It’s About Time

Well, here are my thoughts regarding expansion of NBBC from college to Univ settings.  My reservation lies in the area of identity. When a college calls itself a Baptist college, it immediately specify what it stands for (logically speaking). I’m not saying Northland is ditching its distinctive (I think one of the men in the Northland video interviews mention something in passing though not in direct reference to my point of concern that identity will not be lost).  Personally I’d like to see it retain its Baptist identity despite changes.  Undoubtedly, these men have spent much time musing and discussing the pros and cons of certain decisions and these aren’t easy decisions to make.  Dr Ol’ has often said that the choices also determines the consequences or destination.

Another area of interest rather than concern is that of accreditation. As a college it has received accreditation status but this new aspect?

Anyway, I’ll be writing to Kevin Priest or Sam Horn about these and see what they will say. It’s still early days yet and I’m sure their email inboxes  have been stuffed with queries (not to mention accusations etc)!  It’d wouldn’t be prudent to jump to conclusion but be open-minded and process information as they trickle in….

Will enter my thoughts later. . .

A week or so ago, got an email from Curt Lamansky, likely to be group-mass mailing thingy, informing that major changes has taken place at Northland, my alma mater.  I gathered that this announcement was made during the Missions Conference.  Northland Baptist Bible College will now be under the umbrella of Northland International University.

It turns out to be an expansion of Northland’s vision and purpose to serve a larger community of believers.  A quick visit to Northland’s new website reveals major expansion plans.  One particular page shows video interviews of Dr Les Ollila, Dr Mat Olson and Dr Sam Horn, with each man explaining the purpose and direction in which Northland is heading in the coming days ahead.

With many things happening in my own church and personal lives (illness), I have yet to fully comprehend (actually digest is a more accurate word!) the implication and though some questions are floating in my mind, I am sure in coming days I’ll get some answers and understand things better.

Undoubtedly, certain segments of community will be apprehensive seeing what directions Cedarville and Grand Rapids had become over the years with the change of names.  Will post additional thoughts later.

This year has been quite a busy year.  Though it’s only February, it seems like I’m very busy. Perhaps the need to shuttle my wife and kids to work and school takes up my time; or the simple fact that I need time as usual to adjust to new schedule.  I don’t know, but I figured that it has to do with my personality than anything else – I’m slow to adapt. J 

According the papers, this year’s inflation is highest since two to three decades ago (?).  Crude oil prices determine the rest of the commodities it seems.  Food and other supplies go up in prices.  Last year the GST increased by 2% making it 7%.  So for many folks it’s time for belt tightening.  Last Sunday’s budget meeting in church saw my pastoral remaining the same as the previous year.  Not that it is already sufficient; it is actually below par.  Of course the fact is that our church has two pastors so that kind of cuts everything into halves.  My dear brother will be leaving for the field, and I’m not insisting on my increase just so that this remaining period he can still concentrate on fund raising to leave in estimated timeframe.  Of course I know he has funds coming in from supporting churches but still, I’m not going to give the impression of taking advantage or anything of that sort.  Consequently I have to bear the shortfall.  The Lord will have to make good what is lacking and He will.  My disappointment is that nobody in the congregation actually stood up to say anything. At least asking questions regarding the pastor’s pay.  That really saddens me. In fact, discouraging is the better word for it.  Folks are antsy about drop in giving, and want to scale back on things.  The comments made at times are plain unspiritual. 

It is at this time that Dr Ollila’s words came into bear: “love the ministry but love the Lord more.”  Ministry does bring disappointment sometimes, especially after pouring one’s heart into it. I supposed unfulfilled expectations bring us all down really quickly.  I love the ministry though it has given me lots of heartache years on.  Sometimes the thought of leaving for another ministry does cross my mind.  

I don’t like to see my wife having to work so hard to help put food on the table. Sometimes my little girls get upset that mom isn’t around as much.  It would be ideal if the church could one day pay me sufficiently for my wife to stay and help tend to the family as well as ministry.  I guess if I leave this present ministry, it is due to another ministry opportunity opening up with similar challenges albeit better remuneration.  My heart still desires to finish my post grad studies though impossible at the present stages of our lives.  Wait upon the Lord. 

I’m rattling on with no specific purpose.  It’s a form of outlet for me. It’s lonely in the ministry, and frankly there are no ministerial friends to chat with, or fellowship.  Look unto the Lord, I have to constantly remind myself. Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.  That He is.