Please pray for Oshe and his family in Ethiopia
Last weekend we received some very sad news from Ethiopia. I did not check our email, so I didn’t find out about the bad news until last night.
I read about it on Dave Black’s blog. (See his post on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 6:40 p.m.)
Oshe is one of the Dave and BeckyLynn Black’s partners in the gospel in Ethiopia. I had the opportunity to meet Oshe briefly when I traveled to Ethiopia last summer. I was not able to spend much time with him, because he lives in a different area of Ethiopia. However, during my time in Ethiopia, I heard about Oshe often, and from people who live hundreds of miles away from him.
Several months ago, all of Oshe’s cattle and goats were killed when a car “accidentally” plowed into them… all of them.
Last weekend, that same driver in the same vehicle ran into and killed Oshe’s four year old daughter. As you can imagine, the family is devastated.
Would you join me in praying for Oshe and his family?
The church in Ethiopia is growing and being strengthened to persecution. I don’t like it, but that’s what is happening. So, don’t pray that the persecution ends.
Instead, pray that God would strengthen them and comfort them. Pray also that their actions and attitudes during this time would be a testimony to the work of God in their lives.
My daughter, the missionary
I’m very proud of my 13 (nearly 14, but not yet) year old daughter, Miranda.
I’ve talked about her photography on my blog before, but that’s not why I’m proud of her this time.
This time, I’m proud of her because she’s traveling to Florida with a group from another church next week to serve others and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. That’s right; she’s going on a short-term mission trip.
This will not be her first trip of this kind. She went to Nicaragua with us when she was only 7-8 years old. But, this will be her first mission trip without her parents.
On this trip, they will primarily be helping low income home owners do home repair, landscaping, etc. She will probably be painting most of the time. Of course, she will also get to interact with the home owners, and, knowing her, they will fall in love with her.
In the last year or so, she has really started serving others. We’ve been excited to see the way that God has used her to show his love to people, from widows to neighbors in need to people at a local food pantry.
She’s still very shy about talking to people, so we’re praying that God helps her with that this week.
Would you join us in praying for Miranda next week? (She leaves early early tomorrow – Saturday – morning and gets back next Saturday.)
Four Views: Christians Participating in Horror Genres – Will you help?
As many of you know, my friend Dan (from “The Ekklesia in Southern Maine“) and I have been working on a joint project called “Zombie Theology” for the last six weeks or so. When we first started, I wrote a couple of posts here telling people what we were doing. However, for the most part, I’ve kept this blog separate from Zombie Theology.
Dan and I have been overwhelmed, to say the least, in the response to our venture, both from Christians and from non-Christians.
But, now, we need your help. Dan and I have been incorporate many, many guest authors at Zombie Theology. And, we want to publish a series of posts that will be similar to the “Four Views” books. I’m sure you’ve seen books like Four Views on the Book of Revelation or Perspectives on the Ending of Mark: Four Views.
Our series will cover the topic of Christians participating in horror genres. We’re not limiting the series to just one type of horror genre (such as zombies), but we’d like the posts to cover horror genres in general. We do not expect each of the authors to agree with what we are doing… otherwise, why would we want four views?
We’re defining “participating in horror genres” as reading/writing articles/stories/novels, watching shows/movies, viewing/creating websites, participating in forums, viewing/buying/creating art related to horror genres.
In discussing this, we think the following four “views” would be a good start:
- Christians are free to participate in horror genres.
- Christians can participate in horror genres with some limitations (defined by the author, but not evangelism as a limitation – see below).
- Christians can participate in horror genres only for the purpose of evangelism.
- Christians should never participate in horror genres.
Our goal is to publish essays by four different authors (one from each view) on this blog and at “Zombie Theology.” Furthermore, we hope to include “rebuttal” from each of the other three authors on each of the views. We ask that you limit your essay to 1500 words. And, we hope to get the four submissions sometime before July 15, 2011.
If you are interested in helping us with this project, please contact me at aknox@sebts.edu or at zombietheology@gmail.com.
