Why Do We Suffer? by Timothy Warren

Suffering in life is certain. Did you know that? Maybe you know that all too well. Maybe it sounds like something that will occur later in life. Regardless of where you are at now, suffering is certain at some point.

For me, it is when life isn't easy that I have a very hard time navigating all the circumstances. Maybe you are like me in that when life gets tough, you tend to make many of the same mistakes over and over again. Perhaps your flaws manifest themselves when things are tough. I understand.

Yesterday I was watching a video of Dr. Timothy Warren where he spoke about "Why do we suffer?" After watching the first 5 minutes, I was hooked and ended up watching the entire thing.

Partner Profile - Aaron and Carrie Kraft

Did you know that one of the best ways to partner with Lindsey and I is to connect us with other people?

I'd like to introduce you to Aaron and Carrie Kraft (and their two little children Jonathan and Jackie [recently adopted from Guatemala, check out the video]). This past week, Aaron and Carrie connected us to all sorts of people from pastors, to Uruguayans who could teach us about Uruguay, to friends of theirs who wanted to learn more about missions.

Another way that they have partnered with us is to allow us to stay in their home and use it as our home base for when we are in Washington, D.C. They held a dessert night at their house one night for us to share about our ministry with the church they are serving in. We also got to know many of their close friends from that area and were encouraged by all of their questions, advice, and prayers.

Aaron and Carrie also welcomed Brad to preach during both of the church services at their church. Not only did this give us an opportunity to meet another church but also gave us an opportunity to serve the congregation. It is so helpful for churches to get to know real-life missionaries :) like ourselves and begin to connect what they read about in the bible with what God is doing in and through people around the world.

We are so lucky to know this couple and deepen our friendship with them. At DTS in Dallas, TX Aaron and I were able to encourage and counsel one another as we not only were classmates at DTS but also served in full-time ministry at CAM International together for the past few years.

If you get a chance, pray for Aaron and Carrie as they serve faithfully in DC. Also if you get a piece of mail with our Year End Letter for 2008 highlighting YOUR IMPACT, thank God for people like the Krafts who spent lots of time helping Lindsey and I to send the mailing out!

Thanks Aaron and Carrie for the impact you are making on so many people (including us!).

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Ordination Exam: I passed

Today I experienced my first and last ordination exam. Whew! Here's how I'd describe it.

Challenging. Encouraging. Affirming. Humbling. All Good things.

Imagine being asked questions such as the following:

Could you give us the outline for the book of Romans?
What is preterism and why does it matter that you know?
How would you handle a situation where a visitor to your church is causing a church split?
What is the Gospel?
What is the difference between eternal security and assurance of salvation?
How would you characterize the debates between Hodges and McArthur?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Describe your beliefs on the Trinity?
After your interaction with various denominations in the U.S.A. and abroad, why is it you now believe what you believe?
Is eschatology found only in Revelation? If in other places, where is the first place in the Bible we find eschatological references?

I don't remember all the questions, but Shirley Bryan asked the best one of the night: Brad based on your understanding of prophecy, could you tell us when the Texas Rangers baseball team will have their next winning season if ever? :)

She was joking of course. I'm not a prophet and the Rangers will never have a winning season. :)

Tonight Lindsey and I are very thankful.

Thanks goes out to: Grace Bible Church, Lindsey, Andy Wileman (see picture below), Jason Wiesepape, Zach Gautier, and any others who helped me prepare for this HUGE day.

Sunday is the ordination service at Grace Bible Church. Would you consider coming?

Brad

DTS is Done (well, almost)

This past week I finished up all my final exams for this semester. That means that seminary is done except for two things: (1) complete my masters thesis and (2) take 1 more hr of class in the Spring (I had to leave 1 hour so we can have the option of staying in the on campus apartments through May).

Sometimes it is easy to take life too seriously. So I decided I'd post an encouraging little video for everyone to watch that is sure to make your Christmas a little merrier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM