-scale crises that are going to touch you. They will come. If you have not experienced great loss in your life, the primary reason is that you have not lived long enough. What should you do when tragedy like this strikes your life?

1. Ask “Why?” The psalmists did so in the context of worship (Psalm 10, 22, 42, 43, 44, 74, 80, 88). This is not the same as assigning blame to God. That is blasphemy. Asking why, like Jesus did on the cross, can be a confession of weakness and submission to the Father’s decrees.

2. Mourn. This is not a waste of time. Jesus said this is a blessed activity (Matthew 5:4). Only mourners can know the sweetness of the God of all comfort.

3. Rehearse the attributes of God. You should do this before the next tragedy strikes.

· Rest in the knowledge that He rules.

· Delight in the knowledge that He is good.

· Give thanks in the knowledge that He is merciful.

4. Get back to work. God’s mission is all about Him, not about you. Elijah had to learn after a personal crisis that the “still, small voice” was not telling him anything new (1 Kings 19:13-16). It told him to finish the course.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 16, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 22:28:00 +0000

It's "plug" day (You thought it was President's Day, didn't you?). The two ministries I support personally and try to encourage when I go to Haiti each year are listed below. They are worthy of your prayer and financial support too.

On Target Ministry is an international ministry started by Dr. Jim Bearss, whose goal is to equip Bible students who wish to serve in their own countries as pastors, church leaders and servants. Jim travels to Egypt, Columbia, the Philippines and other nations working with Bible schools. Haiti Bible Institute is the first such institution started and fully funded by On Target. These students are working toward accredited degrees to use in church leadership. Each student is held accountable to achieve academically as well as take the course material learned here and teach it to others.

Wordsower International is a ministry started by Jason Nightingale. Jason travels the world using his dramatic gifts and massive reserve of memorized Scripture to encourage believers. His ministry has founded orphanages in Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, India and here in Haiti.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 15, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 23:18:00 +0000

Thank you for visiting. I will let my sample of the worship time today be the substance of today's report.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 14, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 02:48:00 +0000

Scholars sweating the Hebrews exam

Happy Valentine's Day! I sent my bride a text message early this morning (a special privilege with my new cell provider) that said "Vous êtes mon amour." She did not respond yet. Hmmm.

Today was our first of two final exam days. That changed the teaching schedule and gave me time to sit on the roof in the sunshine grading tests. Last year a gust of tropical Haitian wind almost mercifully (for a few guys) swept some exams off the roof. I was more careful this year.

Some teachers do not worry that red ink may damage self esteem.

Today exam grading turned into a major score-juggling exercise. I had to show mercy to some by adjusting "weights" of parts of the grading. I was on the roof until it became too dark to see. I just finished the first lecture for my second course. I will insert some pictures of exam day and call it quits.

Watch for highlights of the always-memorable HBI worship time tomorrow.

Mountains and palm trees make grading time pleasant.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 13, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 23:25:00 +0000

These guys are either hanging on my words or
hanging on to consciousness. You make the call.

Our school space has worked out very well. The air conditioning has been pretty reliable and the hotel owner is bending over backwards to serve us even though he is overseeing a construction project that will expand his facility. He purchased data projectors to use in our two classrooms and he has his staff caring for us like we are dignitaries. Yesterday he bought a big bag of large, sweet mangoes for the faculty to enjoy. We have given Anderson (the owner) the honorary title of School Administrator.

The Seminary students (a new group this Spring) meet in a conference room and my classroom for the Associate Degree students has been temporarily converted from a fitness center. Anderson dressed up the room with a water cooler, appropriate national flags and furnishings.

A first for me: teaching from a smart phone.

I have gotten used to all the French around me. Television news anchors, hotel staff and students mostly communicate in French (mixed with a bit of Haitian Creole). I am starting to recognize when the students are talking about me--particularly when I pick out "Professeur Svendsen."

