MERRY CHRISTMAS!
On behalf of the entire RTS family in Jackson, Orlando, Charlotte, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., we wish you a blessed Christmas celebrating the miracle birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Born of a virgin, he came and died, so we could have everlasting life. We lift up prayers to all of you: to our graduates, some of whom are leading churches, others in missionary work, others in counseling, or teaching or ministering to our soldiers. Others of you may be inquiring about our seminary, or you are a friend of RTS. Some of you may be experiencing difficult times, or loneliness, or illness. Others may be in good health and full of joy. Whatever your circumstance, we pray the Lord may touch you in a special way during this season. Merry Christmas!
DR. MILTON’S ADVENT SERMON WAS PUBLISHED ON CHRISTIANITY.COM
“Have you ever seen Miracle of 34th Street? It's a Christmas classic. The 1947 novel became a movie the same year, earning the author an Academy Award for the Best Original Story. The film itself was nominated for the top picture. Edmund Gwenn, who played Kris Kringle, won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Click here to continue this sermon by Dr. Mike Milton titled “Advent: Zacharias’ Prophetic Song” (Luke 1:67-79).
DR. KRUGER REVIEWS JESUS INTERRUPTED
Dr. Mike Kruger, associate professor of New Testament and academic dean for RTS/Charlotte, (currently on a research sabbatical until Feb. 1) reviewed Bart Ehrman’s book, Jesus Interrupted, which was published in March 2009. Click here to read the review.
UPGRADED SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE SOON
We are in the process of updating the RTS academic program that allows students to register, see their grades and pay tuition. The new upgrade should be available for access in January.
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT SOON
Keep an eye on the next e-letter. We expect to announce the president of the Orlando campus in the next issue.
ENROLLMENT HUGE FOR RTS COURSE OFFERED IN ASIA
RTS has been offering courses in Asia for the last couple of years. The next class will be held in January, and we have 80 enrolled. We're unable to give you further details, but thought you’d like to know what we consider exciting news.
FAVORITE BOOKS ON THE PSALMS
Bryan D. Estelle said in his article in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church magazine New Horizons that when he does work in the Psalms, four resources have been of great service to him. One of the books is The Messiah and the Psalms: Preaching Christ from All the Psalms by Richard P. Belcher, professor of Old Testament at RTS/Charlotte. The other book is Interpreting the Psalms: An Exegetical Handbook by Dr. Mark Futato, professor of Old Testament and academic dean at RTS/Orlando. Dr. Mike Milton, president of RTS/Charlotte and interim president of RTS/Orlando writes, “It is my joy to congratulate two worthy recipients of this notice. I take great joy in my happy association with both of these fine men. Congrats, Mark and Dick!”
NEED A SPECIAL GIFT? SPECIAL PRICING ON SMALL THINGS, BIG THINGS
Come to the RTS/Orlando bookstore for a great price on Dr. Mike Milton’s newest release, Small Things, Big Things: Inspiring Stories of Everyday Grace. This book of devotionals makes a great gift. Call the RTS Orlando Campus Bookstore at 800-390-7426 for pricing, or click here to order on our website. The bookstore will close at noon on Dec. 23. Read an excerpt here.
DR. BRUCE WALTKE CONTRIBUTES TO FESTSCHRIFT
Dr. Waltke, professor of Old Testament at RTS/Orlando recently wrote “The New Testament Doctrine of Land” for Border Crossings: Explorations of an Interdisciplinary Historian, a festschrift honoring Irving Hexham. Irving is a member of the Anglican Church, and professor of religious studies at the University of Calgary, Canada.
2010 DEEP SOUTH FOUNDERS CONFERENCE
Register now for the Deep South Founders Conference to be held Jan 14-16, 2010 at RTS/Jackson
and Grace Baptist Church. The theme is God’s Glory Displayed: The Works of God (Decrees – Creation – Providence), featuring special guest Dr. Steven J. Lawson. Click here to register.
