My encounter with Israel was indeed an impactful one. The mere idea of traveling to the Middle East was also a surprising shift. Moreover, there wasn’t a blatant fear of the land it was more of the surrounding geographical lands that raised an eyebrow of concern. However, after witnessing other organizations and ministries pursuing tourism in Jerusalem, deep inside, my perception and faith knew that the travel would be a protected and safe one.

Currently, as I continue to process this trip to the “Fatherland” (coined by a fellow Passages participant) I believe that the Lord God truly orchestrated the softening and growth in my heart. Surely my beating organ wasn’t too cold and wore a veil but this visit allowed my vulnerability to be exposed. Although the word grateful may sound redundant, as a life learner of theology and sociology, I am thoroughly thankful for this educational adventure. Not only was I thrilled to be in Israel but astonished that the cities within state of Israel stood as museums themselves! Everywhere we toured had historical significance. Even in the modern parts of Tel-Aviv some of the buildings remained preserved in order to maintain some of its vintage characteristics.

Someone made it to Nigeria! So cool!

Delayed 2018!

It has been a spiritual trek as I maintained my fervor for ministry. The graduation finale has been experienced and now its time to get back to work in the vineyard.

If anyone is relies on Scripture for their daily living, it is my suggestion to consider attending the seminary. There are so many misleading ministries and the sheep will be responsible for their interpretation, usage and studying of the Holy Scripture (Bible).

As a PK I've witnessed it time and time again the misinterpretation within Biblical teachings through unsound preaching and videos.

Believers must take their faith and lives in the faith more seriously. Satan is very busy and guess who he's using? Church people!

Folks must gird their loins and study so that you won't be tricked and mislead. Attending a seminary should prepare you as you proceed to work in ministry. However, I'm not referring to the minimal roles of singing and guarding the church door as an usher. Although those roles have been stamped as working in the church, I will not throw any shade. Meanwhile, as one goes through discipleship one's ministry duties will see a more significant role that will benefit inside and outside of the ministry.

Each one reach one. Each one teach one. (proverb)

Sista Crystal

South Africa travel from Travel Noire

https://travelnoire.com/explore-durban-south-africa-authentically/?hvid=28oo02&utm_content=buffer21049&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

I found this article on Travel Noire

https://travelnoire.com/5-reasons-to-visit-accra/?hvid=2cyEi6&utm_content=buffer5b6a4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

My seminary journey

Who would have thought that during this time in my life I would be called to study again. Many moons ago when I received my bachelor's degree, I thought "Hmmm, that's a wrap!" Although deep inside I wanted to pursue a higher degree, Lord knows theology wasn't the type of degree that I preferred. 

Thankfully, after transplanting back home to care for my father, it was upon his suggestion and a tug from the Spirit to pursue Moody Theological Seminary. Apparently, my dad's condition was still manageable and as the pastor he instinctively put me to work at the church. Surely, I could pull off the task of teaching Bible class for a few weeks. Why not?? I can study the text and the prescribed lesson plans and stand before the small class and teach. Meanwhile, it wasn't a tough task but I wanted to be grounded and a credible leader, so dad encouraged me to look into his alma mater and after some thoughts, prayers and orientation..I had applied to attend the seminary!

All in all, the lesson here is to pursue God through the study of His Word! If you want to lead, teach, administer in any subject, strive to become equipped. Be a life learner and you will see how as societal times change you will remain abreast on how to communicate effectively.

Laters

Sista Crystal

My Sincere Apology!

Greetings Blog,

It has been over a year again! Life has been so rewarding with its busyness! I am completing my degree at Moody Theological Seminary with the hope of exploring some missionary work in the future. The value of higher Biblical education is relatively priceless. Knowing Christ has present and eternal value. Overall the seminary has motivated me to dig further into the Word of truth. However, after 3 years of coursework, I sometimes feel that I haven't learned enough. See, studying is a lifelong process and when I complete the program and graduate there will remain unlearned lessons to crack open share with the world that Christ still lives.

Although, many rely on their personal intelligence to preach the Gospel, I am here to inform and encourage leaders to seek training from an accredited institution. What harm can improving your teachings by returning to school? Personally speaking, the church that I attend have several associate ministers who lack in communicating Biblical truths. So, how do you encourage with love? Why haven't the pastor considered making seminary/classes mandatory? Is he a culprit to the dis-service toward the congregants who already need stirring up? Geesh! If the people are just staring around the church or at their cell phones during worship service, they are not worshiping God in Spirit and in truth!

All in all, we should thrive to be effective witnesses of Christ. 2 Tim 2:15 tell us to STUDY! Therefore, when we are inspired by the Word, we will become  more confident to share the Gospel to the lost anywhere and everywhere.


For more information www.moody.edu

Blessings!

Regrouping after the holiday

Greetings Readers!

I found the Christday holiday very warm and meaningful. Ours included Sunday worship service and dinner. This was the 3rd Christ (mas) without my father. So, I was responsible for the preparation of dinner. Our tradition used to include dad driving to my sisters where the two of them would prepare dinner.
Oh how death changes your warm and fuzzy routine!
However, you embrace the adjustment and make life grand!

Meanwhile, I have received a few thoughtful gift-cards from friends and have a few pointers which folks may already know: You can resale them on Ebay, which may take awhile. Raise.com and Cardpool.com. I definitely would not recommend utilizing Coinstar, it is a total ripoff! Its services will take up to 1/2 the amount of the giftcard. For example, if you are interested in reselling your $25 Dunkin Donuts card, Coinstar will offer you $15! 
Do not give away your gift cards! Find a friend, re-gift or just try to find something to purchase.

It is my prayer that 2017 will be fruitful and meaningful. 

Try Ebates today!

https://www.ebates.com/r/GLOBAL1001

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