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posted by Michael on 07/23/08

The letter was written by Lady Jane Grey, the “9-days Queen”, just before she was put to death at about 17 years of age. One of the most well educated people of her time and a devout Protestant, she took no interest in the common pursuits of the young people of her day. She had her “affection on things above, not on things of the earth” Col. 3:2. She was one of the only true friends of the beloved King Edward VI, and as he was dying at the age of 16, hasty alterations were made to the law of succession so that she could become queen after his death. The crown would have otherwise devolved to Edward’s half-sister Mary Tudor, whose bitterness toward Protestants was a huge concern of Edward’s. The decision to transfer the kingdom to Jane Grey was also motivated by the self-interest of power-seeking individuals, and viewed as a rebellion. Lady Jane, whose eyes were on the unseen Kingdom, was shocked and very reluctant to accept, doing so only after much urging. As power shifted to Mary Tudor, those who had been following Edward’s plan (and Dudley’s!) began to surrender. The new queen Mary had no personal hatred toward Jane and her life was secure until Wyatt’s uprising forced queen Mary to do away with anyone who could supply a basis for opposition. Mary’s resolution to execute Lady Jane came as no surprise to her, and also as no concern. She wrote to her sister Catherine, “And as touching my death, rejoice as I do, good sister, that I shall be delivered of this corruption and put on incorruption. For I am assured that I shall, for losing of a mortal life, win an immortal life, the which I pray God grant you, and send you of his grace to live in his fear, and to die in the true Christian faith, from the which, in God’s name, I exhort you that you never swerve, neither for hope of life nor for fear of death.” John Feckenham was sent to try to persuade her to become Catholic, and their debates were a great delight to Jane. Feckenham was astonished at her calm behavior, great knowledge, and sense of religion. She was beheaded on February 12, 1554. According to John Foxe (1517-1587), Judge Morgan who pronounced her sentence was so affected by her death that he went mad. Queen Mary was also troubled.

While Bloody Queen Mary suffered both the trouble of ruling the kingdom and the agony of both bitterness and guilt, Lady Jane Gray was living in the splendor of eternal life in the kingdom of God and in the presence of her “Saviour Christ”. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” 2 Cor. 4:17-18. Remember, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us” 2 Tim. 2:12

1 Comment » | posted in Historical Glimpses

posted by Robert on 07/20/08

“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me:
and to him that ordereth his conversation aright
will I shew the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23

How do we “order our conversation aright” and receive the exciting benefit of this promise? The word for “conversation” in this verse literally means “journey” or “path.” One translation reads, “If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Life is a journey. As we surrender our way and allow God to lead, we will experience His powerful deliverance from the hurts of past offenses and the stress of present habits.

For the past year and a half, hundreds of young people have experienced the joy and power of full surrender as they have set out on a Journey to the Heart. This time of seeking God with a whole heart is designed to encourage young men and women to “taste and see that the Lord is good” and launch them deeper into a lasting, life-changing relationship with their living, loving Heavenly Father.

To encourage each of us to continue “living the journey”, a new website has been launched with challenging real-life testimonies and powerful training for life and ministry. Check it out at www.livingthejourney.com!

LivingTheJourney.com

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life:
in thy presence is fulness of joy!”

