After some time in Texas with friends and family, I came back up to Asbury for the January term. I was in class from 8-5 the first week and had another two weeks to read a bunch of sermons and books, complete some assignments, and take a final exam. It was intense, but doing this enabled me to take 2 classes instead of 3 in my final semester, which I’m reaping the benefits of now!
My role as a chaplain in the residence hall at the Seminary has continued! This semester, I’ve had a few listening prayer sessions with students as well as the weekly group prophetic prayer times on Fridays. I’d forgotten how powerful it is when people hear God’s comforting voice and receive healing from deep wounds. And sometimes it is as simple as taking the time to get an impression from the Lord before praying for someone. His words go so much farther than ours!
In addition to these things, I’ve had the privilege of caring for some students going through difficult things. It’s an honor to be trusted like that and few things are as fulfilling as helping someone through a hard time. I’m glad I have 10 years’ worth of experiences of God and God’s people caring for me to draw from!
One of my two classes this semester has been interpreting the first letter we have from Paul to the Corinthians. Wow. It has been so transformational to read the letter in Greek. Reading in the original language of a text versus a translated language is like going from high-definition to Minecraft pixels. You can still make out what you need to see, but it is so much more vivid in the source language. Additionally, we’re discussing grammatical issues and historical context in class that shed further insight on the letter. And we always come back to the practical question; what do these things mean for us today?
I see myself studying scripture like this for the rest of my life. My convictions have clarified and deepened greatly just through the first 7 chapters of the letter. While the earliest I could get into a PhD program is a year since I missed this most recent application cycle, I’m already strongly considering applying to a program so I can continue studying scripture in this capacity.
I’ve written about my health injuries in the past… well, my ankles have been doing a lot better recently! At least, I’m able to play basketball and soccer competitively without major pain as long as I wear ankle braces. I still need to go to a new doctor to check out some deeper structural issues in my left ankle. The problem isn’t money, since I qualify for free healthcare from the government, but making the time to drive out to Lexington for appointments!
I love playing sports, so getting back into things has been refreshing and restful for me. It’s also been a great way to connect with people!
I’m about 2 months away from graduating! It’s hard to believe. My time here feels like it flew by. And I have no idea what’s next!
Right now, I’m in a career clarity cohort where we are exploring all the facets about finding a job in the workforce. Passions, skills, demand, boundaries, purpose… I’m exploring all these in relation to career choice with a group of other students and a staff mentor.
Honestly, I’d like to remain in Wilmore for a year and enroll in a PhD level class with one of my favorite professors, to see if I’m cut out for it, while working full-time. However, that’s just a tentative plan and I’m open to being led by God in a different direction. In fact, if you sense anything from the Lord to share with me, whether it’s specific or general about the next steps I should take, I’d love to hear it!
Denis is an Inspire Missioner based in Wilmore, KY, USA. He is fundraising support for his living costs so that he can continue in ministry with Inspire whilst he is completing his seminary studies. Read more news and testimony from Denis HERE.
