I Samuel

Wednesdays at lunch Katherine Martin leads a women's Bible study at Pearce Memorial Church at the other end of campus. Several women from the library attend, and I have always appreciated hearing Katherine teach. I don't usually attend chapel either, but Katherine's husband, John Martin, the president of RWC/NES was speaking. So I decided to make it a double header day and catch them both.



John's study was from James 1, and he was encouraging students to become all that they could be not just mentally, but in how their understanding affects their actions. You can be smart as Merthiolate, but if you don't do anything with your brainpower, you will not reach your potential. He urged students to be transformers of society by developing their Christianity in practical ways. Kudos for teaching something useful.

Then on to the Bible study. Katherine has been enduring a difficult case of shingles, and is still in a great deal of pain despite nerve blockers and pain meds and weeks of discomfort. I feel for her, admire her bravery in trying to continue functioning as best she can under health defiant circumstances.

She had prepared study outlines, asking thought provoking questions, given us a list of resources to consult (Omitting her husband's articles published in Biblioteca Sacra back in the 80s). Ah, let a librarian get involved, and the resources become much richer! We talked our way from Genesis to Judges, engaging in the "big picture" of Scriptural history. A humble beginning, yet necessary in laying the foundation for future discussions.

We close with prayers all around, supporting one another and Katherine in the ups and downs of life. Here a cancer patient, there a death in the family, here a financial crisis, there a broken heart. We come together to share our sorrows, celebrate our joys. I know some of these women from the last time I lived here, some from my work at Roberts, some I just met, others I have yet to meet. But there is a togetherness that begins to develop as we bow in prayer and listen to Ruth offer up our concerns to the Almighty Father.

I have not mentioned my own concerns, the scans of recent days, the upcoming tests, the nagging thought that Yale was not totally off base and that there is stuff to be dealt with. I quietly mention it to my Father while still tuned in to others around me who are also fighting battles.

Yes, it is good to be a part of this lunch time Bible study. I will draw strength here, I will drink at this well and be refreshed. Next week we fly through the first seven chapters. I certainly have my work cut out for me!