A Man Called Barnabas

A man called Barnabas from Alex Tang

Sermon statement

Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith

read more here

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Review of Lim's Life and Ministry of John Sung

Lim Ka-Tong, 2012, The Life and Ministry of John Sung, Singapore: Armour Publishing

This is a timely and much needed book in English on the biography of evangelist John Sung who played such an important part in the revivals in China and South East Asia in the 1930s and 1940s. Unfortunately, John Sung is not well known or even remembered among the contemporary churches in Asia except for a few. Among these are those who actually met Sung and whose lives were changed as a result of that meeting. Even now six decades later, these people can remember Sung clearly and with joy their remembrance of their encounter with God as a result of this meeting.

The last significant biography of John Sung was by Leslie Lyall which was written 50 years ago! Lim Ka-Tong’s biography is a distinctive improvement with more new information from Sung’s diaries and letters. Lim, presently a pastor in Texas, is a graduate of Singapore Bible College, Dallas Theological Seminary and Asbury Theological Seminary. In this book which covers Sung’s early formative years, the short 12 years of ministry and his dying years. Significantly it covers the five phases of his life; water (reimmersion, 1927-1930), door (opening, 1931-1933), dove (time to soar, 1934-1936), blood (wartime spiritual warfare, 1937-1939) and tomb (pastoral years, 1940-1944).

Lim’s book explores the impact of Sung’s ministry in the context of prewar and wartime China and South-East Asia, the Chinese worldviews and Sung’s own personal spiritual development. He does this by answering five questions:

(1)   What shaped John Sung? How did John Sung become John Sung?

(2)   In what ways did contextual elements contribute to the prominence of John Sung’s ministry and his lasting influence?

(3)   How did John Sung’s ministry contribute to the growth and indigenization of Chinese Christianity?

(4)   How did John Sung make such a great impact in so brief a time?

(5)   Why has John Sung been slighted by historical scholarship, despite his pivotal influence on Chinese Christianity?

In this book, Lim has succeeded in helping us to understand this complex and driven servant of God. He shows us the constant struggles Sung had in his spiritual life and his ‘unconditional’ surrender of everything to God. It is a hard lived life of seeking God and seeking his will in making choices. These choices including a life of comfort in the United States or poverty in China, ministerial ‘success’ or itinerary wanderings, theological conservatism (fundamentalist) or liberalism, being a ‘Chinese’ Chinese or a Western educated Chinese, and living a kataphatic or apophatic Christian spirituality. It is a result of these struggles that Sung was able to have such an impact in his ministry.

This is a highly readable and interesting book and a must for all Christians especially for those who want to appreciate the Asian and Chinese Christian heritage.

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Christianity Today on John Stott

John Stott died July 27th at 3:15 London time (about 9:15 a.m. CST), according to John Stott Ministries President Benjamin Homan. Homan said that Stott's death came after complications related to old age and that he has been in discomfort for the last several weeks. Family and close friends gathered with Stott as they listened to Handel's Messiah. Homan said that John Stott Ministries has been preparing for his death for the past 15 years. "I think he set an impeccable example for leaders of ministries of handing things over to other leaders," Homan said. "He imparted to many a love for the global church and imparted a passion for biblical fidelity and a love for the Savior."

Below you'll find our collection of classic pieces from Christianity Today's publications on John Stott and his legacy. Read Christianity Today's full obituary here.

John Stott: The Man Who Wouldn't Be Bishop

Discernment and discipline have enabled him to touch lives worldwide.

By David Neff

Related Articles:

Evangelism Plus

John Stott reflects on where we've been and where we're going.

Interview by Tim Stafford

Basic Stott

In this cover story from 1996, evangelicalism's premier teacher speaks on gender, charismatics, leaving the Church of England, the poor, evangelical fragmentation, Catholics, the future, and other subjects.

By Roy McCloughry

Legacy of a Global Leader

Less known than Stott's earlier work is his ministry with Langham Partnership International.

By Tim Stafford

Michael Moorthy and Boys' Brigade in Asia

Well done Michael Moorthy. This article is reproduced from the City Harvest website citynews. An oversight in this article is that it fails to mention that the 1st JB Company is sponsored by the Holy Light Church (English) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, and Michael Moorthy's involvement since 1966 is fully sponsored and supported by the church even after he has chosen to worship with City Harvest Church in 1997.

