Emmaus Ministries Staff Emmaus Ministries Staff

"Bethel"...God is in our midst

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Over the past 5 years Julia and I have figured out the perfect way to make sure that our house gets cleaned at least once a week....invite all the students/staff over for dinner on Sunday....that'll do it!  The tradition has developed into what is now known as "sunday night dinner," and its one of the things that we do here at the ESBS that we're proud of, and we think adds to the life of the community in important ways.  Everyone comes over at 6 and stays as long as they want...no agenda...other than to just be together.

This year, Brent and Laura Brooks have decided to host the dinner at their house every so often.  They out-do-us every single time.

Yesterday while we were at Bent and Laura's I just kept looking around their house, watching the 20 or so students/staff/kids/and friends from the community talk, eat, and just be together, and it began to occur to me that while I'm busy worrying about keeping costs down, recruiting student for next year, and all that other distracting stuff that just kinda' happens anyway, God has been building a solid and vibrant community right under my nose...and I haven't given him enough credit for it.

Yesterday, for a minute, it became obvious to me that what God has done here for the school, and for those involved, is good, really good.  And as much as I have vision and drive for the future, it's important to recognize that what we're experiencing RIGHT NOW is rich and full of the life of God.  It's a miracle of the greatest design that God has knit together all of our lives, and that after 6 months of a hard push through the Bible, our community is alive with the life of God.

It just occurred to me yesterday that Lake Lure has become my Bethel...and if you know the story from Genesis 28 Bethel means "God is in this place"...and like Jacob, the worry of life often distracts me from taking stock of that reality.  Every now and then, as happened yesterday, my head gets jerked out of the hole its in and I look around and realize that our lives here are brimming with the blessing and presence of God...He really IS in our midst.
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Emmaus Ministries Staff Emmaus Ministries Staff

skype teachings

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Over the past several years the advent of real time video conferencing online (through programs like skype and ichat) has literally opened the world up to the ESBS.  

Last week Eileen Hartzler, who now lives in Thailand, came rushing back into our classroom at 8:30 in the morning larger than life on a video screen and taught three hours of lecture on the book of Judges live online through skype.  The technology allows the student to interact with her on the big screen just as they would if she were in the classroom live.  She did a great job.  Thank you Eileen!

Also this week Tom is teaching 14 hours of classes on the book of Romans for a YWAM Bible Core Course in Townsville Australia...all online through skype.  

When we started the ESBS in 2006 part of the vision for the school was that it would be a launching pad...for people, and for the gospel.  It's cool to see that happening, and thank you silicon valley for making it possible to connect solid live Bible teaching in Lake Lure, Thailand and Australia all in the same week...and without a single airport body scan.

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Emmaus Ministries Staff Emmaus Ministries Staff

Phillips' Finances

Julia, Anna, Tom Phillips (ESBS Director)
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Thanks everyone for taking the time to keep up with what's happening here at the ESBS.  Everyday I'm thankful to be a part of such a solid ministry.  The work that's happening here, and the impact its having in the lives of our students cannot be minimized.  What better way to set someone's life on solid ground than to give them a thorough understanding of God's word.  I'm reminded constantly of what a privilege it is to do this.

Julia and I would like to make you aware of our personal financial need.  ESBS staff members are unpaid and must raise personal financial support from individuals to meet their own financial obligations.  We do this to keep the school as affordable as possible for the students.  Julia and I currently do not have the income necessary to meet our personal living expenses.  Our total income right now, from which healthcare, self employment taxes, and all living expenses must come out, is $2500/month.  Please consider partnering with us through a monthly financial contribution of any amount.  Your support allows us to continue offering top notch Bible teaching and discipleship at a price-point that is affordable to perspective students.

If you'd like to get involved through financial support you can contact us via e-mail (tphillips@camplurecrest.org)

thank you,

Tom
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