All
Thank you for remembering us and the Lord’s work here in your prayers. And to inform your prayers, I want to give you a few updates.
Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five/two talents came forward, bringing five/two talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five/two talents; here, I have made five/two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ – Matthew 25:19-23
Dear Friends and Family of HCFA,
Imbedded in the parables surrounding Jesus’ teaching concerning His return and the final judgment (Matthew 24 & 25) lies a verdict that far surpasses any report card, performance review or earthly accomplishment we could obtain or imagine: Well done, good and faithful servant.
As I am writing you, it is a beautiful summer day here in Princeton. As you might expect, our ministry schedule looks somewhat different during the summer months. As a ministry staff, we take this opportunity to continue building relationships with students and also to prepare and recharge for next year. In this letter, I want to specifically highlight several of our summer initiatives and ask for your prayers for those initiatives which are still ongoing.
We are two-thirds of the way through the summer, Philadelphia has experienced a heatwave and the summer Bible course discussion on Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God has come to a fruitful close. Vacationing and visiting the sites of some early churches in Turkey were rejuvenating (a ten year wedding promise fulfilled by God’s provision). Professional development has been positively challenging (more below). Working remotely the last few weeks have increased the value of an assortment of Starbucks. I miss Tucker, Kelly and Mae, the Penn team.
We are so grateful for your prayers always. This past Sunday, I was reminded of a profound truth in Hebrews 7:25 — “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Jesus Christ, who is alive at the Father’s right hand is himself praying for us. He maintains a fervent and faithful prayer watch, talking to the Almighty Father on our behalf who is able to do anything. Thank you for the prayers you lift up to the living Savior concerning us, our students, and our campus.
As we settle into different rhythms for the summer, I reflect on our students spread around the world: New York City, Dominican Republic, Kenya, India, among other locales. It is encouraging to think of these students being challenged in so many ways, exploring their faith in new contexts, sharing the hope of Jesus with others. Yet we also miss the daily interaction with our Christian Union students and look forward to reconnecting in a couple of months.
Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
— 1 Peter 2:17
Trials have the unmistakable quality of being difficult. Just ask Job, or Jeremiah, or Naomi, or Joseph. And yet they are not without purpose. It is not as if they show Satan has gained the upper hand. Or that God is wantonly cruel. Trials do not show that the Enemy has won or that God is vindictive. Listen to how James describes trials:
“. . . when you meet trials of various kinds . . . the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (1:2, ESV).
Conspicuously absent from this verse is any mention of God’s providential, loving hand over trials. But though not explicit, God’s hand is clearly present.
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