A “Sure And Steadfast” Man

Posted on 05 April 2011

Business owner Michael Moorthy serves three posts in the Boys’ Brigade in Asia. He shares his passion for his mission.
Contributed By Nicolette Ng

Moorthy (right) with Singapore’s President S.R. Nathan. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL MOORTHY

Michael Moorthy, 59, is not quite your average business owner.

Moorthy, the director of Anjung Segar Sdn Bhd, a frozen foods company, is “on call” for the Boys’ Brigade, which he serves as the president of Boys’ Brigade Malaysia, the president of Boys Brigade Asia, as well as the honorary captain of the 1st Johor Bahru Boys’ Brigade company.

The oldest uniformed group in the world, the BB is an interdenominational Christian youth organization, conceived by William Alexander Smith in Glasgow in 1883, which combines drill and fun activities with Christian values.

What sets the BB apart is that its activities not only cater to the physical and mental development of the youth, but also their spiritual development through Christian education classes and activities. This is also where the “graduated” pool of officers who are all volunteers comes in to train the next generation after being blessed by the BB. These people are role models and impact the lives of the young people entrusted in their hands. Their motto: “Sure and Steadfast.”

Having many youths in his care, Moorthy shares that as captain of the 1st JB Company, he is responsible for the overall direction and vision of where the Company is headed in terms of growth and planning their calendar for the year, whilst also ensuring that the weekly operations and meetings run smoothly.

Through a holistic program, the BB instils discipline and the development of three key areas: body, soul and spirit. While updating their programs regularly to mold the character and leadership skills of the youths is effective, Moorthy shares that it is important not to lose sight of sharing Christ with them in the process. The BB’s objective is “The advancement of Christ’s kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness.”

It was in 1966 when Moorthy, impressed by the uniforms, badges and the marching band and caving in to the persistent encouragement of his classmates, joined the BB. There has been no turning back since. It was also through the BB that Moorthy got to know Christ as his Savior. It is no surprise that Moorthy’s greatest satisfaction from the ministry is to know that through the BB, they are changing lives and reaching out to young people who are transformed to become better members of the society.

The Moorthy family. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL MOORTHY

Moorthy acknowledges that the success the Companies have had come about because of a group effort. “I’m only as effective and efficient as the team of fellow volunteer officers I’ve had around me over the years, and I have been blessed to have their support.”

To date, the 1st JB Boys’ Brigade Company has grown to become one of the largest Companies in Malaysia. One milestone for them was when their marching band played overseas in Thailand and China, and was featured in the Malaysian Book of Records for being the First Youth Marching Band to play at the Great Wall of China.

The City Harvest Church member and his family from JB first encountered the church in 1997. “We just fell in love with CHC, the praise and worship, the inspiring messages by Pastor Kong. The love and care from our friends over the years made us realize that CHC is not just a mega-church but a mega-caring church,” says Moorthy. Since those days of the church at Hollywood Theatre, Moorthy and his wife, Janet, and their four children have commuted across the Causeway every single weekend to attend service. It comes as no surprise that his eldest and second son were also BB members.

His is a life and a family that is dedicated to the cause of Christ. “It is my belief for my family and me, that we are all about tending God’s business, and will do our best to the measure He has entrusted to us.”

The Martyrs of our Modern Church

From Thinking Faith
18 March 2011



Photo by rosaamarilla at flickr.com

Michael Campbell-Johnston SJ

Next week, the 31^st anniversary of the death of Archbishop Oscar Romero will be marked by people around the world to whom he remains an inspiration – in his life and death – as they strive for justice. His country of El Salvador saw many other lives lost as members of the Church were targeted by the authorities as a result of their protestations against an oppressive regime. Michael Campbell-Johnston SJ, who worked with many of these martyrs, tells their stories and gives an insight into the Church teaching that lay behind their deep commitment to justice.

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Karl Barth in TIME

Karl Barth made the cover of Time magazine on April 20, 1962.

In the 20th century, no man has been a stronger witness to the continuing significance of Christ's death and Christ's return than the world's ranking Protestant theologian, Swiss-born Karl Barth (rhymes with heart). Barth knows that the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection are not coherent, but he refuses to make the mystery more palatable to human reason by suggesting—as did the great 19th century Theologian D. F. Strauss in his Life of Jesus—that the story of the crucifixion is a "myth." Instead, Barth argues that the subject of this unique event is God, not man; and only God can know the full truth of his own history. Man's only road to understanding of this divine history is through faith—faith in the reality and truth of what the Evangelists so incoherently describe.

