Thinking theologically was the title of Gavin’s presentation. He really encouraged us to think creatively, critically and comprehensively. He wanted us to question things, not to just take in what people tell us, which allows the information we do take in to transform us. He also talked about community, how it is a necessary part of the life of a Christian. We are getting a crash course in the art of community this year!
This sense of community has declined from where it used to be because in our society, most people tend to live busy lives. People want to have their own space, to have their “alone time.” Everyone can relate to that, but that lifestyle causes us to lose that sense of community.
Something Gavin said that really influenced me was that we need community, even if it costs us. We are learning that within our site, and I think it is definitely worth the cost.
This sense of community has declined from where it used to be because in our society, most people tend to live busy lives. People want to have their own space, to have their “alone time.” Everyone can relate to that, but that lifestyle causes us to lose that sense of community.
Something Gavin said that really influenced me was that we need community, even if it costs us. We are learning that within our site, and I think it is definitely worth the cost.
By Kristine Bartel
Brian Larmour
Brian really encouraged us to see the art in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. He talked about the different forms of writing in the Bible: poems, songs, narratives and letters. He said different parts of the bible need to be read in different ways with different frames of mind, so that we can relate to and understand the things that are being said.
Something that impacted me was the story he told us about bears. On a highway going through a park, people were told not to feed bears on the way through. Unfortunately, people disregarded this and fed the bears on the side of the road anyway. When the part ranger was informed of this, he said, “Yes, we know this is happening. I wish those same people would come back in the spring so they could see all the dead bears on the side of the road…they don’t know how to feed themselves anymore.” Brian told us this story as a metaphor for our need to learn to spiritually feed ourselves from God’s Word. We can’t rely on others to keep feeding us, or we will die spiritually.
Brian really encouraged us to see the art in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. He talked about the different forms of writing in the Bible: poems, songs, narratives and letters. He said different parts of the bible need to be read in different ways with different frames of mind, so that we can relate to and understand the things that are being said.
Something that impacted me was the story he told us about bears. On a highway going through a park, people were told not to feed bears on the way through. Unfortunately, people disregarded this and fed the bears on the side of the road anyway. When the part ranger was informed of this, he said, “Yes, we know this is happening. I wish those same people would come back in the spring so they could see all the dead bears on the side of the road…they don’t know how to feed themselves anymore.” Brian told us this story as a metaphor for our need to learn to spiritually feed ourselves from God’s Word. We can’t rely on others to keep feeding us, or we will die spiritually.
By Kristine Bartel
It was Brian's Birthday while he was with us teaching, so we celebrated with him and thanked him for coming.
Justin Krushel
Justin, a former Outtatown student and leader, came to talk to our group right before Thanksgiving. He talked about the injustices that have taken place in Latin America over the past few centuries. He challenged us with the question – What does it mean to be a Christian in a world of suffering? He talked about his own personal struggles and lessons he learned while travelling in Latin America, and gave a brief summary of the history of Guatemala. He showed us a few videos that covered the injustices that has happened in the past few years, and that is still happening today.Something that really impacted me was the fact that this is happening right now, and we don’t even hear about it in Canada. Justin spoke about the poor labour conditions in these countries, and a lot of people in our group are going to think twice before buying products from certain companies. Justin showed us things that broke out hearts, which will allow us to see God’s beauty in our world the way He sees it.
By Ashley Taylor
2 comments:
It was really great to be able to come out and share some thoughts about thinking theologically with this Outtatown crew. I did notice, however, that the other instructors both had pictures with cake in it, which I don't recall being offered to me. Does this mean that I won't be invited along to Central America, as well? Oh, the humanity...
We will make it up for you if you come back next year! It was great having you here with us!
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