WTS Bookstore
(see link at top of blog)
Machen Hall Administration and Housing building
Library
Machen Hall
Van Til Hall
Auditorium and classrooms
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Westminster Thoelogical Seminary
Thought it would be a good idea to post some pictures of the WTS campus- all four buildings of it. I had International Student Orientation today; tomorrow, general orientation. This provided (and I trust will provide) the opportunity to start making connections and building relationships.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Safe and Sound!
Hey, y'all,
I have safely arrived at my home away from home yesterday at 6:15 pm. What a different experience living so far from home. I think at this point the newness of it all is keeping me sane.
God has been good, though, there is no doubt in that. The border guard gave me a hard time because I brought most of my tools over with me. He wasn't too happy, and threatened that they might not let me through . . . and that was it. Miracle #1. Then, inside the customs and immigration office, they asked for proof of finances, to prove to them that I would not end up a public ward and leech off the American system- as if :S Anyway, I had nothing, since much of the proof they were asking for was confidential and sent directly to WTS. So, I prayed. The guy said he had to talk to his supervisor, but it looked like I wouldn't be able to get my visa processed. The only "proof" of finances I had was a letter from WTS stating that I had "documented sufficient financial resources for [my] study at Westminster Seminary" and that I was admitted into the program. I continued to pray for a miracle as the guy talked with his supervisor, and God heard that prayer. They processed the visa on the good word of the Seminary, which apparently is unusual. Praise God! I signed the documents and got outta there before they had a chance to change their minds.
So that was the beginning of quite a long and tiring drive. A construction impediments, a roll-over accident, and two pit stops later, I arrived at my destination.
I have safely arrived at my home away from home yesterday at 6:15 pm. What a different experience living so far from home. I think at this point the newness of it all is keeping me sane.
God has been good, though, there is no doubt in that. The border guard gave me a hard time because I brought most of my tools over with me. He wasn't too happy, and threatened that they might not let me through . . . and that was it. Miracle #1. Then, inside the customs and immigration office, they asked for proof of finances, to prove to them that I would not end up a public ward and leech off the American system- as if :S Anyway, I had nothing, since much of the proof they were asking for was confidential and sent directly to WTS. So, I prayed. The guy said he had to talk to his supervisor, but it looked like I wouldn't be able to get my visa processed. The only "proof" of finances I had was a letter from WTS stating that I had "documented sufficient financial resources for [my] study at Westminster Seminary" and that I was admitted into the program. I continued to pray for a miracle as the guy talked with his supervisor, and God heard that prayer. They processed the visa on the good word of the Seminary, which apparently is unusual. Praise God! I signed the documents and got outta there before they had a chance to change their minds.
So that was the beginning of quite a long and tiring drive. A construction impediments, a roll-over accident, and two pit stops later, I arrived at my destination.
My address here is 2450 Norwood Ave., Roslyn, PA 19001
Next week I have orientation and meet-and-greets on Tuesday and Wednesday, and my classes start Sept. 6, so I probably will have time for some sightseeing. I'll keep you posted.
Please continue to pray for me, especially for this coming week. Thanks, and God bless!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
... Yes, I'm Back!!
My humblest apologies to all who were disappointed by the abrupt interruption in the blogging! I had 5 flights in the last week of my trip, which afforded little time to blog. However, having caught up with many friends this week, I have dedicated this afternoon to updating the world on my final exploits in Peru.
We spent the first few days in Lima visiting several placements we worked at last year, as well as some that I did not visit. The shantytown of Las Gardenias was a pleasure to see, because the work that we helped out with has been ongoing. The staircase that we built has been painted, the school yard upgraded with a concrete pad, and a new playground has been built. It was really cool to see that the non-defeatist attitude and the living conditions improving for those who continue to work hard there despite having so little.