3 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

posted by Donald on 07/17/08

When we first began the work here, the opportunity was announced that schools in the area were looking for native speakers to teach at various public schools once a week. I decided to decline but stayed in reserves. Then one day reserves were needed and, fairly early last fall, I started another year of English teaching!
My school was She Zih Elementary School in Sinwu, near the west coast. Event though it wasn’t my primary teaching responsibility, I enjoyed every Tuesday there. It was good to revive my old TESL skills and gradually begin to get to know the students. I taught 6th, 4th, 2nd and, later, 1st grade. Altogether there were about ninety expectant young faces–each one with their own personality–teaching me as the teacher how to hone my teaching skills.
During the breaks we often had time to play basketball and talk. Lunchtime, with the staff was memorable and it was an honor to spend time each day with Director Liou and Katherine, the head English Teacher. Truly Tuesdays at She Zih Elementary School were a highlight in our week.
Then, all at once the year was over.
June 18 was graduation day for my 6th grade class. Many in the class had attended school there for six years. At supper I had the chance to meet a few people from the parent support group, then during our last walk around the school grounds God provided a beautiful sunset. But what left a most lasting impression was when the time came for recognizing faithful attendance. Four students, Stephen, Jack, Charlotte and Peter, had never missed a day of school in six years.
I should add here that, in Taiwan, not only do children come to school five days a week but many spend overtime trying to improve their education at school, with tutors, or at evening cram schools (which are incredibly popular).
It hasn’t really sunk in what it means for them to spend so much of their early life in school. As for me I could hardly believe how strong our friendship had become in only nine months, teaching only one day a week. As you may remember, being able to build a relationship with the 6th-graders was something I asked prayer for last fall. Not only was that prayer request answered but the Lord has broadened my perspective and enlarged my heart in a great way. I caught a glimpse of a student’s daily life and what a huge part of their lives can be impacted through wise teaching. Now I look back not only over the past year but over the past eight or nine years–and I suddenly have no regrets about spending a fair piece of it with young students–at school, teaching English as a second language. It has enabled me to say that I know to a small degree their feelings. That is a dear qualification. It’s a qualification I couldn’t have gotten exept through the course God designed for me.
It’s been a worthwhile year! I appreciate all the teachers and staff at She Zih, IBLP, King Car and the Taoyuan Government administration, and most of all I appreciate the Lord the Master Teacher Who is so creative and patient with me in my education.

3 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

posted by Michael on 07/15/08

Here is a letter I recently read and was very impressed with, but was quite surprised to find out who wrote it. It opened my eyes afresh to the seriousness of forsaking Christ! See if you can guess out who wrote it with such authority. I can provide a couple hints if needed. By the way, do you real-ize Christ’s payment for your sin? Do you understand the awe of eternal rewards compared to the vanishing world? Is the judgement day real to you?

“To Mr. Harding

“So oft as I call to mind the dreadful and fearful saying of God, that he which layeth hold upon the plough, and looketh back, is not meet for the kingdom of heaven; and, on the other side, the comfortable words of our Saviour Christ to all that, forsaking themselves, do follow him, I cannot but marvel at thee, and lament thy case, which seemed sometime to be

Read the rest of this entry »

3 Comments » | posted in Historical Glimpses

posted by James on 07/12/08

During my 4th of July celebrations, one event stood out among the rest, namely, a patriotic Photo Scavenger Hunt. As a photographer, I thoroughly enjoyed this activity. But the neat thing about it is that everyone is involved, photographically talented or not. Each team of about seven people was given several different things to act out as a team under a certain time limit. The action was then carried out, photographed, and at the end, submitted to be judged. I was amazed at all the different ideas each team came up with. The game is perfect for any type of celebration, is easy to coordinate, and inspires creativity. Here are a few shots from our team:

This picture emphasizes a comment made about the size of the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed: "I can’t believe we all fit in here!" Our team squished into the front seat of Mr. Gothard’s 1973 Oldsmobile.

In this picture, we are humorously depicting "camouflage."

Our team writing their "John Hancock’s." We quickly made the textured paper using beige colored paper, some water, and, believe it or not, crushed coffee beans.

Here, we were directed to recreate a famous work of art. Mrs. Johnson, who took the picture, had to lay flat on the ground to get just the perfect angle. This one is my favorite of them all.

In this picture, we are trying to spell the name of one of the signers. Can you guess what it says? The answer is J. Penn.

The last one here is our team with Old Glory. We were out of time, but I think it turned out pretty well for it being a quick snapshot.

So, if your looking for a fun, creative, and all-inclusive game to play at the next event you’re coordinating, I heartily recommend a Photo Scavenger Hunt!

4 Comments » | posted in Photography, Tidbits