MAY 2015

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SOMETHING ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

The Beard
I realize that not everyone is a fan of beards. Many of you are probably
wondering, whats up with that crazy facial hair?. The truth is that its
something like an act of discipline for me. Ive never been good at fasting
and I always seem to miss the boat on lent. This time around I made a silly
commitment to myself that I would grow the beard for the entirety of my
Regent career. Somewhere inside of me there is a romantic notion that
famous academics and theologians have beardsperhaps Ive been
swayed by pictures of Calvin, or Spurgeon or maybe Charlton Heston in
the Ten Commandments. Im committed to this graduate school time in
my life and you can see it in the progress of my beard. And just to
clarify, as I know what many of you are thinkingNevada digs the
beard.

SCHOOL
YEAR ONE AT REGENT IS IN THE BOOKS
Deconstruction & Rebuilding
My first year at Regent College has come to an end. Thousands of pages have been read, thousands of words have been written and
thousands of ideas (ok, probably not that many) are swirling around in my head. Regent has a high bar so at times I was overwhelmed
and felt under qualified, but it has been a truly enriching experience so far. One thing they warned us about at the beginning of the year is
that Regent would challenge our thinking and, most likely, deconstruct some of our faith ideas. They weren't lying. Before anyone gets
worried, it's not the kind of deconstruction that shakes the core, it's the kind that forces you to investigate the beliefs you had coming in.
It forces you to ask "why do I think that way? or "where did I get that idea?" etc. In that way the rebuilding is a blessing. It's a chance to
solidify things, either re-arming what I thought before or inspiring me to think dierently. Im only scratching the surface but Im
beginning to see the great depth below the surface. Ive met some awesome people and studied under some amazing professors. The
most important thing however was that I was immersed in Gods Word. Its one thing to be exposed to the Bible, its another thing to dig
into the history and to understand the greater narrative that we are all a part of. Next year will be filled with deeper digging into the
Scriptures but I will also engage is more ministry based classes. Being filled with new knowledge is empowering but learning how to use it
and share it with other people is at the core of leadership. I cant wait to leave Regent some day as a better leader, ready to continue on
my lifes mission in the church. Lastly, it wouldnt be right if I didnt thank God for opening the Regent doors and providing the means to
make it happen. It has truly been an unexpected blessing. Also, thank you to all of you who have supported us with your prayers and your
finances. I could not have done this without you and youll never know the depths of our appreciation.

I M O N LY S C R ATC H I N G T H E
SURFACE BUT IM BEGINNING TO
SEE THE GREAT DEPTH BELOW

FAMILY NEWS
GUINNESS (AGE 6)
Our little boy is becoming a big boy right before our eyes. He is such a
sponge, absorbing information, song lyrics, commercials and Netflix
dialogue. Hell spout o random comments or big words that leave us
giggling and wondering where did that come from?. As an astute
kindergartener hes discovered a passion for books and loves to be
quizzed on his math skills. Hes also been recognized as a busy boy at
school, sometimes needing a bit of correctionmuch like his dad was
oops. He has also followed in dads footsteps as he finished his first
season of basketball and will be starting football in June. Were very
proud of him and love watching the way that God is shaping him.

GEMMA (AGE 8)
Who knew an 8 yr old could start showing signs of the 14 yr old to
come? Gemma is listening to Taylor Swift, wearing makeup (on
occasion), swapping our her earrings and showing interest in
fashion. School has really ramped up in grade 3, she has homework
almost every day. But she takes it in stride and is improving all the
time. She has recently started playing soccer and loves having
mommy as a coach. Her year has been full of so much more (she
just reminded me)chess club, choir, and ukulele. As the
summer approaches her green thumb is itching as well, she
loves to garden in our little townhouse 5x8 plot of dirt. Shes
also been a leader-in-training at church and that brings me
great joy.

NEVADA
Nevada remains the glue that holds everything together. Shes always in
action doing her best as a wife, a mother, a friend and a teacher. Throughout
this Regent time she has been super supportive. She tells me all the time
how proud she is of me. Truthfully, I could never do this without all of her
constant sacrifice and love. She has allowed me to have the space I need
to read, to write, to study and to be involved at Regent all while she holds
down the fort (our house and our kids). Shes also managed to develop
some great friendships with other parents from Gemmas school
although I cant endorse the weekly coee dates at Tim Hortons
(blech). She is a bright light to all she meets.

The last couple of months have seen Nevada focus in on what she does
best. Shes been working relentlessly on her schools Spring musical
Peter Pan. Shes been up late at night making schedules, emailing
parents & children, preparing music, arranging props and costumes
etc. In fact shes even been working on Peter Pan in her dreams. The
show played last week and the reviews are in: Two Giant Thumbs Up!
Another music teacher success! In other school news, all indications
are that Nevada will be bumped up from 60% to full-time next year.
The contracts arent signed yet but things are looking good. She
has earned it with her cheerful personality and tireless work ethic.
So awesome to see her living in her sweet spot.

GETTING PLUGGED IN
With the unfortunate end at our last church it took some time to get settled in at Village Church. Weve been there now since last July, but only
recently have become a part of things. Its an exciting place, probably the fastest growing church in Canada. Sometime in winter we decided it
was time to step up and get involved. Nevada and Gemma are serving in the Village Kids ministry and I am working as a mingler in the lobby &
as a member of the social media/creative content team. Being involved has increased our passion for whats going on at the church and has
encouraged our faith as we are living out part of our Christian calling by serving others. Recently we hosted a Worship Team Appreciation BBQ
at our house which was a great way to meet some more people (tough to do in a church of 3500+) and to show some love to others who serve
so faithfully. The next step in our journey to deeper community will be to join a Community Group. This has been tough with our busy schedules
and my evening returns from commuting to Vancouver for school. Please pray that well be able to find a group and take that next step. Also join
us in praying for the leadership and sta of Village Church as with great success comes great responsibility, great pressure and great spiritual
opposition.

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SUMMER PL ANS
SPRING & SUMMER SESSIONS AT REGENT
Ive had a couple weeks o since final exams ended and its given me opportunity to catch up on some rest (physically & mentally) and to
plug back in to family life. But the break will not last long. Im back in class starting May 11 when Ill be taking Theology Overview with
J.I. Packer. Im also taking three other classes including an immersive experiential type class called Seeking The Shalom of the City. It
will be a demanding work load but Im excited to continue to work hard towards the completion of my degree.

AUGUST IN TAIWAN
As many of you know, Taiwan, and namely the Pearl Church hold a special place in my heart. Ive made it a priority to return once a year
since our family left in order to stay connected and to serve the church in any way I can. This summer I will be spending nearly all of
August in Taipei. The pastor at the Pearl recently resigned and these transition times can be dicult so Ive oered to help out. I whole
heartedly believe that the lay-leadership at the Pearl is amazing and can handle taking care of the church but I want to ease their burden a
little. Its not easy to work full-time jobs and to also run a church so hopefully I can take a little o their plates. Im also looking forward to
using some of my gifts that have been on the shelf this year while Ive been studying. I want to stay sharp so that I can be at my best
when my schooling comes to completion.

FAMILY TIME
Although no solid plans have been made yet there will definitely be
some camping happening this summer and hopefully a road trip or
two. I look forward to making memories and having lots of fun as a
family. Guinness will be playing in a football league and both kids will
most likely be continuing on with swimming lessons. For those that
are wondering what Nevada & the kids will be doing while Im in
Taiwan, they have some fun stu planned. Perhaps a road trip to
see our friend Annabelle in Washington and also an extended trip
to Alberta & Saskatchewan to spend time with family. Should be an
exciting summer!