La belle province and the gospel
On a much more pleasant note, I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to have been in Quebec twice in the past two months. Once for the Montreal Calvin conference (see the picture of the participants attached) in late October (thanks to Drs. Andre Pinard and Jason Zuidema for arranging the details of this), and then just this past week, teaching La Reforme at SEMBEQ.
The needs of Quebec are great–in some ways, greater than any in the rest of North America: a largely Roman Catholic society that, since the Quiet Revolution, has thrown off all of the legalism of the Roman Church, and embraced modernity with a passion. It is easily one of the most secularized cultures I have taught in. But teaching trips to la belle province are always a delight, mainly because of all of the dear brothers and sisters there.
Many years ago, in 1978 to be precise, I heard a French Baptist preacher, Elisee Beau (d.2009), speak at my home church of Stanley Ave. Baptist in Hamilton, ON. I had the distinct impression that I needed to learn French. That impresson was God-given and I wished I had followed it up. I spent time mastering written French, but I wish I had put the effort and energy into also mastering conversational French (my spoken French always embarasses me!).
It was five years later that Francois Picard–then a student at Central Baptist Seminary, Toronto, where I had just begun to teach, and now the President of SEMBEQ–asked if I would be willing to come to Quebec to teach at SEMBEQ. And over the past quarter of a century (wow, hard to believe it has been that long), I have been involved with teaching courses, mentoring, and giving conferences. I would not have missed it for the world. It has been so enriching!
Brothers and sisters: pray for Quebec, and for SEMBEQ and for the Evangelical Baptist churches there, for one of the most challenging mission fields is right on our doorstep here in N America.
This entry was posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 4:23 pm and is filed under 20th Century, 21st Century, Baptist Life & Thought. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
It was our privileged to have a man that can not only teach to the mind but also to the heart. I’m a french student that have the joy to be train by a teacher who love God. And then,because his heart is for the truth, he can share what god has done since the begining of the church. Tank Michael for you love and you model. Steph from Québec
December 11th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Michael, where did you get that tie? I make no further comment
December 14th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Blessings Stephane.
Jimmy: not sure if the comment was because you so loved the tie and you wanted one similar (it could be arranged–it is Christmas!)–or was it slightly mocking?
Blessings and have a blessed Christmas.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I am too old to wear such a smart tie. On the subject of Christmas: I have sent you a history of Gt. Vic (part 1 1811 - 1947). I hope it arrives before Christmas.
Every Blessing
December 15th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Jimmy: it arrived today. What a gracious gift! Thanks ever so much, brother. Deeply appreciated.
Michael.
December 29th, 2009 at 12:31 am
I recognize the man with the white beard, Christian Adjemian, from the New England Reformed Fellowship meetings I attend, he left Cambridge, MA, and now serves on the faculty of Farel Seminary. It has come to my attention that he has been diagnosed with Lou Gherigs disease.
Please keep him in your prayers.
SDG,
Ross
December 29th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Yes, Ross, and others who read this, do pray for our brother, Dr Adjemian.
Thanks.