"Do you want to believe in the living Christ?" says Barth. "We may believe in him only if we believe in his corporeal resurrection. This is the content of the New Testament. We are always free to reject it, but not to modify it, nor to pretend that the New Testament tells something else. We may accept or refuse the message, but we may not change it."

These are fighting words and so very true.

Essentially, Barth is a Christological theologian, whose uniquely modern thought centers around ancient realities: faith, the Bible, the church. He has a philosopher's knowledge of philosophy, but unlike such contemporaries as Tillich or Bultmann, Barth is wary of restating the dogmas of the church in nontraditional language. His thought is complex, but he nonetheless writes of doctrine in prose that is not far removed from that of the pulpit. Above all he writes of the mysterious history of Christ. Knowledge of God is knowledge of God through Christ. Faith is faith in Christ; the church is the Church of Christ; the Bible is the witness of Christ. Theologian Hans Frei of Yale calls him "a Christ-intoxicated man."

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Reading Theological Memoirs

I was privilege to read Stanley Hauerwas, (2010), Hannah's Child: A Theologian's Memoir (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans) and Geoffrey Wainwright, (2000), Leslie Newbigin: A Theological Life (Oxford: Oxford University Press) concurrently in the last few days. It is an interesting experience reading about these two men and how the development of their theological thinking came to be. Hauerwas' is more personal as he is the author while Newbigin's was distilled from his works by biographer Wainwright.

Stanley Hauerwas is an academic theologian who is Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke University, Dunhma, North Carolina. Coming from a family of bricklayers, Hauerwas overcomes a life of poverty to be named the "best theologian in America" by Time magazine in 2001. He studied at Yale and taught in both Norte Dame and Duke University respectively. A prolific writer and speaker, Hauerwas is influential in the ongoing dialogue about theology especially ethics which Hauerwas understands to be theology being lived out especially in communities. It is interesting to note that for that for all his writing on the church, Hauerwas did not take an active role in the church or on the mission field. His was a top down theological development even though he himself believes that his theology is developed from the grassroots upwards. His oft quoted statement is the enigmatic "The first task of the church is not to make the world more just but to make the world the world."

Newbigin was a pastor-missionary-theologian. He was one of the first bishops of the United Church of India, and had also served as pastor, evangelist, missionary strategist, ecumenist and bible teacher. He served mainly in India and later for the Council of Churches which gave him a wider scope of ministry. Newbigin's theology is also a theology of the church. Like Hauerwas, Newbigin argues that Christianity is to be lived in obedience to Jesus Christ. The 'how' and 'what' of the faith as lived out in community come before the 'why.'

Both faces challenges in their respective vocation. Hauerwas faces the conflicts and infighting of the academia while Newbigin, the scorns and distrust of his fellow clergy. What is interesting is that both are helped and supported by many faithful friends. I believe this bond of fellowship of like minded believers forms the foundation of their theological impetus.

The two books are good reading, even for a non-theologian. I loved the mentions of names of people and of books which was mentioned that influenced them. This give me a quest to seek out these authors. I however have two complaints about these books. One is that there is no bibliographies of books mentioned though the Wainwright's book is extensively footnoted. The second is that there is no author's bibliography. Since these are theological memoirs, I believed that a chronological bibliography of an author will allow the readers to get a sense of the development of their theological constructs.

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Christianity Today on Al Mohler

From Christianity Today, a writeup about Al Mohler.

Photo by Tamara Reynolds

COVER STORY The Reformer How Al Mohler transformed a seminary, helped change a denomination, and challenges a secular culture. By Molly Worthen INSIDE CT Honest Appraisal Learning from reformers, past and present. By David Neff

Sze Zeng Interviews Roland Chia

Roland Chia: Life as a systematic theologian in Singapore

Sze Zeng conducted an interview with Roland for his blog. Roland Chia is currently the Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine and Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at Trinity Theological College, Singapore. His doctoral studies was done at King's College London under the supervision of the late Colin Gunton.

It is an interesting and informative interview and worth reading.

Some quotes that I like

I believe that a theologian is first and foremost a servant of God, who serves him by serving the Church. A theologian should not hermitically seal himself from the life and witness of the Church, cloistered in the impenetrable fortress of his ivory tower, keeping the rest of the world from entering. Some of the most significant theologians in the history of the Church – Irenaeus, Athanasius, the Cappadocians, Augustine, Maximus the Confessor – did not lead idyllic lives as academic theologians, but were actively involved in the life of the Church and the society.

and about his foray into biomedical and social ethics

I am of course not suggesting that theologian should present himself as a pseudo-expert in these other fields. The theologian who thinks in this way is deluded and immature. But I think a theologian should have enough familiarity with these broader topics to reflect on them intelligently and theologically.

