Update #54 – March 2015

Update
We had a fantastic time with the January intensive group! Studying John’s gospel, history and ministry together was fun and it was exciting to see hearts warmed by Jesus.

The 2015 Full Time program is already a third of the way through! We’ve been enjoying the discussions and sharing that being a smaller group allows. One of the highlights for me has been reading some Cor Deo history ‘classics’ together such as ‘Freedom of a Christian’ by Martin Luther. Well worth a read!

Our new venture, Cor Deo Plus, has started well. We had two good ‘Focus Seminars’ here in Chippenham in January, one on Bible-handling the other on Mission. They were also offered in Turin last weekend! It was so valuable to journey deep into God’s heart for the nations – may we all be a “spreading goodness” to the world.

Let’s hear from the mentors…

Peter: This time of year is busy with a combination of Cor Deo full-time course, church life as busy as ever, and some deadlines (teaching notes for a conference I will speak at in May are due in March, a book manuscript is being finalised etc.) As a family we also are in the midst of four birthdays in four weeks! It is a busy time, but it is exciting to be plugging away alongside David. We certainly couldn’t do what we do without Mike being part of the team too!

Ron: I’ve been at home in the States for just over three weeks and am already looking ahead to my return to Chippenham in April.  In the meantime I’m maintaining a steady writing regime interspersed with occasional meetings, mainly with former Bible read-through friends.  I’ve recently visited with Dan & Carrie Ritzman in Port Orchard, Washington. They’re on a one-year home assignment from their ministry in Brussels, a setting where some of our Cor Deo men have visited over the years. I’ve also met with Dave Jackson, a Portland CD Intensive alum and we’re speaking about the prospect of offering an autumn Intensive in Alaska. Prayers are welcome as we plan ahead.