We also visited a school where 5 students are currently teaching. Again, the vision of the local people and the determination to make the best of what they have is really incredible. With literally zero rain per year, the community has set up a fog-collection system to water the gardens and woods in and around the school ground, and are continuing to expand up the dry, deserted mountain, and hope to add a college for the students in the near future. There are already separate boys (San Pedro) and girls (Villa Caritas- both private) schools; excess money from tuition goes to support the small fledgling schools in the shantytowns run by the Christian Life Movement.
After spending the afternoon acclimatizing, I spent the next day shopping at the Inka handcrafts market. Early Wednesday morning we set out by train (4 1/2 hours) to Machu Picchu. My dream was to climb Mt. Waynapicchu, the opposing mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. There are ruins built at he summit, with lookouts over the ancient citadel. the train arrived a half hour later that expected, and our guide was skeptical that we would be allowed to climb Waynapicchu because of the time, and there are only 400 visitors per day allowed to climb. Taking the next available bus up to Machu Picchu, we raced to the entrance of the city, only to be told that it didn't seem like climbing the mountain was likely- boy, was I bummed!! Stubborn as I am, I decided to check into it anyway, perhaps even to find a way to sneak past the checkpoint. When we arrived, we found out that there were 4 openings left, and we could still go!!! I was elated.
After we had returned to Lima, I was ready to return home. I really missed assembling on Sundays with my church family, and I definitely missed my friends. However, I can testify that the Lord used many events and sights to teach me more about who He is; I've learned to trust Him when there were events happening that were outside of my control.And I believe that He allowed me to be more open about my faith in Him in discussion with others on the trip- i pray that the seeds sewn on this trip will bear much fruit to the honour and glory of His name. If this is so, the whole trip will have been more than worth it!
As an appendix, I found out that my visa to attend Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia is in the mail, and I have also been offered a partial scholarship for studies beginning this fall. God has demonstrated His goodness and leading as doors continue to open for me in this area of my life. I will try to keep you all posted on further developments.
Thanks for welcoming me home!!
We spent the first few days in Lima visiting several placements we worked at last year, as well as some that I did not visit. The shantytown of Las Gardenias was a pleasure to see, because the work that we helped out with has been ongoing. The staircase that we built has been painted, the school yard upgraded with a concrete pad, and a new playground has been built. It was really cool to see that the non-defeatist attitude and the living conditions improving for those who continue to work hard there despite having so little.
The Staircase and School in Las Gardenias
Having fun at a school for disabled children
We also visited a school where 5 students are currently teaching. Again, the vision of the local people and the determination to make the best of what they have is really incredible. With literally zero rain per year, the community has set up a fog-collection system to water the gardens and woods in and around the school ground, and are continuing to expand up the dry, deserted mountain, and hope to add a college for the students in the near future. There are already separate boys (San Pedro) and girls (Villa Caritas- both private) schools; excess money from tuition goes to support the small fledgling schools in the shantytowns run by the Christian Life Movement.
San Pedro/ Villa Caritas
The following Monday we flew into the Andes to the city of Cuzco. Cuzco, the City of Kings is situated in the Sacred Valley, and was the capital of the Inka Empire.
Our view of the Andes from the plane
After spending the afternoon acclimatizing, I spent the next day shopping at the Inka handcrafts market. Early Wednesday morning we set out by train (4 1/2 hours) to Machu Picchu. My dream was to climb Mt. Waynapicchu, the opposing mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. There are ruins built at he summit, with lookouts over the ancient citadel. the train arrived a half hour later that expected, and our guide was skeptical that we would be allowed to climb Waynapicchu because of the time, and there are only 400 visitors per day allowed to climb. Taking the next available bus up to Machu Picchu, we raced to the entrance of the city, only to be told that it didn't seem like climbing the mountain was likely- boy, was I bummed!! Stubborn as I am, I decided to check into it anyway, perhaps even to find a way to sneak past the checkpoint. When we arrived, we found out that there were 4 openings left, and we could still go!!! I was elated.