By the way, during the month of July (when we plan to receive these submissions), we are running a contest. The person with the best submission to our site during July will win a $20 Amazon.com gift certificate.
Trouble with Tribbles… and Greek Fonts
So, first, I love Star Trek. When I was thinking of a title for this post, I thought of “Trouble with Greek Fonts.” As I typed that title, it automatically came out as “Trouble with Tribbles,” so I left it.
For this post, do not think of “tribbles” as those balls of fur that multiplied faster than rabbits on board the USS Enterprise. Instead, think of “tribbles” as the weird, gibberish characters that you see if you look at any of my older posts that included Greek fonts. So, for this post, “tribbles” look something like this: á¼Ï€Î¿Ïεύθησαν
(If you don’t understand the Star Trek reference, and you want to know what I’m talking about, then you can check this article.)
Second… my site has been inundated with tribbles. Wanna see a slew of tribbles? Just look at this post or almost any of my posts in the “translation” category.
Apparently this happened during a database upgrade a few months ago. But, since it only affected the Greek fonts on my site and a few other special characters, I didn’t notice it until it was too late. (Yes, I always back up my database, but I did not want to restore a month or more worth of new posts to the backup.)
So, what should I do? Should I go back and fix all of the posts with Greek fonts? Some of them are the most popular posts on my site, but there are alot of them. I decided not to try to fix all of those Greek fonts. I’m going to leave the tribbles as they are.
Instead, I’m going to rewrite alot of those older posts. (Yes, there are some newer posts with Greek fonts too, and I’ll decide what to do with those later.) Many of those older posts need to be rewritten anyway. So, I’m not going to rewrite them word for word. Instead, I’m going to write new posts about the same subjects.
In the next few weeks, if you think you’re reading an older post, there are two ways you will be able to tell if the post is new or old: 1) Check the date, and 2) only the new posts have thumbnail images attached to them.
Meanwhile, if you like tribbles, you’re welcomed to occasionally stroll through the “translations” posts or other older posts with Greek fonts. I’m sure the tribbles would love the company.
Changing from an Android phone to an iPhone
I’ve had an Android based phone for just over a year, and I’ve loved it. I had no complaints at all until the touchscreen began developing dead spots. Eventually, the dead spots increased until I could not use the phone anymore.
When I went to the Verizon store (yes, we use Verizon), I narrowed my options down to 2: the Android based HTC Incredible 2 or the Apple iPhone. I had done some research, so I knew the pros and cons of each. Plus, they were exactly the same price.
I finally decided to go with the iPhone. Why? What pushed me over the edge and into the promised land, or into the abyss, depending on your perspective?
Well, a few months ago, I bought a Macbook Pro for my web development work, and I love it! I decided to get the iPhone because of the way it is supposed to integrate with the Macbook.
So far, I love the iPhone, but I’m sure I would have loved the Incredible also. (I’m not solidly in any camp. I just want a phone that works well.)
I’m happy with the apps for the iPhone. They seem to be a little more stable and mature than the Android apps. (Although I definitely miss a few Android apps, like Google Navigation!)
I’m also happy with the reception that I get with my iPhone. I have not dropped any calls. (On the other hand, a friend of mine who lives about a mile from me got an iPhone on AT&T, and he dropped so many calls that he returned the phones.)
I’m very happy with the battery life on the iPhone. I rarely have to recharge the phone during the day, and I do use it often.
Although it’s only been a couple of weeks, I’m happy with my decision. I’m still learning how to use the iPhone, but my daughter is helping me. 🙂
My friend is missing. Please pray for him and his family.
My friend Gary is missing. He is married, and has two 12 year old children (twins). His family has not seen him since Sunday evening (June 12, 2011).
About ten years ago, before I met Gary, he was diagnosed as bipolar. Very quickly, the doctors were able to prescribed a medicine regimen that helped him tremendously. He started seminary a few months before I did, and started working in the same office two months after me. So, we have known each other for almost nine years.