As I sit here during my break this evening I have finally finished my sweetheart's Valentine email, finished studying for two sermons at Providence and now I will prepare to speak at our HBI worship service this Sunday. Since my teaching prep is done for now, I am hoping to start dessert: reading a new book I brought.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 12, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 23:29:00 +0000

People think a lot about security in Haiti. After hearing news of riots in the streets here last week, I've been thinking a little bit about it myself. It really does not bother me a bit that our building is surrounded with walls and gates and that a trained guard with a sawed-off shotgun greets all visitors (with a helpful smile) at the door.

But that is not my refuge.

Today my students discussed a different kind of security. I will include a tiny portion of today's text in French and in English.

C'est pourquoi Dieu, voulant montrer avec plus d'évidence aux héritiers de la promesse l'immutabilité de sa résolution, intervint par un serment, afin que, par deux choses immuables, dans lesquelles il est impossible que Dieu mente, nous trouvions un puissant encouragement, nous dont le seul refuge a été de saisir l'espérance qui nous était proposée. Cette espérance, nous la possédons comme une ancre de l'âme, sûre et solide; elle pénètre au delà du voile, là où Jésus est entré pour nous comme précurseur, ayant été fait souverain sacrificateur pour toujours, selon l'ordre de Melchisédek. Hébreux 6:17-20, LSG

In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:17-20, NASB

The big deal I tried to get across is that security lies where your anchor lies. The writer of Hebrews said that our hope is in a person who suffered violence in such a way that rebels like us can have hope anchored in the very presence of God. God can't lie and hope for believers is sure. Is your anchor in earthly treasures that corrode, get stolen or burn?

I know. I'm preaching. But that's what I do.

So when your kingdom shakes like Haiti shook five years ago what will you have left?

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28, NASB

Haiti Bible Institute, February 11, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 23:06:00 +0000

The photo at the right is the classroom where I began to teach Hebrews today. The room serves us very well, tucked away in a corner on the top floor of the hotel. Only one of the 19 students (my translator) serves as a senior pastor. The rest are training as church planters, serving in their churches and supporting their families.

The men have to agree to use the material they learn here to train others as a condition of continuing in the school. I love hearing that my notes or Bible commentaries are being put to good use. I also enjoy reports that Biblical Counseling principles taught at HBI are getting applied in homes and churches.

We got off schedule today in Hebrews. We got to chapter two and some stumbled at the idea that Jesus died to "bring" "many" sons to glory. I have the late class tonight, so we will be seeking to answer the question about whether or not the death of Christ actually did something for those for whom it was intended. I hope to ask if it was ever God's intent to save everyone and, if so, to ask if it was a failed mission. Detours are valuable when they lead to getting the gospel right.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 10, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:20:00 +0000

I arrived at the airport in Port-au-Prince yesterday to uncharacteristically cloudy weather. What was also uncharacteristic for this city is that there was very little traffic. Local bus drivers, or tap-tap drivers as they call them

here, have launched a protest because the government has not lowered fuel prices to their satisfaction. I don't know many details. All I know is that a lot of people are being detained and a lot of tires are being burned in the streets.

I was pleased to be able to deliver a suitcase full of shoes and a wad of money to Pastor Predestin at My Father's House orphanage. My teaching colleague (who also came bearing gifts) and I enjoyed being swarmed by huggers. These kiddos get great care, but I was stirred emotionally as I thought of that huge daddy hug vacuum (you may take that adjective to describe the daddy and the vacuum).

I am spoiled again this year by our very nice guest house/hotel. Generators do not make the frequent city power outages unnoticeable, but we are spoiled by hot water, occasional air-conditioning and occasional wireless Internet.

Tomorrow starts the roller coaster with students arriving at 7 a.m. I am scheduled to teach through the book of Hebrews in about 16 hours through four days and then to teach a second level of Biblical Counseling in the same amount of time. I hope to give daily updates, and would be pleased if you take the time to read them and pray for me and our students.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 26, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 12:19:00 +0000

It is test day. We enjoyed an hour-and-a-half study session until 9:30 last night. We finished course material, addressed questions about church problems and ate snacks that were lovingly packed by my daughter Rachel.

Most of the students were so tuned in during this class that I expect to see a lot of A's and B's on the written examination. I hope to conserve the red ink in my correcting pen (although I do not think red marks on paper damage their fragile souls).

