MAY 2015

MCKENZIE NEWS

SOMETHING ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

I realize that not everyone is a fan of beards. Many of you are probably wondering, whats up with that crazy facial hair?. The truth is that its something like an act of discipline for me. Ive never been good at fasting and I always seem to miss the boat on lent. This time around I made a silly commitment to myself that I would grow the beard for the entirety of my Regent career. Somewhere inside of me there is a romantic notion that famous academics and theologians have beardsperhaps Ive been swayed by pictures of Calvin, or Spurgeon or maybe Charlton Heston in the Ten Commandments. Im committed to this graduate school time in my life and you can see it in the progress of my beard. And just to clarify, as I know what many of you are thinkingNevada digs the beard.

The Beard

My first year at Regent College has come to an end. Thousands of pages have been read, thousands of words have been written and thousands of ideas (ok, probably not that many) are swirling around in my head. Regent has a high bar so at times I was overwhelmed and felt under qualified, but it has been a truly enriching experience so far. One thing they warned us about at the beginning of the year is that Regent would challenge our thinking and, most likely, deconstruct some of our faith ideas. They weren't lying. Before anyone gets worried, it's not the kind of deconstruction that shakes the core, it's the kind that forces you to investigate the beliefs you had coming in. It forces you to ask "why do I think that way? or "where did I get that idea?" etc. In that way the rebuilding is a blessing. It's a chance to solidify things, either re-arming what I thought before or inspiring me to think dierently. Im only scratching the surface but Im beginning to see the great depth below the surface. Ive met some awesome people and studied under some amazing professors. The most important thing however was that I was immersed in Gods Word. Its one thing to be exposed to the Bible, its another thing to dig into the history and to understand the greater narrative that we are all a part of. Next year will be filled with deeper digging into the Scriptures but I will also engage is more ministry based classes. Being filled with new knowledge is empowering but learning how to use it and share it with other people is at the core of leadership. I cant wait to leave Regent some day as a better leader, ready to continue on my lifes mission in the church. Lastly, it wouldnt be right if I didnt thank God for opening the Regent doors and providing the means to make it happen. It has truly been an unexpected blessing. Also, thank you to all of you who have supported us with your prayers and your finances. I could not have done this without you and youll never know the depths of our appreciation.

SCHOOLYEAR ONE AT REGENT IS IN THE BOOKSDeconstruction & Rebuilding

I M ONLY SCRATCHING THE SURFACE BUT IM BEGINNING TO SEE THE GREAT DEPTH BELOW

FAMILY NEWS

GUINNESS (AGE 6)Our little boy is becoming a big boy right before our eyes. He is such a sponge, absorbing information, song lyrics, commercials and Netflix dialogue. Hell spout o random comments or big words that leave us giggling and wondering where did that come from?. As an astute kindergartener hes discovered a passion for books and loves to be quizzed on his math skills. Hes also been recognized as a busy boy at school, sometimes needing a bit of correctionmuch like his dad wasoops. He has also followed in dads footsteps as he finished his first season of basketball and will be starting football in June. Were very proud of him and love watching the way that God is shaping him.

GEMMA (AGE 8)

Who knew an 8 yr old could start showing signs of the 14 yr old to come? Gemma is listening to Taylor Swift, wearing makeup (on occasion), swapping our her earrings and showing interest in fashion. School has really ramped up in grade 3, she has homework almost every day. But she takes it in stride and is improving all the time. She has recently started playing soccer and loves having mommy as a coach. Her year has been full of so much more (she just reminded me)chess club, choir, and ukulele. As the summer approaches her green thumb is itching as well, she loves to garden in our little townhouse 5x8 plot of dirt. Shes also been a leader-in-training at church and that brings me great joy.

NEVADA

Nevada remains the glue that holds everything together. Shes always in action doing her best as a wife, a mother, a friend and a teacher. Throughout this Regent time she has been super supportive. She tells me all the time how proud she is of me. Truthfully, I could never do this without all of her constant sacrifice and love. She has allowed me to have the space I need to read, to write, to study and to be involved at Regent all while she holds down the fort (our house and our kids). Shes also managed to develop some great friendships with other parents from Gemmas schoolalthough I cant endorse the weekly coee dates at Tim Hortons (blech). She is a bright light to all she meets.

The last couple of months have seen Nevada focus in on what she does best. Shes been working relentlessly on her schools Spring musical Peter Pan. Shes been up late at night making schedules, emailing parents & children, preparing music, arranging props and costumes etc. In fact shes even been working on Peter Pan in her dreams. The show played last week and the reviews are in: Two Giant Thumbs Up! Another music teacher success! In other school news, all indications are that Nevada will be bumped up from 60% to full-time next year. The contracts arent signed yet but things are looking good. She has earned it with her cheerful personality and tireless work ethic. So awesome to see her living in her sweet spot.

With the unfortunate end at our last church it took some time to get settled in at Village Church. Weve been there now since last July, but only recently have become a part of things. Its an exciting place, probably the fastest growing church in Canada. Sometime in winter we decided it was time to step up and get involved. Nevada and Gemma are serving in the Village Kids ministry and I am working as a mingler in the lobby & as a member of the social media/creative content team. Being involved has increased our passion for whats going on at the church and has encouraged our faith as we are living out part of our Christian calling by serving others. Recently we hosted a Worship Team Appreciation BBQ at our house which was a great way to meet some more people (tough to do in a church of 3500+) and to show some love to others who serve so faithfully. The next step in our journey to deeper community will be to join a Community Group. This has been tough with our busy schedules and my evening returns from commuting to Vancouver for school. Please pray that well be able to find a group and take that next step. Also join us in praying for the leadership and sta of Village Church as with great success comes great responsibility, great pressure and great spiritual opposition.

GETTING PLUGGED IN

VILLAGE CHUR

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Ive had a couple weeks o since final exams ended and its given me opportunity to catch up on some rest (physically & mentally) and to plug back in to family life. But the break will not last long. Im back in class starting May 11 when Ill be taking Theology Overview with J.I. Packer. Im also taking three other classes including an immersive experiential type class called Seeking The Shalom of the City. It will be a demanding work load but Im excited to continue to work hard towards the completion of my degree.

SUMMER PLANSSPRING & SUMMER SESSIONS AT REGENT

As many of you know, Taiwan, and namely the Pearl Church hold a special place in my heart. Ive made it a priority to return once a year since our family left in order to stay connected and to serve the church in any way I can. This summer I will be spending nearly all of August in Taipei. The pastor at the Pearl recently resigned and these transition times can be dicult so Ive oered to help out. I whole heartedly believe that the lay-leadership at the Pearl is amazing and can handle taking care of the church but I want to ease their burden a little. Its not easy to work full-time jobs and to also run a church so hopefully I can take a little o their plates. Im also looking forward to using some of my gifts that have been on the shelf this year while Ive been studying. I want to stay sharp so that I can be at my best when my schooling comes to completion.

AUGUST IN TAIWAN

FAMILY TIMEAlthough no solid plans have been made yet there will definitely be some camping happening this summer and hopefully a road trip or two. I look forward to making memories and having lots of fun as a family. Guinness will be playing in a football league and both kids will most likely be continuing on with swimming lessons. For those that are wondering what Nevada & the kids will be doing while Im in Taiwan, they have some fun stu planned. Perhaps a road trip to see our friend Annabelle in Washington and also an extended trip to Alberta & Saskatchewan to spend time with family. Should be an exciting summer!