Peace in the midst of the storms.

Forgive me for not writing more often. We are in the midst of the storm here in the week before finals. Next week I have a 10 page paper due over Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, a twenty page paper due over missions and church growth, a time-line over church history from inception to now, and tests in 1,2,3 John, Philippians, 1 Corinthians, and Church History. This typifies the pace of my whole first year.

I am loving it all at the same time as being pulled in many directions. I am more and more amazed at the depth of God's word every day. I am continually growing with His help, and I find more peace, assurance, faith, love, and joy all of the time. I want to share more with you all about the joys I find in and through His word.

I used to be afraid of storms. I would get very nervous when we were in any Tornado watch or warning. As I've grown in Christ, I have learned to trust Him in all circumstances, and I found that I'm no longer afraid of storms. Apparently what I was afraid of was death all along...but I know and believe that God is faithful to keep His promises, and that I have nothing to fear in life or in death:

Joh 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; (26) and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Php 4:12-13 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Rom 10:11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Php 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! (5) Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. (6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Praise be to God that I am being strengthened with power through His Spirit in me as I am being transformed more into the image of Christ!

Please continue to pray for us. Thank you to all who do, and to all who support us financially. We are so very blessed to be here and to be studying the word. I long to see you all again soon. May you find peace and joy in all circumstances through Him.

-Jeff