Yes, it’s late.
I do apologize to those who may have been waiting for our latest update. I had this report letter drafted a month ago for a class assignment, but I was waiting for the instructor to grade it before I put it up. Well, here it is! We have actually now finished the term, and Sara took the short course with me, and I’ve passed my classes with 99-100 averages on the ones with final grades in. We are looking forward to the next term starting here in a few days! We’re taking this opportunity to take the boys camping and catch up on some life administrative things that we have needed to put on hold. Praise God for a promising start to our two years in Lubbock! We’re already one-eighth through our time here!
The Gonzales Family
Dustin, Sara, Diga, Dona, Cora, & Ruga
Greetings! As a family, we continually give thanks to the LORD
our God for you. You have sent us to Sunset International
Bible Institute for learning, spiritual formation, and ministry
preparation, and we are already reaping the benefits!
Historical Christian Evidences
This is one of the most meaningful classes I’m presently taking,
taught by Darrin Bible. I am increasingly confident in the
historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those
who witnessed it – the apostles (and those who heard of it
directly from them) – were steadfast in their belief through
persecution. As we have studied the historical and textual
evidence for the New Testament, I have been impressed by
the strength of the evidence. Over 5,000 Greek manuscripts
survive, including fragments dating to the second century, and
18,000 more that were translated shortly thereafter!
Archaeology also confirms historical information found in the
texts. There is more proof for our New Testament than any
other ancient document! Studying this evidence has
strengthened my confidence in the preservation and
trustworthiness of the New Testament! As our course thesis
statement states: There is abundant evidence from historical
sources which is adequate to prove that Jesus is the Son of God
and the Bible is the word of God!
Additional Classes
I’m also taking The Gospel of Luke, Old Testament History I
(Genesis-Deuteronomy), Spiritual Disciplines, Confident
Preaching, and Introduction to Ministry. At the conclusion of
the term, we’ll take “Ministering Out of Your Marriage,” with
Trey and Lea Morgan. Trey is the preaching minister at the
Sunset Church of Christ; he and his wife also conduct marriage
and family seminars across the country. Although we haven’t
identified a childcare solution for Sara to take some classes,
we’ve been told something is planned for the Morgans’ course.
Our class is one of the larger groups Sunset has had in the past
few years. I am very pleased with the quality of my classmates!
Among the students, there is a strong desire for fellowship
and deeply personal spiritual conversation. This is a good
foundation for the next two years, allowing us to keep each
other anchored in God and grow alongside each other. Some
of my classmates have come through atheism, addiction,
imprisonment, and profound tragedy. Their stories have
already enriched our fellowship, and I look forward to seeing
how God uses their experiences in service to others.
Church Life
We have placed membership at the Sunset congregation. The
large church dynamic is very different for us – over 1,200 every
Sunday – but we are learning to adjust. The kids are enjoying
their Bible classes and are making friends. I’ve been able to
lead some singing on Sunday and Wednesday nights.
Dr. John Knox, one of our instructors, arranges preaching
opportunities for first-year students at various local nursing
homes on Sunday afternoons. He says that in our second year,
we will have opportunities to preach for congregations in the
area. They want us to have some schooling and experience
under our belts before sending us out.
[10/13 update: I am actually preaching at different congregations already. They had enough need in the area that he has begun sending first-years students out to teach Bible classes and preach. The practice is good!]
Summer Internship Plans
Part of the curriculum at Sunset requires that students
complete a summer internship, adding practical field time to
our classroom studies. My internship will be with my friend
Levi Sisemore and his ministry, The Doxology Project. I’ll
also work with him to develop a one-year preaching and Bible
class plan, a four-week sermon series, a special-event series,
and a camp curriculum. I’ll have opportunities to preach, teach
Bible classes, and develop my instructional skills in church
music and worship ministry. He will also help me develop a
one-year preaching and Bible class plan, a four-week sermon
series, a special-event series, and a camp curriculum. One of
the greatest blessings about this opportunity is that it will
allow our family to remain Lubbock-based for the summer,
even though I will spend time on the road with Levi.
Family News
We have enrolled Diga in Trail Life this year, a Christ-focused
scouting program. He’s very excited and looking forward to
the campouts!
Important Prayer Request
Our house in Waco still has not sold; it has not had much
activity in the market. We have lowered the asking price, but it
still seems to be inactive in this market. The only feedback we
have heard is that the updates are nice, but the area and
single bathroom are downsides. We are approaching the point
where we may still owe money on the house even after it sells.
Please pray that the house will sell soon and that God will
provide a good outcome for our family.
Thank you for your prayers and continued support! We are
grateful for your commitment to the spread of the Gospel and
for your partnership with us in that work.
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