CAMPUS EVENTS
| RTS/ORLANDO | January - Deep Church Book Discussion Group with Professor Mike Glodo and Dr. Scott Swain Jan. 5 – Brown Bag Luncheon with Missionary Drew Parlee (M.Div. ‘95) from Serbia |
| RTS/JACKSON | Chapel: Jan. 5 - Joe Steele; Jan. 7 - Prayer Chapel; Jan. 12 - Dave Irwin; Jan. 19 - Jonathan Kiel |
ALUMNI SNIPPETS
Richard Davies (M.Div. ’76) is the organizing pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Metairie, LA, where he was raised. He still has a burden for his hometown to know the gospel of Christ. One day when he was jogging down his street, he saw a man renovating a home, just three doors down from his own. Each day he would pass by and wave to the man until finally he stopped to meet him. It turns out the man was also a graduate of RTS. He also has a burden for the city to know Christ. Jarrod Muller (MAMis ‘07) and his wife Brittney are now active members at Grace, and are praying God will open a door for Jarrod to serve as a director of outreach and evangelism. Please keep them in prayer.
Will Faires (M.Div. ‘74) is the RUF International campus minister at UNC Charlotte. Learn more about Will and his wife Martha here. He just completed an eight-week course on ministry to Muslims. He tells us God has blessed the many home bible studies, dinners, game nights and a financial seminar offered to the students. Also, over 70 international students attended the recent Thanksgiving dinner and hayride sponsored by the Carolina PCA and the Efird family.
Jim Fitzgerald (MATS ‘94), former pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oviedo, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called multiple myeloma. This cancer also weakens the bones and as a result Jim has had several broken vertebrae since August. He will begin infusion therapy near Tampa, FL, followed by a bone marrow transplant in about 6 months. If you wish to receive updates on Jim’s condition you can email Karen Middlesworth at cpconline.net and she will add you to the list. If you wish to contact Jim directly, you can reach him at jfitz57@eartlink.net. Please keep Jim and his family in your prayers.
Mark Hutchison – long time student at RTS and award-winning professional photographer, passed away on Dec. 5, 2009. Read more here. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children.
Jason Hunt (M.Div. ’08) is currently finishing a MTh dissertation through the Wales Evangelical School of Theology. The subject of his dissertation is: Cornelius Van Til's doctrine of God and its implications for hermeneutics. He and his wife Laura and his children Clayton and Sophia live in Irmo, SC.
Kevin Middlesworth (M.Div. ’09) and his wife Karen celebrated the birth of their first child Phinehas, or “Finn” for short, on December 17, 2009. Congratulations! Kevin is currently seeking a call to the ministry and his wife Karen is currently on leave from working at the RTS Orlando library.
Steffen Mueller (M.Div. ‘05) and his wife Elizabeth and big sister Sophia welcomed Susanna Marie Mueller (pictured right) into the world on November 13. They reside in Charlotte. Congratulations!
Omar Nuwayhid (MAC ‘09) was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, two years ago. In addition, his youngest son, Joseph, has had leukemia for four years. Omar and his wife Mervat have four sons, Jeremy, Jonathan, Jason and Joseph. They ask for prayer for daily strength and endurance; for God’s protection, provision and power; for God to provide the right housing for them; and for total healing of Omar and of Joseph’s cancer. Despite these health trials, they are committed to press on in the power of the Lord. They are continuing in ministry, taking the gospel to whomever God places before them. If you would like to send them a word of encouragement, you may do so by using omarandmervat@yahoo.com.
Chris Probst (MABS ‘02), adjunct faculty in the social sciences division of Howard Community College in Columbia, MD, wrote an article that appeared in the Holocaust and Genocide Studies journal (free link to the article below). Also, he has joined the Editorial Board of the Association of Contemporary Church Historians. In addition, Indiana University Press has agreed to publish his book. He hopes to have the full manuscript finished by next fall. So, it will be at least 2012 before it finally appears in print. Chris continues to apply for full-time teaching positions. Click here for the abstract article, here for the full text, or here for the pdf.
Britt Tisdale Staton (MAC ’99) has served in church ministry and private practice counseling for the past 13 years. She owns Alive Studios in Orlando, FL, where she offers counseling services as well as personal shopping and styling services. She is also currently working on her first novel. Click here to see her website.
Russell Hank Wilson (M.Div. ’07) is a chaplain in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Sicily, Italy. Hank preaches every Sunday in chapel and also visits his commands, holds counseling sessions and works on community relations programs. He recently organized a trip to an orphanage for repainting work. The children then came to the base and visited Santa, received presents and participated in lots of activities. Hank’s wife Linda is president of the All Officers Spouses Club (AOSC). They are “penciled in” to move to Camp Pendleton in California in the spring.