Teaching Resources International

So Much to Do … So Little Time (February Update, 2011) PDF

Class Completed! (Whew…)

Last Friday, I finished teaching the Critical Thinking and Writing II class!  It was a lot of work but I think it benefited the students greatly.  The class involved analyzing short stories for characters, settings, plots, etc.  Every day, we examined a different short story, looked at biblical applications and then students had to write a critical essay.  This was a class I designed so that we could meet accreditation requirements for US and European schools and it went very well!  Many of the students said it will be a great help in developing a biblical worldview and in understanding for biblical interpretation.  Thank you for praying.

Preparations! (Ugh…)

I am currently working on another new class, “The Theology and Practice of Prayer” that I will teach at KTS in March for our Talbot Masters Degree program.  I am working about 4-6 hours a day getting together notes and Powerpoint presentations for this class.  I am excited about teaching it and I am praying that the class will benefit all of us (teacher included) in deepening our prayer lives.  Also, at the end of February and into April, I will be teaching an online-class World History class at KTS for some graduating students who need this class to be able to study in US and European programs. Additionally, I am working on Contemporary Issues in Theology that I will be teaching in Belgium at the end of April.  Finally, I will be working with one of my students in the Talbot program to co-teach the Critical Thinking and Writing 1 that I designed last year.  We will be teaching this class in May at KTS.

As you can see, I am slightly overwhelmed with all the classes I am preparing and teaching this semester.  In twelve months, I will have taught 5 new courses!  Usually a new course takes 3-4 times as much preparation as teaching a class that you have taught before.  One professor said that this is way beyond the normal teaching load.  And I have been trying to take Russian classes also.  But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now and I am committed to not teaching any new classes until I have completed my Russian studies.

Grateful for so much!

January has been a wonderful time being back here in Kiev.  Our church and small group continue to be a real blessing to us.  Last Sunday, the church celebrated its five year anniversary.  It was wonderful… great worship, great message and a full house (pictures on Facebook).  Also, I will be preaching at two churches this month.  Pray that the messages will be helpful to the believers here.

Also, the weather has been much warmer than normal (but that may not last long).  We have also been able to use or apartment for hosting a number of people overnight that last few weeks.  Finally, Katya and I were able to take some time to go to see the Nutcracker Ballet in Kiev for only about $8 a ticket… it was wonderful!… One of those small pleasure s that mean so much when you need a break.  And Monday night, Katya and I will be getting together with some other missionaries here to watch a replay of the Super Bowl.  It will be great fellowship and also a chance to reconnect with one of my great loves—American football .

Prayer Needs

1. Wisdom about time usage…  “There is so little to do and so much time! Stop, reverse that!” (Willy Wonka).  I need to say “no” more often so I can have a reasonable work load.  Pray for wisdom and a willingness to say no.
2. Class Preparations… I have four (!) classes that I am preparing for right now.  I also have papers that I am grading from the last two classes.  Pray that I can complete everything quickly.
3. Russian … Please pray that I can find more time for my Russian.  When I should be spending 6 hours a day, I am doing good to find 6 a week.  I hope this will change after I finish teaching my class in March.
4. Finances … Pray that God will supply all our needs.  We would like to continue to come to America to visit but finances are tight.  Also, our General Fund is a little low right now.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support … we could not be here doing this ministry without your help!