Since this is my last post from Haiti for this year I am reviewing the highlights of the trip. As much as I am longing for home I still have some great joys here.

I like it when I sit in my room with the door open (a lot of the time) and guys stop in just to chat (and I jokingly say "Je ne parle pas Francais!").
I like it when engaged students ask such good questions that I know they "get it."
I like it when my teaching brings me to re-visit my own sins and weaknesses as I tell the guys that the best disciple-maker is himself a disciple.
I like it when men ask to speak with me in private through a translator about personal struggles brought to light by the teaching here.
I like it when men who respect me as a teacher can still consider me their friend.

I must visit FLL, ORD and MSP before I get to see my sweetheart and all the little Svendsens. I'm ready.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 25, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:27:00 +0000

How often does a guy get to sit on a porch overlooking a street lined with mango and palm trees set against a backdrop of mountains...and still have WiFi?

Two hundred years ago the land I am enjoying was a beautiful, productive, economically self-sufficient nation. It was a tropical paradise. Then deceivers came to power and seduced the people back into what could very much be compared to slavery. New leaders promised change that never came.

Then in January of 2010 an earthquake left much of Port-au-Prince, the nation's largest city, in ruins. The pastors who now attend Haiti Bible Institute saw tragedy that most people in the world will never have to experience.

Four years ago the place where I am sitting did not exist. The neighborhood was rubble. The whole region was in ruins. The world watched on television as the Haitian people lived a nightmare. Billions of dollars in international aid poured in. My visits in 2010 and 2011 left me wondering if the great "price" paid to rescue Haiti was being squandered by corrupt politicians and aid organizations.

When I came to teach in 2011 I observed some change. The road from the airport to the school had new Menard's-like and Walmart-like businesses. Both middle class and poorer people were building homes. Roads with craters that could swallow a Prius were being paved. Ambitious citizens, with government encouragement, started businesses to promote tourism and industry. A Haitian couple from Connecticut moved back home and built LaPepinierre Guest House.

Please get my metaphors. I'm not saying that economic prosperity is the hope for Haiti. If I believed that I would not be doing what I am doing. I am saying that what has happened in this nation serves to underscore a much more powerful set of truths.

Creation. Fall. Redemption.

I am writing these words as I teach a Biblical Counseling class. My role is not to help pastors help people to "cope" or rearrange their choices to reduce consequences. My role is to demonstrate that the trouble people experience now was not the original setup. People were created to glorify God and seek their pleasure in Him and in the gifts He gave. We were programmed to be pleasure seekers but our pleasures collapsed when we thought we could find it outside the boundaries God had set. We ran into the arms of a reptilian master who promised better pleasure. My role is to show that the way back comes not through psychological sanctification but through the one Who bore the wrath of God to both pardon and purify His people.

Creation. Fall. Redemption.

Some of us follow that pattern in our worship services. We belt out songs like "I Sing the Mighty Power of God." Then we confess our sins and take communion. We sing again about "The Power of the Cross." We get refreshed as our pastors draw from the deep well of redemption's Book and we find hope.

Creation. Fall. Redemption.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:20-21, NASB

Haiti Bible Institute, February 24, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 12:17:00 +0000

I am always in my element when I get to teach through books of the Bible, but practical theology has to run a close second. The course I am teaching now (Introduction to Biblical Counseling) takes biblical theology and the analytical content of the Scriptures and answers the question: What does this look like in real time?

To know people is to know heartache and trouble. Either you have trouble or you know someone with trouble or both. Everyone tries to interpret trouble and find solutions. Do you know what that solution-seeking makes you? A counselor. Particularly if you are a follower of Christ, you need not ask if you are a counselor. You should ask if the counsel you give is based on what is timeless and reliable.

A biblical counselor, like any counselor, is going to start from a foundation (epistemology). We all start with certain presuppositions regarding what we believe to be true. For instance, if I believe you are essentially chemical I will look at trouble and solutions very differently than if I believe you are an eternal being created in the image of God and living in a sin-cursed world.

