| |
SEPTEMBER POSTINGS
PRAYER/PRAISE UPDATE — by John Poysti
|
The summer season is quickly coming to a close. In less than a month, the fall term of our 39th Bible school year will begin (September 18).
- Pray for the transition as the summer volunteers leave and the school–year team is assembled and trained.
- Pray for the incoming students who have had to deal with increasingly complicated visa procedures. We are grateful that the Swedish immigration authorities have made some adjustments (thanks in part to our feedback), and are showing some flexibility.
|
|
 |
- We are looking forward to an exciting line–up of lecturers this year, including the return of Todd Kramlich, our former Bible school principal. He will be lecturing for one week on the book of Philippians. Pray for each of the lecturers, both guest and resident, as they prepare to teach God’s Word clearly and practically to our students.
|
|
 |
- Pray for Luke (our new principal) and Cheryl Thomas, as they raise their monthly support and prepare to take on their new responsibilities in November. Pray also for Cheryl, who had to have emergency surgery in August. Pray for her complete recovery.
|
|
 |
We appreciate the prayers and participation of many Holsby friends in our summer practical projects. Some of you have prayed, others have contributed through their giving, and still others have volunteered their time and hard work. Here are just a few of the practical projects that were accomplished during the summer:
- Villa Haga, a staff residence, received a much–needed new coat of paint.
- The renovation of four more rooms in Ekhaga, the men’s dorm, was completed.
- New bunk beds have been ordered for the ladies’ dorm, to replace their squeaky and aged predecessors. Pray for sponsors for these beds, which cost about $950 per bunk.
- Several very stubborn tree stumps were removed, making access for buses and delivery trucks much easier. The campus has never looked better!
- Our volunteer staff helped complete the first phase of a beautiful new path in a previously unused section of our property. When finished, the path will provide an ideal place for students and guests to walk and reflect — right on campus. Plans are to turn the horse stable, situated along the path, into a small chapel.
|
|
  |
Besides the practical work on the grounds and facilities, we saw a number of Swedish and German groups come to Holsby for camps and retreats. Under the leadership of Brad Strohm, who served as Summer Director, the Holsby team invested many hours and a lot of loving care into our guests.
- We are grateful for changed lives and renewed spirits among our guests, both young and old. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and our guests are especially grateful for the love of Christ shown to them by our staff.
- We thank the Lord for the spiritual growth among the many young people who volunteered during the summer season. Our longer–term staff invested in them through Bible studies, worship, and creative social events.
- Plans are already being made for next year and we ask for prayer as we seek to fill the summer season with groups. Advanced reservations are encouraging, but this last summer we had several last–minute cancellations. Pray for our Program Team as they try to fill all the slots with meaningful group bookings.
|
|
  |
A WORD FROM HIS WORD
God has promised that HIS Word will never return empty but it will accomplish what HE desires and achieve the purposes for which HE sent it (Isaiah 55:11). That's a promise! And that is why including HIS Word in these publications is so important. You might forget what we write, but God makes HIS Word fruitful! HE is faithful!
All through the Scriptures we see how God always triumphs over the enemy. Sometimes it happens quickly, sometimes the answer is delayed. But God is Lord of heaven and earth, and nothing or no one triumphs over HIM. As Martin Luther said in his well–known hymn (A Mighty Fortress), "... though the wrong seem oft so strong, God is the ruler yet."
Oreb and Zeeb — ever hear of them? — were Midianites. They were not friends of God's people. They are little known in today's world; however, mighty men in their own day. Yet God conquered them! As the Israelites followed God's commands, there was victory over the enemy — and not because of their own strength! (Read Judges 7—8).
We live in a troubled world. But God is still ruling! Over and over again, the children of Israel faced enemies. When they lived in obedience (that is the key!), they were witness to many of God's victorious acts on their behalf!
The Psalmist expressed it this way:
Let them know that You,
whose name is the LORD —
that You alone are the Most High over all the earth.
Psalm 83:18
STARTING UP AGAIN
Lord willing, the regular NEWS UPDATE will start again on 1 October. It's a step of faith for "Ye olde editor" to take on this responsibility once again. I'm excited for what God has done in these recent months. HE has been my strength and my portion in the most amazing ways. Thanks again for your many prayers!!
See you all again October 1st!
|
|