Machu Picchu, with Waynapicchu in the back
Halfway up, I started to rethink my decision; the climb was arduous to say the least. After 1 hour and 15 minutes, we reached to pinnacle. How can I describe it? You simply have to go there some day! Check out some of the pix:
Close to the summit- check out the road going up to Machu Picchu on the left!
The view was spectacular!
After we had returned to Lima, I was ready to return home. I really missed assembling on Sundays with my church family, and I definitely missed my friends. However, I can testify that the Lord used many events and sights to teach me more about who He is; I've learned to trust Him when there were events happening that were outside of my control.And I believe that He allowed me to be more open about my faith in Him in discussion with others on the trip- i pray that the seeds sewn on this trip will bear much fruit to the honour and glory of His name. If this is so, the whole trip will have been more than worth it!
As an appendix, I found out that my visa to attend Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia is in the mail, and I have also been offered a partial scholarship for studies beginning this fall. God has demonstrated His goodness and leading as doors continue to open for me in this area of my life. I will try to keep you all posted on further developments.
Thanks for welcoming me home!!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Bienvenidos a Argentina
Wow, this blogging thing is actually a lot of work. I finally have some time today, after a weekof travelling, sight seeing, intense conversations and nuch lack of sleep to send you an update. I am currently in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, population 20 million- small considering the greater Sao Paulo area of Brazil has 32 million. These cities are huge. Even Rio is large, at about 12 million. Argentina is nice- at least what we have seen of it. It is the beginning of winter here, the leaves are falling off the trees, the parrots are making a rucous in the trees and last night the temperature dropped to zero- yeah, its cold. We came here from Buzios, as my previous update briefly indicated, which is a quaint little resort down 2 1/2 hours down the coast from Rio. There, we went swimming, surfing, and took a three hour boat tour (but did not get shipwrecked). We spent the better part of 24 hours traveling to Argentina, and arrived on Saturday early afternoon. We took an easy day of mostly eating and resting, then went out for a city tour and a coffee.
Sunday was interesting- I went to a Protestant service, which I think was more Anglican, but I was able to understand at least in part the sermon. In the evening, we gathered as a group to pray, sing, and read Scripture. Eacj person took turns opening the Bible and reading the passage they opened to, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide each person and to apply each passage to the individual. It is kinda hard to explain the process in a few words, but I hope you get the gist of it. To me this idea was kind a wierd at first, but once we began, the Spirit really hit home with almost everyone, and the passages that were randomly chosen spoke loudly and clearly to many of us. There were times when some were touched to tears, and I was as well at some of the passages speaking so relevantly and clearly to people. However, I still have this nagging feeling that these seeds that were sown will be readily and esily plucked away. Please, please, pray for these people that are on this trip with me, myself included, that Gods Word will bear much fruit in our lives, and have seving effect in the hearts of those here who do not yet know him.
Tomorrow evening we begin our return trip to Brazil, then I will be off to Peru for a week. I miss you all very much- there is much comaraderie here and I am having a good time, but at the same time I miss the spiritual food I receive being under the Reformed preaching of the word and in conversation with Gods people. I will soon be needing to really recharge my spiritual batteries. See you all soon!
Sunday was interesting- I went to a Protestant service, which I think was more Anglican, but I was able to understand at least in part the sermon. In the evening, we gathered as a group to pray, sing, and read Scripture. Eacj person took turns opening the Bible and reading the passage they opened to, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide each person and to apply each passage to the individual. It is kinda hard to explain the process in a few words, but I hope you get the gist of it. To me this idea was kind a wierd at first, but once we began, the Spirit really hit home with almost everyone, and the passages that were randomly chosen spoke loudly and clearly to many of us. There were times when some were touched to tears, and I was as well at some of the passages speaking so relevantly and clearly to people. However, I still have this nagging feeling that these seeds that were sown will be readily and esily plucked away. Please, please, pray for these people that are on this trip with me, myself included, that Gods Word will bear much fruit in our lives, and have seving effect in the hearts of those here who do not yet know him.