Essentially Biblical Counseling is Christian Disciple-making. So with a different set of glasses (a biblical worldview) I am seeking to help these men offer their people hope and change. They have been very active learners so far.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 23, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 23:32:00 +0000

Today was the "relaxed" day on our schedule. The first class began at 6:30 a.m. (not mine this time) and we finish tonight at 9:20 (my class), but the middle of the day was filled with worship, food and rest. The Internet connection is too slow to post a video of the singing to this blog but it was sweet. It worked on Facebook. Some of the men who are looked to as leaders of the group led the worship gathering in the hotel dining area. Doc Bearss brought a solid Bible message from 1 Thessalonians 2 and emphasized what it looks like to be a faithful pastor. This is much needed in a land where the television preachers are either frenzied, screaming Haitians or pretty-teethed American prosperity preachers promising health and wealth to those who learn their secrets. Role models. Grrr.

In addition to the content of our classes, the goal at HBI is to model a careful handling of Scripture. Religious fads and freakish frenzies eventually come up empty. Accuse us of not keeping up with evangelical fads, but there are some things that need not change. Try coming up with a new and exciting way to breathe. Jesus did say that His words are not going anywhere. So we teach these guys to plagiarize Jesus till the cows come home. It pleases Him.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 22, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 15:53:00 +0000

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Whether curiosity or or shared concern brings you here I'm pleased when anyone is willing to listen to what I have to say.

I decided that today I would give you a brief look at the school that first brought me to Haiti.

Dr. Jim Bearss founded Haiti Bible Institute in 2009 because he saw that the academic preparation for church leaders in Haiti was largely very poor. The pastors themselves agreed heartily with that assessment.

Some pastors here are privileged to come to the US for theological education, but that is not practical for most. Modular classes in this culture are helpful but provide little continuity, accountability or academic standards.

Through scholarships provided to On Target Ministry, a select group of students receive room and board for eight days in the spiring and fall. In the Associate Certificate program each student is required to complete 32 classes. We are in the process of getting accreditation here in Haiti. Of the five instructors on site today I am the only one without an earned doctorate. I get to run with the big dogs.

Today I will finish teaching Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels and begin Introduction to Biblical Counseling. We take a break for worship in the morning tomorrow. I'll plan to feature that pleasant experience here.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 21, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 11:26:00 +0000

All the comforts of home...

Our guest house, an actual hotel, is the nicest we have used since 2009 when Haiti Bible Institute began. LaPepinierre is a Petionville neighborhood and our guest house is named after that.

The armed guard is a staple here in places that might be a target for crime because of international travelers.

The building is new and has two things I have not experienced in this country before: hot water and air conditioning. Noticeably missing from the picture are mosquitos and power failures. So far the power has only been off once for just a few moments.

At the same time there are reminders all around that this is still the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. Goats, dogs, chickens and occasional pigs roam about freely. One does not need look far to find homes surrounded by piles of garbage and people living in extreme poverty.

I struggle with this contrast because I am so comfortable. I am trying to remind myself that we are trying to create a safe, undistracted environment for the pastors to get their training. I am thankful that while the orphanages we support here are far from first-world comforts they are in quiet neighborhoods behind big walls.

More on the school itself next time...

Haiti Bible Institute, February 20, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 15:18:00 +0000

Yesterday between classes I caught a ride to My Father's House orphanage. My primary objective was to get some pictures of the children and the facility and to deliver some cash from Providence Church. I get a little nervous carrying a thousand dollars cash in Barron County. You might imagine carrying that much money through international airports and on the streets of Port au Prince. It made my money belt feel like Frodo's necklace approaching Mordor.

After unloading the money (treasure in heaven, not a volcano) and taking some pictures I helped match up some clothes with some boys (sent by another congregation). Knowing my ride back to the schoolhouse was not yet available, I asked Pastor Predestin (orphanage administrator, a.k.a. George Mueller) if there was anything I could do to help. He suggested I speak to the children, so we gathered 91 of them and their workers in the shade of one of the buildings and I introduced myself, explaining that I come from a place called Wisconsin where the snow is up to my knees.