Gary is a great friend. He is an awesome theologian and philosopher. We’ve talked and encouraged and admonished one another about church, families, prayer, and so many other things. He is a mentor as well as a brother.
About a year ago, Gary’s medication stopped working. He began going through long and short bouts of depression while the doctors tried to regulate his medication again. This time, it isn’t going to smoothly. They’ve tried medicine after medicine after medicine. We’ve talked and prayed and laughed and cried together as he worked through this.
Yesterday afternoon (Monday, June 13, 2011), Gary’s wife and children came home and found a note that Gary left for them. According to his wife, the note indicated that Gary was planning to take his life.
No one has heard from Gary since his family talked with him before bedtime Sunday night. We know he left his house around 8:30 a.m. Monday morning and later bought gas and breakfast. As of Monday evening, there was some indication (via his cell phone) that he was still traveling around the area.
My heart is hurting. Yes, I’m hurting for myself and my family, because we all think alot of Gary. But, my heart is primarily hurting for Gary’s wife and children. They just want to know where their husband and father is.
God, could you let them know? Could you let us all know? We want Gary back.
(And, would you please pray for Gary and his family?)
——————————
I wrote this post Monday evening after spending several hours with Gary’s family. (I rescheduled several posts that I had already written because I just didn’t want to think about ecclesiology.)
Within an hour or so of re-writing this post, Gary’s wife left this message on Facebook: “Gary just texted. He says he’s ok. Couldn’t go through with it and would be home tomorrow. Please keep praying.”
I decided to leave this post as is and ask you to continue praying for Gary and his family.
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Final update… Gary came home around 7:00 this morning (Tuesday, May 14, 2011).
What a terrible day at the beach with the church?
So, yesterday (Sunday) morning, we drove southeast for about 3 hours to Wrightsville Beach, NC. I have to admit, it was awful! Terrible! Worst thing we’ve ever done!
Why did I have a terrible time?
Well, it didn’t have anything to do with the people! We were able to spend time with some of the best people in the world. We talked about all kinds of things. I was particularly encouraged talking with a couple who has been helping another family start a simpler type of church in a bad neighborhood.
And, it wasn’t the weather that made it a bad day. Sure, it rained a little. But, for most of the day the weather was perfect! It was hot, but not too hot. Plus, hanging out under the pier gave us just the right amount of shade. With the wind blowing in off the ocean, it couldn’t have been any better.
The sand and surf didn’t make us have an awful time. The kids and adults alike enjoyed playing in the sand and the ocean. Yes, the waves got a little rough at time, but nothing more than we could handle. The beach and ocean were wonderful!
So, what made it a terrible day? Why did I have such an awful time?
Well, when we left the beach yesterday afternoon, most of us drove to one of my favorite restaurants. It’s a rib joint. There’s not one in the Raleigh area, so we always try to stop by on the way home from the beach.
But, guess what?!?!? The rib place was shut down! No more ribs.
What a terrible day. (Ok, so maybe I’m being a little sarcastic. The wing place we went to instead was pretty good.)
(If you’re interested in seeing pictures from our really great day at the beach, I’ve posted some on facebook here.)
Will You Help Me Develop An Ecclesiology FAQ
A few years ago (three actually), I wrote a post called “Ecclesiology FAQ.” At that time, my blog was only a couple of years old, but I had already written several hundred (perhaps a thousand) posts.
I would often get requests for my thoughts on a certain topic. If the topic was related to ecclesiology (the study of the church), then I had probably already written at least one (and usually more) posts on the topic.
Instead of continually looking up and pointing people to different posts, I decided to write that “FAQ” post. This is how I introduced that post:
Ecclesiology is one of my interests, and my primary academic pursuit. Ecclesiology is the branch of biblical and theological study that deals with the church. Since this blog is primarily about ecclesiology and since people often ask me what I think about certain topics, I thought I would give links to my blog posts that deal with the most common aspects of the study of the church and the answers to the most common questions that I’m asked.
