Merry Christmas (H?id J?ule) from Estonia! Lea and I just got back from a great Christmas celebration with her family. I got to play the part of p?kkepikk - the gnome who hands out the presents. In Estonia, you have to recite a poem, sing a song or do some other sort of performance in … Continue reading Häid Jõule!
Baltic Bullies: Fear or Smear?
All summer long we have been hearing rumblings from the East about imbalanced portrayals of the Russian government at the hands of the Baltic states and unfair treatment of Russian minorities. A recent mission prayer calendar issued by my own denomination even indicated that mistreatment of Russian minorities in the Baltics may well amount to … Continue reading Baltic Bullies: Fear or Smear?
Mission and Storytelling
?That which we have seen, which we have heard, which we have touched with our hands ? that we proclaim to you. We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.? … Continue reading Mission and Storytelling
Statement of Faith
Following is the statement of faith I've prepared for my final examination before the Presbytery on the 15th of September. I thought I might put it out here to see what you think. Any comments or challenges are welcome!
There is only One God who alone in all the cosmos deserves honor, glory and praise. God alone is the source, the measure and the purpose of all creation. God exists as He has revealed Himself in history: Father, Son and Holy Spirit – three coequal, co-eternal persons selflessly affirming one another in perfect community. From the boundless resources of this inner abundance, the Triune God creates, sustains, governs and redeems all the cosmos. In selfless love, God extended Himself in the act of creation. God made all things to His glory and upon completion they were rightly declared to be whole and good.
Estonia’s Bronze Soldier
Estonia has made world news lately as the relocation of a soviet-era bronze war memorial prompted riots by Russians in the capital city of Tallinn. I've culled some good articles from the internet to shed some light on the meaning behind these disturbing events. Here is some brief background. The war memorial is a bronze … Continue reading Estonia’s Bronze Soldier
MDiv In Hand
Last night I sat among many other exited and pleased spouses who couldn't wait to watch their better halves walk across the stage to receive their degree. The four years we have spent in Vancouver have been dominated by study, late nights at the library and overnighters to finish papers. But they have also been … Continue reading MDiv In Hand