This of course requires much effort and time (the latter being a very scarce commodity indeed). But I believe that a theologian must make this investment in effort and time if he is to be of service to the Church. I think Rowan Williams, Wolfhart Pannenberg and Robert Jenson are the kind of theologians I have in mind who because they are steeped in theology and philosophy are also able to address other issues, like politics or the economy, thoughtfully.

Thank you Sze Zeng. Hope you will interview more of the Singaporeans theologians because we will like to know them too. Hope you interview those who are not teaching you so that you can ask more provocative questions.

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Biographies of Theologians

From Christianity Today online - My Top 5 Biographies of Theologians

Picks from Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School, posted 8/02/2010 09:23AM

Luther Man between God and the Devil by Heiko A. Oberman (Yale)

A master historian, Oberman places Luther in the context of late medieval culture and presents him not as the forerunner of modernity but as a prophetic figure who saw his life's work as a harbinger of the last days. This is a book I enjoy reading and rereading.

Augustine the Theologian by Eugene TeSelle (Wipf & Stock)

A good primer for every theological student, this book should be read alongside Peter Brown's Augustine of Hippo, the definitive biography of the most prolific and consequential theologian of the early church. TeSelle traces with clarity the development of Augustine's mind through the major controversies and themes of his work.

Karl Barth His Life from Letters and Autobiographical Texts by Eberhard Busch (Wipf & Stock)

Drawing on Barth's letters and memoranda as well as his published writings, Busch tells the story of a person who lived through the great turning points of the 20th century and whose work as seen in Church Dogmatics demands attention from every serious student of theology.

Spurgeon Prince of Preachers by Lewis A. Drummond (Kregel)

We still await a definitive biography of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the Baptist preacher and self-taught theologian, but Drummond's lengthy study is the best to date. He presents Spurgeon as a latter-day disciple of another Baptist saint, John Bunyan, and shows how his pastoral work encompassed "an all-round ministry."

Saint Thomas Aquinas The "Dumb Ox" by G. K. Chesterton (Sheed & Ward)

There are longer and better biographies of the doctor angelicus, but this is my favorite. Chesterton is at his brilliant best in writing this vivid portrait of the great Dominican saint, whose work continues to edify evangelicals as well as Catholics despite his student reputation as a dull, "dumb ox."

I will like to add to the list three excellent books on theologians I have read recently;



An excellent book by Geoffrey Wainwright (2000, Oxford University Press) detailing the development of Lesslie Newbigin's theological thoughts. Wainwright has masterfully shown how Newbigin's early years, his work in India and exposure to Eastern thoughts has significantly influenced this theologican's thinking.



Ever the rebel and counter-revolutionary, this autobiographical memoirs (2010, Eerdmans) makes for interesting reading.



This book of brief summaries of great theologians (2010, IVP Academics) serves as an appetizer to reading deeper studies on the individual biographies of these theologians.

Are there any other good biographies of theologians you want to share?

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Legendary Heroes on Film

The website Rotten Tomatoes is my favourite movie website. Here is their take on Legendary Heroes on Film.

Without question, movies have helped enhance the stories behind some of the greatest heroes of all time, whether they are based in fact or fiction. From Ancient Greece to the Wild West, feudal Japan to the fields of Scotland, heroes from all over the world have had their stories perpetuated into legend.

With Ridley Scott's Robin Hood (starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett) drawing us back to Sherwood Forest on May 14, it's time to take a trip into historical fact, classic fiction, and regional lore to identify the many legends that have found new life in film.

For the stories behind some of the names that will continue to be passed on from generation to generation, join us for a cinematic tour of some of the most legendary heroes of all-time!

Written by Alex Vo, David Chung, Jeff Giles, Ryan Fujitani, Sara Schieron, Tim Ryan

The 300 Spartans
Ned Kelly
Genghis Khan
Robin Hood
King Arthur
The 47 Ronin
Three Musketeers

Wyatt Earp
Billy the Kid
Joan of Arc
Spartacus
William Wallace
Wong Fei Hung
Rob Roy

Bob on Passion, Purpose and Pleasure

Kansas Bob's post on Passion, Purpose and Pleasure based on the movie Chariots of Fire reminds me of two great quotes from the movie. These two quotes are the inspiration for me as I struggle to find time to do ministry in the midst of a busy medical practice.

