Kairos Course

The past two months, I have been part of an unusual evening class at IGSL. We had ten students who needed a missions class to graduate, and they couldn't fit into the schedule of our regular IGSL curriculum. We were able to arrange for a Kairos Course, which is an adaptation of the Perspectives/Condensed World Missions Course. It is designed for church members, so it's not your typical seminary class. We had music, food, videos, costumes -- lots of fun every week. The reason I joined the class is that I want to be certified as a Kairos trainer, so it was sort of an internship for me. I found myself really looking forward to it each Tuesday, even though I am very familiar with the class content. I loved it because it was so much fun to see their perspectives changed.

One of the goals of the Condensed World Missions Course, which was developed about 25 years ago, is to help believers look beyond their own world. It opens their eyes to the history of world missions, and to the unfinished task of bringing the Gospel to the "Last Frontier" -- thousands of unreached people groups that still do not have a viable church within their population. The class points out that even if every Christian on earth were faithful to share the Gospel with his friends and neighbors, the Great Commission would NOT be fulfilled, because they would not be penetrating the unreached areas.

The amazing thing about this class is that most of the students are from countries that are only about 1% Christian. Many of them come from Hindu, Muslim, or Buddhist backgrounds themselves. Some have experienced severe persecution. They are committed to bringing the Gospel to their own people--that's why they are studying at IGSL. But they never realized they have to look beyond their own people, and find ways to reach the last frontier. It was so exciting to see their eyes opened. I loved it.

Still Alive

Six weeks with no blogs! I'm ashamed of myself. I've gotten out of the habit, and I miss it! I often think of things I want to tell you about. Somehow, when I sit at the computer, there are other things I need to work on.

And then, I have spent the last 5 days in bed, sick with flu and a sore throat. Not fun. I keep thinking it will get better by tomorrow. This morning I am finally going to see a doctor.

I spent the 5 days before I got sick living on campus with my students. Our husbands were all out of the city for IGSL Ministry Week, where they go to other towns to work with churches. I got to spend individual time with each lady in my discipleship group, sometimes for several hours at a stretch. It was a wonderful time of knowing them better, understanding their worlds, and praising God for the incredible changes He has made in them. I love my ministry!

And I am counting down the days till my grandma-hood begins. I will be winging my way to Texas in less than three months. Yehey!

Baby A . . . Is a Boy!

Last week, one of the ladies in my discipleship group gave me a gift. It was a very small-sized salwar kameez (Pakistani shirt and pants).



She said, "It's for your grandson! When you go in December for his birth, tell your daughter and son-in-law it's a gift from us."



I said, "Thank you! But, we don't know yet if it's a boy or girl." She just smiled and said, "It's a boy."



Yesterday we got the news from Jim and Michelle. The ultrasound shows it's a boy.

We would have been totally fine with either a boy or a girl. But knowing Baby A's gender just brings us one step closer to knowing him, and our excitement is growing.

I think I am going to like being a grandma.