My impromptu speeches are very much limited to Bible, so I recruited the biggest boy, the smallest boy and five smooth stones (no shortage of rocks in Haiti). Through my interpreter (PP) I explained that while they had all heard the story of David and Goliath I wanted to bring out what we usually miss. The story is not about being brave David and boldly killing the giants in your life. My big point: David is not the hero of this story. Goliath was powerful and made his money killing people. David was weak and made no money because he simply worked for his father. David was handy with a sling, but what was that against Hulk?

I compared David to the boys at MFH. They all agreed that the "odds" are stacked against them in 1 Samuel 17 proportions. But the answer to those odds is not fleshly achievement. Hard work driven by pride creates wealthy monsters. The answer is to seek hope in the one who is the real hero of the David and Goliath story. This is the one who conquered sin and death. This is the foundation for living a life that is not wasted by living for self.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 19, 2014, Late Morning Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 14:54:00 +0000

So it took two hours to upload the photo of my "office." I will try to stop complaining about the connection speed in my first world office.

No telling how long I will have this connection so I will make hay while the sun shines.

Today I am only scheduled to teach at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Each session is about an hour and forty minutes, which gives me longer breaks to get other things done. Tomorrow my first class is at 7 a.m. (Bible college memories).

My first course is Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels. Today I will introduce "the synoptic problem," i.e., "Why are Matthew, Mark and Luke so similar and yet so different?" If this sounds dry to you, keep in mind that the very basis of the Christian faith relies on the historicity of these documents. I intend to defend their source material, their authenticity and their authority.

I hope to get to My Father's House orphanages between my two classes (boys and girls homes) to deliver some cash (thank you Providence Church people) and take some pictures.

Haiti Bible Institute, February 19, 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 10:28:00 +0000

I am safe in balmy Petionville, Haiti. I will post without pictures for now because our current connection us dial-up slow.

So now I know what it is like to have flights cancelled. Providence (snow in Minneapolis and Chicago) changed my plans Monday. I caught a plane to Miami at 6 a.m. Tuesday and then hopped the final 700 miles to Port-au-Prince, arriving around 2 p.m. local time. One blessing of the storm is that I got one of those rare one-day set of flights from the northern US to Haiti. At least I didn't have to sleep on an airport floor this year.

I was pleasantly surprised that we have had no interruptions in electricity and that this guest house has air conditioning (with a few interruptions).

Classes start today.

National Day of Prayer: Prayer for the Media

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:07:00 +0000

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8, ESV

You do not have to watch the news, read the newspaper or scroll through an online news source for long to realize that this world is pretty messed up. If you try to avoid the news, the alternatives in entertainment or even sports media are offering up a diet that is often less than wholesome.

For example, the murder trial of a physician in Philadelphia accused of infanticide and horrific medical practices went largely ignored in the mainstream media until recently, it appears, because many consider abortion a political issue rather than a moral one. Both conservative and liberal news websites lure the public with sexually charged headlines and pictures. Athletic news is peppered with off-the-field scandals and controversy. And then there is Hollywood…

Question 1: The public often blames the media for feeding us objectionable material and the media often blames the public by telling us “We’re only giving you that because that is what you are willing to buy.” Which is true?

Question 2: Many of us would like to see change. Is transformation of the media and the culture possible without transformation of ourselves?

Question 3: How much responsibility do you take for this? People who pray like Daniel not only own their personal sins but also those of their culture as a whole.

Prayer:

Father in heaven,

You are the Holy One. You are Truth in a person. You have given us many gifts but we have squandered them. You created us in Your image but we have marred it. We have worshipped and served the creature rather than our blessed Creator.

The various media from which we gather information and receive entertainment shows us how far we have fallen. We have complained of media bias but applauded it when our side is represented. We have participated in this by either believing twisted reports or by passing on unverified stories through social media.

For the news media we pray that You would raise up a generation of truth-tellers whose interest is in reporting rather than creating news.

For the entertainment industry we pray for the success of those projects that seek to communicate truth and beauty and bring out noble thoughts rather than appeal to our basest motivations.

For the world of athletics we pray for a renewed focus on the events themselves rather than on the immoral lives of some who participate. Raise up for us role models who not only give you glory on the field of competition but who live lives that please you off that field.

Give all of us an appetite for truth and beauty as we absorb the messages all around us. Keep us from cherishing the reports that make our political rivals looks bad. Bring us to delight that in your providence you rule in the affairs of men no matter who is in power in Washington.

Ours is indeed a fallen world but we bless You that Your wrath fell on your Son for all who turn to Him. We bless You that the truth sets us free. We bless You that the hope for our nation and its media is found in better means than our own strength.

Through Jesus Christ the Lord we ask for this,

Amen.

Haiti Bible Institute, March 20, 2013 (Installment Eight)

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:15:00 +0000

Romans class from the teacher's perspective

This afternoon we have our second set of final exams. I appreciate the sounds of men reviewing the material at all hours of the day and night. Is it a twisted pleasure to be happy that they are sweating the final exam?

The teaching of Romans 14 was new to some of the men. Not every matter is addressed with direct commands. My illustration was to seek a biblical answer to the question Is it wrong to eat a voodoo chicken?

When you look at all the things that bother the conscience of believers, you might find yourself wishing the Bible were larger and arranged by topic. You could just look up “lottery” or “beer” in the Bible Yellow Pages and get a quick, easy command to obey. But God has done much better than giving us commands. He has changed the thoughts of our hearts and given us the guiding motivation for holy living: Love. Love is a cursed motivation if you are a legalist, because you are forced by it to consider others in any given situation. You are forced to be your brother’s keeper rather than live by a list. So the answer to the voodoo chicken question was It depends...

My girls bought some Beanie Babies and Hot Wheels for the married students to take home to their children. I decided to wait until last night to give them away because I knew the guys would start thinking about their families even more toward the end of the week. I am hoping this will make them excited to get home and pass the gifts on to their little ones.

This will be the last update from Haiti. My ride to the airport is schedule to show up tomorrow at 5 a.m. Central Time. I will happily leave the tropics for the snow if Sarah is there.

Haiti Bible Institute, March 19, 2013 (Installment Seven)

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:27:00 +0000

Ernst is enjoying his education.

We've reached he mountaintop of Romans. I knew I would need to devote extra time to chapters eight and nine, so I did. Do you need a review? The story of the Bible is not about great people who achieved great things for God. It is about a great God. Period.

When you see God as He is you see yourself as the rebel you are. So the shocking truth is not that God would allow rebels to reap the consequences of their rebellion but that God would dare spare anyone. After establishing that, the discussion of election and predestination is no longer controversial.

And speaking of mountains, I have not yet described the food. We have plenty. The students, like their teachers, very much enjoy eating although our preferences differ. We all eat at the same time and standard Haitian fare almost always has variations on beans and rice. Fresh fruit and vegetables are pretty much always in season here, so we have healthy choices. Our cooks have been gracious enough to include what they consider "American food" like frozen pizza on the "teacher table." We brought our own coffee, because we have found it impossible to find the good Haitian stuff.

I finished my First Corinthians study for RLBC yesterday, so I can give my non-teaching time to other important pastoral concerns (among them finalizing my NCAA bracket).

Haiti Bible Institute, March 18, 2013 (Installment Six)

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:40:00 +0000

Yesterday we enjoyed a worship service led by students. Doc Bearss spoke from Ephesians 2 through a translator. We had more of a relaxed schedule because it was Sunday. I only taught three hours instead of five.

It brings me pleasure to hear the students comment that they are grasping the big picture of Romans even after such a short time. Paul is straight-up about our law-breaking condition and its penalty. He also makes it abundantly clear that lawbreakers cannot atone for lawbreaking by law keeping. A violent price must be paid. The first three chapters lay the groundwork for our need of a righteousness that is not our own. We need credit.

The practical end of this is the Bible answer to the performance-based righteousness that permeates not only mainline religions but also Christian fundamentalism. If what Paul says is true my whole identity is wrapped up in the performance of my sinless substitute. I cannot perform my way into happiness any more than I can perform my way into a right standing before God. My whole identity is wrapped up in the performance of my Substitute. God is fully satisfied with me, but only because He is satisfied with His Son. The violence I deserved was poured out on the one who is my righteousness.

