November 2010 - Thankful at Elim

We thank Helimission (HM) for sending us to Elim Bible Institute and paying our tuition. We appreciate all our family and friends who have prayed for us and financially supported us this fall. Above all, we are grateful to God for being at Elim with us and teaching us more about Himself.

Paul & Bridget at Elim in the woods outside our front door.

The US Helimission office is located on campus, so we meet weekly with the staff. The director, Ben Dodzweit, is a seasoned missionary from Africa. We appreciate his wisdom and friendship. Cathy Allport, Ben's administrative assistant, keeps the office running smoothly in her sweet and gentle manner. Margaret Preston does member care for HM and has personally encouraged both of us. Jan Grindheim, fellow HM candidate from Norway, has a subtle sense of humor and a deep devotion to God. Another candidate, Thomas Durrer, is from Switzerland. He is "the life of the party" and has a great enthusiasm for the Lord. We have been blessed by these friends.

Ben, Thomas, Paul, Jan, Bridget, Cathy and Margaret

Old Testament Survey class has given us a deeper appreciation for God's plan to save man. One example is Passover. The Jews were enslaved in Egypt when Moses told them to kill a lamb and put the blood on the posts of their doors. When the angel of death came to kill the Egyptians' first born, the angel passed over the homes with blood. Jesus celebrated this feast with his disciples the night before He was crucified. Passover is an Old Testament picture of Jesus coming to die in the place of sinners. His blood was shed so people who believe in Him can be set free from the penalty of death for their sins. The next part of God's plan we looked at in our Sin, Christ and Salvation class. After Jesus' death and burial He rose from the dead. Now He is seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. This insures that those who believe in Jesus can have new life in Him. That's good news!

Bridget looking at the clay tablets and beginning of Isaiah's scroll.

Dr. Scott Carroll, an archaeologist, gave a lecture series on the validity of the Bible. While he talked, we passed around a clay accountant's tablet from Abraham's day and a portion of scripture on papyrus from an ancient Egyptian burial mask. Dr. Carroll is working with a foundation to create a hands-on museum about the Bible. The artifacts will also be available to professors and students studying ancient languages, history, culture and the Bible. The amount of evidence that substantiates the Bible is amazing. Paul in College Hall for lecture.

We are so thankful to be spending this fall term at Elim. Pray we do well in our studies, find a flying job/training for Paul, pay off debts, raise funds.
In His service,
Paul & Bridget