I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast.
And when I run I feel His pleasure.

You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you're dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job.

So who am I to say, "Believe, have faith," in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me." If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.

Eric Liddel went on to be a missionary in China. When Japan invaded China in 1941, all missionaries were asked to leave. Eric chose to stay and was interned with other missionaries in a concentration camp in 1943. He died in 1945, five months before liberation.


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Thomas Aquinas on the Five Ways

An interesting clip of Thomas Aquinas. I also found a fascinating website Thomistic Philosophy, Great stuff here.

Expanded text of 'The Five Ways in Context'

BosMutusCatholic — July 12, 2009 — The historical and literary context for the Five Ways of proving the existence of God found in the Summa Theologiae of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The video describes his life, his joining the Dominican Order of Preachers and the discovery of Aristotle in 12 th century Europe after the crusades, along with Islamic philosophers' commentaries. It outlines Aquinas' resolution of the tension between faith and reason, and explains why he offers proofs for God's existence in a work of theology.

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Matteo Ricci"s Legacy

The latest from Thinking Faith...


Matteo Ricci’s legacy: a loving patience
400 years ago today, Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci died in Beijing. One of the pioneers of the Jesuit mission to China, he remains a greatly respected figure for the Church and for the Chinese people. As Thinking Faith marks his anniversary this month, Yves Camus SJ introduces us to the man who has been called ‘the most outstanding cultural mediator between China and the West of all time’.

Read >>

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Sister Helen Rosenthal continues to blog

Sister Helen Rosenthal is my spiritual mentor and prayer partner. Here is an article about her published in the Blanca Morales - Florida Catholic. I believe I am the one who influenced her to start blogging a few years ago when she was 78 years old ( I like to claim the credit). She has become been an avid and consistent blogger ever since.

She joined the convent, saw the world

Sister Helen Rosenthal plans to retire after 60 years in education and religious life

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Blanca Morales - Florida Catholic

MIAMI GARDENS — Since she found her vocation in both education and religious life, Sister Helen Rosenthal has seen much of the world: Europe, South America, North America. She has traveled so much that she often repeats the catchphrase, “Join the convent, see the world.”

Sister Rosenthal is making plans to retire this May after 60 years in religious life and nearly as many as an educator, the last 24 at St. Thomas University. But she plans to continue writing her blog, and perhaps even a book. She definitely has no plans to retire from her vocation.

As she wrote in her blog this February, on the occasion of her diamond jubilee as a religious: “I have felt the call more profoundly to attend to the quality of my relationships and to bear witness with great joy to the fidelity of God's love. I think this is touching on the vocation within a vocation that most of us discover at some point in our lives. Mine has been to pipe a song of joy to Jesus and I continue to find new ways of doing this.”

Anyone who meets Sister Rosenthal can affirm that she is goal-oriented and energetic. She has spent her religious lifetime joyfully serving as an educator, having taught at all ages and levels, from kindergarten to post-master’s degree.

Born in St. Louis, Mo., she grew up as the eldest of four siblings. At age 19, she left her home to join the Society of the Sacred Heart.

After teaching in various cities, she made her finals vows in Rome on the morning of February 8, 1960 along with 46 other sisters from several countries. From Rome, she was sent to Valparaiso, Chile where she worked as a teacher and missionary until 1980.

While working in Chile, she realized the importance of continuing higher education when her students’ parents came to her with questions on faith and the Church.

In 1973, she briefly returned to her native Missouri, where she stayed close to her ailing mother while attending the Institute for Religious Formation at St. Louis University.

Along with her bachelor’s in English from Maryville University in St. Louis, Sister Rosenthal obtained a master’s in religious studies from St. Louis University, a master’s in education and another in guidance and counseling from the Catholic University of Valparaiso, and a doctorate in historical theology from the University of St. Louis.

In 1986, she began working for St. Thomas University as part of the Institute for Pastoral Ministries. There she founded the Center for Spirituality, the training program for spiritual directors, and the post-master’s program in spirituality studies.

She also served as chair of the religious studies, history and philosophy department for five years, bringing along her talents in efficiency and organization.

“I think what makes Helen unique is her ability to combine a big dream with single-mindedness,” said Mercedes Iannone, professor of religious studies at the university.

She describes Sister Rosenthal as hard-working, determined, and talented.

All her talents come with “a real sense of simplicity which is charming in one so hard-driving,” Iannone added.