By the time my last class was finished I had finally caught up to my goal of covering a chapter per hour. This morning at 8 we will venture into Romans chapter 5.

Cross-cultural epiphany: It occurred to me last night that in Haiti you can't really have the experience of flipping your pillow to the cold side : )

Haiti Bible Institute, March 17, 2013 (Installment Five)

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:40:00 +0000

Yesterday the men sat through written exams for their first two classes. Aside from some communication difficulties I was pleased with the results of the James exams I graded. I gave myself the task of having nineteen student names memorized before that first exam. I got close.

Last night I began teaching a survey of Paul's letter to the church at Rome (Romans). I have to cover about one chapter per hour in order to finish. I have 160 pages of notes. Simple math. Fast talking. Tired translator.

I have not said anything about my fellow teachers. In addition to my James and Romans classes, the students get to sit under Dr. Allan Monroe (retired from Cedarville University), who is teaching Christology and the gospel of John. He is a real treasure and I am privileged to glean crumbs of wisdom from our conversations. Dr. Jim Bearss (founder of the school) is also here managing administration and carrying on his other Teaching duties (Moody Bible Institute) online.

One more cultural tidbit I learned from being stuck in rush hour (which is pretty much 24/7 on Route des Freres): In Haiti a very good way to get through traffic snags is to find an emergency vehicle and "draft." Trouble is that some emergency vehicles are given the same courtesy as funeral coaches.

We have passed the halfway point for these modules. I have crested the hill and this horse smells the barn. Home comes soon.

Haiti Bible Institute, March 16, 2013 (Installment Four)

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 10:17:00 +0000

As planned I made it to the girls' home of My Father's House yesterday. I stayed just a short time so I could look at the property, get lots of pictures to take home and to get lots of little girl hugs. I also thanked the ladies who do all the work at the orphanage. We send money (and should continue), but they are entrusted to care for little ones. Here is an impromptu choir I caught on video.

Back at HBI my goal is to memorize the names of the students so I can address them properly. Two challenges: (1) Names here are hard to pronounce and (2) some people go by their first name while some go by their last. I created a seating chart so I can call on Meme and Rosny and Azor and Ansy and Prophete and...

A little cultural question came up in class when we were discussing how James four and five tells the rich man his life will not last long. Not knowing Haitian funeral culture I tried to get my translator to communicate our American sentiment, "You'll never see a U-Haul being pulled by a hearse." They understood and told me that their burial customs are like ours.

So yesterday I saw an actual funeral procession. Some of the mourners rode in the back of a pickup. Others walked on and next to the busy street. The hearse contained a big bass drum as well as the casket. The driver was trying to enter an intersection in heavy traffic. Cars were cutting him off and refusing to yield. I had to think, Not quite like ours.

Haiti Bible Institute, March 15, 2013 (Installment Three)

noreply@blogger.com (Fevered Brain) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:34:00 +0000

We had a full day yesterday. The power only went off twice, so my voice held out until my 7 p.m. class when I was again competing with the diesel generator.

I taught five more one-hour sessions from the epistle of James. I was a little concerned at first that I would not get through my 38 pages of notes in 17 hours, but I think the translator is getting used to me and we are having fewer communication slowdowns. The next hurdle is my Romans course, which has 160 pages of notes. That will introduce a new adventure on Sunday.

I am enjoying this group of men. I have noticed that, while they are humble and teachable, many of them think critically. I am working through some texts that they have never studied so closely. They are taking extensive notes and asking great questions.

I appreciate honest questions. One student had been told that David and Jonathan were homosexuals. I explained that there was nothing sexual in David's mourning over the loss of his friend and publicly saying that Jonathan's extraordinary love to him was "surpassing the love of women." I also had to explain that Martin Luther was not a 20th century civil rights leader.

One again class starts at 7 a.m. I may trade my afternoon sessions for evening sessions so I can go to the girls' home of My Father's House. Watch for pictures on Facebook.