If you were wondering what the plan was…

It’s been annoying me that I haven’t blogged for a good while, AND that I haven’t updated people who need updating with what’s going on in the life of ‘Mark Jones’ – so, here’s what’s going on, the plan for what’s next, and how I feel about it all. Or something like that.

First of all, I will no longer be going to Multnomah Bible College. Initially, this decision was down to a huge lack of support and the large amount of finances required in order for me to go. It was definitely an ‘open door’ possibility that I pushed, and prayed over – however, it would seem it firmly shut. This means that any financial support that was sent to the college itself will be returned to those that supported me.

My calling however to become a pastor is still my number ONE priority. I really struggled over the end of last year/beginning of this year with a lack of progress and vision of what the next few years looked like for me. Having been dead set on Multnomah (and obviously being closer to some close friends!) and seeing little to no response at all, progress kind of came to a standstill. Over the last month or so, I have been praying through other options and came to a decision of doing a course called the Cornhill course. This would be a 1 year full time course in Glasgow. Basically, the course’s aim is to teach men how to preach, as well as teach people how to understand the Bible accurately, teach the Bible effectively and apply the Bible appropriately. It has a lot of recognition worldwide, and great commendations by guys such as Dr D A Carson, David Jackman, Tim Keller, and Alistair Begg. Ideally, this would be a great stepping stone into further studies, because unlike the majority of bible colleges, this course has a huge emphasis on actual practical preaching and teaching. The course starts on September this year, and hopefully next week I’ll be going in to sit in on the classes for a day or two to get a taster of what Cornhill is like.

Although, it’s probably worth pointing out: I’ve met with a guy and chatted through some Cornhill stuff, and he strongly recommended attending some classes for free, as a ‘taster’. Hopefully, I’ll be doing that over the next couple of weeks, and following that, applying for the course.

As of October last year I have been working in a Christian Youth Outreach Organisation called the Ark (www.Ayrark.co.uk). My job is basically youth outreach on the streets of Ayr, where I engage young people who are hanging around on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s pretty exciting. It involves everything from engaging young people as young as 12 who are involved in underage binge drinking/drugs issues, to dealing with just down right hurting/broken young people. The last 6 months have been extremely fruitful – having seen a lot of progress with individual young people, being able to share the gospel, and build genuine, healthy relationships with kids who come from pretty messed up backgrounds.

Right now, I am looking to find a new flat in Glasgow. This will allow me to spend more time working with Re:hope, and hopefully I can get another job on top of the Ark to raise finances for Cornhill.

You can take a look at the Cornhill course more fully, at www.cornhillscotland.org.uk.

I’ll also be taking a trip to PA during the summer to visit some friends I know, so for those of you in Ohio… I might give you a call!!!

Anyhoo, that should probably do it. ;-p

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