Sister Rosenthal also is a sought-after speaker in religious and educational institutions worldwide. She has been invited to serve at retreats and give lectures in the Americas and Europe.

Even her loss of hearing — due to a fever contracted during her missionary years in Chile — resulted in a new educational opportunity. Nine years ago, she created the international Online Certificate Program in Spirituality Studies, where she teaches students worldwide through the Internet.

This unique collaborative learning program allows students to form an online community, sharing their lives and experiences. Many of her former students keep in touch with her and each other long after they have received their certificate.

“The course has given me the impetus as well as the research tools to go on deepening my own life of faith and the joy of some worthwhile and lasting friendships,” said alumna Jane Ward of Scotland.

She said the program is ideal for people who are retired or working fulltime — or live halfway around the world.

As she contemplates retirement, Sister Rosenthal confessed that she is quite enthusiastic about having more time to do one other thing that she loves: “I’ll be able to play more Scrabble now!”

Sister Rosenthal’s blog, “Reflections of an RSCJ” can be found at www.reflectionsofanrscj.blogspot.com.

Self Whipping as a Spiritual Discipline?

THEOLOGY IN THE NEWS Why Pope John Paul II Whipped Himself New book reopens questions on self-denial and "what is lacking in Christ's afflictions." By Collin Hanse

It is fascinating to read about this action of the late Pope John Paul II as he seeks to draw closer to God. Most Protestants will deplore the act but I think we need to understand the context and theology before we pass judgment. We, Protestants have such a fear of 'redemption by works' that we basically are offering a truncated Christianity, what is often referred to as 'cheap grace.'
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Interview Denzel Washington

From Chrisianity Today online

INTERVIEW Keeping the Faith Denzel Washington is more than just an Oscar-winning superstar. He's a Christian who's serious about his roles ... even when they get a bit bloody, like in the Book of Eli. By Brett McCracken

Fifty Eight Years of a Religious Vow

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 is the day 58 years ago my dear spiritual friend and mentor, Dr Helen Rosenthal, RSJC said her first vows to enter the life of a religious. RSCJ stands for Religious of the Sacred Heart in Latin, French, Italian, and Spanish. Sister Helen, as she likes to be called, still teaches Christian Spirituality at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida in the United States. She is 80 years old but look not a day older than 60 years. Her favourite book remains The Cloud of Unknowing.

She writes a regular blog making her one of the oldest blogger I know.

58th Anniversary of My First Vows

I remember this day so well. I had a marvelous private retreat before it and Jesus was so present to me and I kept asking Him to let me realize what I was really doing when I took my vows and consecrated my whole life to Him. As I had had all the sports for the high school and seventh and eighth grade for the whole of my second year as a novice, I was allowed to go talk to the children that afternoon. I still remember standing on a bench so they could all see me as they crowded into the locker room; they wanted to see my vow crucifix and. of course, they had been present that morning when we were given our black veils. It was the octave of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and I had several days before going back to St. Louis to begin my active life as a religious.

I am privileged to have her for my spiritual friend, mentor and prayer partner. She is always an inspiration for me in her devotion to Jesus and her love for her fellow man and woman. Helen, you are truely the salt and light.

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About Lesslie Newbigin

Lesslie Newbigin's writing plays a large role in helping me to understand the missional role of the church and about the emerging church movement.

The Missionary Who Wouldn't Retire Lesslie Newbigin, born 100 years ago today, launched a new career at age 66 by calling Western churches to act like they were in the mission field. By Krish Kandiah

When I speak with students around the world, I find them confident in their ability to present the gospel. They tell me that God loves me, that I have sinned, that Christ died for me, and that I need to believe in Jesus to get to heaven. Their confidence is reassuring, but their content is worrying. Doctoral students and seminarians often seem to have no deeper grasp of the gospel than do Sunday school children. The gospel they present has been reduced to a personalized product that offers the ultimate bargain—exchanging spiritual poverty for eternal riches. The problem with much of our evangelism is not what we include but what we omit: the Holy Spirit, the church, persecution, obedience, mission, reconciliation, resurrection, and new creation.

The gospel according to Newbigin challenges this thinking in two distinct ways. First, he calls us back to a gospel that brings personal reconciliation with God, but also a gospel that connects us with God's reconciling purposes in conscience, culture, church, creation, and cosmos. Second, he calls us back to a gospel that is more than a series of bullet points, a story that centers on the flesh-and-blood character of the divine Christ.

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