Tomorrow evening we begin our return trip to Brazil, then I will be off to Peru for a week. I miss you all very much- there is much comaraderie here and I am having a good time, but at the same time I miss the spiritual food I receive being under the Reformed preaching of the word and in conversation with Gods people. I will soon be needing to really recharge my spiritual batteries. See you all soon!
At one of the beaches in Buzios
Our retreat house in Buenos Aires- this is actually the house of the Arch Bishop of Buenos Aires which is rented out by the Christian Life Movement
Me and a boy named Lucas, a grade 1 student at a school we visited.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Quick update
All is well!!!! Wednesday we are heading up the coast to Buzios for a vacation (lol), and will be flying to Argentina on Saturday. If there is any news, pleased email me at glen.slinger@gmail.com. Praise God for the riches of His grace!! See y all soon.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Welcome to Brazil
Hey, all. I actually only have a few minutes to say all is well. The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are very beautiful. I think that I sweat off about ten pounds in the last two days- working hard carying sand, stones, and cement up 5 flights +/- to a community center, where we there have to mix concrete for the floor by hand; so, yes, I am very tired.
Unfortunately, I cannot access a USB port so there will be no pix this time. The group dynamic is great, and I am deepening relationships with old friends as well as building new ones (and yes, Cole, Mr. Larry is here with me- thaanks for asking dude!) God has given me opportunities to talk with people on a deeper level, and also to be open about my life and the grace He has shown to as well as the result this has had on my relationships. We have done some group activities to increase the depth of communication between people, and I would ask that you pray that the Lord would fill me with a boldness to show the greatness of His person in these opportunities.
People are yeling at me to go, so I have to sign off. Until then, I miss you all.
Unfortunately, I cannot access a USB port so there will be no pix this time. The group dynamic is great, and I am deepening relationships with old friends as well as building new ones (and yes, Cole, Mr. Larry is here with me- thaanks for asking dude!) God has given me opportunities to talk with people on a deeper level, and also to be open about my life and the grace He has shown to as well as the result this has had on my relationships. We have done some group activities to increase the depth of communication between people, and I would ask that you pray that the Lord would fill me with a boldness to show the greatness of His person in these opportunities.
People are yeling at me to go, so I have to sign off. Until then, I miss you all.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Hola from Costa Rica
Hey amigos! Praise God for the safety He gave to get us all here. The weather is very humid. The raint season has just begun and it has rained every afternoon. Friday we had 5 one hour lectures, which was pretty intense for the brain.
In the evening we wwent to a BBQ for us with members of the Christian Life Movement. There we met a young Australian guy named Sam Clear. He is walking around the world praying for unity in the Body of Christ. So far he has walked over 3000 km, starting in Brazil. He faced much hostility in Venezuela, even having a shutgun in his face on 2 occasions. We met him today as well, and prayed together with him. Unfortunately, I do not have his website to post a link, but feel free to google him. I would like to ask you all to consider this matter in your prayers as well.
Sam (my right) in prayer for Christian unity
Today we went to the Paos Vulcano, which was prety cool. We also went to a waterfall, and toured a coffee plantation. It was a great day! (Sorry, I am on limited time here, so more later!) Ciao.
What a dude!
Vulcano Paos
Coffee plant
In the evening we wwent to a BBQ for us with members of the Christian Life Movement. There we met a young Australian guy named Sam Clear. He is walking around the world praying for unity in the Body of Christ. So far he has walked over 3000 km, starting in Brazil. He faced much hostility in Venezuela, even having a shutgun in his face on 2 occasions. We met him today as well, and prayed together with him. Unfortunately, I do not have his website to post a link, but feel free to google him. I would like to ask you all to consider this matter in your prayers as well.
Sam (my right) in prayer for Christian unity
Today we went to the Paos Vulcano, which was prety cool. We also went to a waterfall, and toured a coffee plantation. It was a great day! (Sorry, I am on limited time here, so more later!) Ciao.
What a dude!
Vulcano Paos
Coffee plant
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