I would like, again, to thank you for your support as I continue in my pursuit of an MDiv from RTS-Orlando. Many have asked me how long until I am done. I plan on graduating in May of 2020. I am finishing up credits 32-37 of 106 this week. This winter's class load was a Preaching Lab, Missions, and Acts-Romans.
I returned two weeks ago from my intensive week on campus, which is always refreshing. When I would call Carrie during my lunch break on campus, she says I sounded like I was at summer camp. I think that's a great way to describe it. I sit in classes with peers who, like myself, are deep in ministry, family, and schooling. Our quick breaks are fantastic times of fellowship and care for each other. Our time in class is incredibly fruitful, as we are learning from some of the best, who are not only professors at a seminary, but also in church ministries as well. I feel like my ministry has been greatly enhanced since starting school, and I hope that you have been able to notice that as well. There are plans in the near future for you to be forced to notice my enhanced skills, as I am scheduled to preach this spring. I'm not promising anything but my humble, thoughtful, and diligent handling of the Word of God, bringing insight from the text and making it applicable to all of our lives.
You can continue to pray for Carrie, me, and our family. We've got many transitions happening in our lives. Carrie is continuing as the Director of Youth Ministry at Hebron, while our daughter, Cortina, is entering the youth ministry this fall. I am facing the question of ordination, and could use wisdom in that process. I've also gained some more responsibility at church, as the staff representative to the Mobilization Team, which is exciting, but also frightening. Speaking of frightening, I'm also about to re-enter Greek at school. Due to the nature of my distance-ed program I had to take 3 months off, and I've forgotten a lot, so you can pray for quick remembrance.
Again, thanks for your financial, prayerful, and practical support in this process. I hate comparisons, but when I go out with my classmates and discuss our home churches, I recognize Hebron is a great place to be. I pray that all of us together continue to open ourselves to be used by God to show Himself to the world.
Barrett