The “FAQ” then included to several posts within these categories:
- The Nature of the Church
- Local/Universal Church
- Church Leadership (Pastors, Elders, Bishops, Deacons, etc.)
- Institutions, Structures, and Organizations
- The Church Meeting and Edification
- Fellowship, Community, and Unity
Unfortunately, within the last three years, the posts that I linked to in that “FAQ” have become outdated. It’s not that my beliefs have changed drastically since I wrote those posts. Instead, it’s more likely that my beliefs have developed.
So, lately, I’ve been thinking about writing another “FAQ” type post with links to newer posts. Plus, I know that this means that I will probably have to write another post or two of explanation.
Now, here’s where I would like your help – both my regular and long-time readers and also any newer readers (and even the lurker who might decide to comment – even anonymously). Will help me organize this FAQ for future readers?
How do you think I should organize the FAQ? Are the categories above sufficient? What questions/topics/categories do you think I should include?
Again, I would truly appreciate your assistance. I could do this on my own, but I’ve found that my readers (you) often notice things that I miss. Thanks for your help!
D-Day… 67 Years Later
On June 6, 1944 – 67 years ago – allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in order to liberate France from German occupation.
To be honest, I don’t know much about D-Day. In history class, we never seemed to make it to World War II before the end of the school year.
My grandfather was not one of the soldiers who stormed the beaches that day. Instead, he was a paratrooper, and he parachuted into occupied France the evening before D-Day. Unfortunately, he died when I was very young, so I never heard his stories.
I’ve read books about D-Day, of course. But, recently, I learned some things that I never found in the books.
You see, a few months ago, God brought a man named Donald into my life. When I met Donald, he was already in bad health, suffering from black lung after working in the coal mines of Pennsylvania for many decades. I had an opportunity to spend some time with Donald not long ago. During that time, he shared some stories about his time in the Army during World War II.
Before, during, and after the war, Donald was a mechanic. He worked on anything that moved (that wasn’t living). He landed on Omaha beach that June 6th morning. While he was talking about losing many, many friends, I learned much about war. I didn’t learn so much from his stories as from the reverence in his voice and the pain in his eyes.
Donald died about a month ago. Even though I didn’t know him very long, I miss him. I know his family misses him even more.
There are only a few like Donald alive today. (Think about it like this: A twenty year old who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day would be 87 today.)
If you have a chance, talk to someone who lived through that day. I think it will change your life.
Some of you don’t like zombies… and that’s okay
So, if you’ve been keeping track of my blog, facebook profile, or twitter feed over the last few weeks, then you’ve probably seen posts or updates about zombies.
My friend Dan and I started Zombie Theology on Friday the 13th (May 13, 2011), and we have been publishing stories, novel excerpts, and blog posts since then. What is “Zombie Theology”? Well, we describe it as the intersection of the zombie apocalypse with Christian theology. How can those two things intersect? You’ll have to read more to find out.
Now, I know that alot of Christians don’t like the different horror genres, including zombies. In fact, some do not understand how Christians can be involved in that subculture… and that’s okay.
However, some of my readers have been intrigued by the different zombie stories and articles that I’ve linked to. If you’re interested in how we are attempting to interact with the zombie subculture, I would invite you to read one of Dan’s latest posts called “The infection is spreading” (which explains how surprised we have been at how we have been accepted into this subculture) and one of my latest posts called “What does Jesus have to do with zombies?” (which provides a more theological connection).
Plus, Dan does a great job of explaining part of our purpose in his post “Welcome to zombietheology.com.”
I will probably not post much about zombies here on this blog anymore. (You may still see the occasional link on my facebook profile or my twitter feed.)
If you are interested in keeping up with what we’re doing at Zombie Theology, please “like” our facebook page, follow us on twitter (@zombietheology), or subscribe to the RSS feed on our website. (It would be awesome to have other Christians interacting on our site. There are a few already.)
By the way, if you’re really, really interested, we welcome guest submissions on the Zombie Theology website. Just get in touch with us through any of the networks above, or through zombietheology[at]gmail[dot]com.