“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).
A seasoned Christian leader (I think it was Dietrich Bonhoeffer) captured the implications of Romans 12:15 when he wrote, “We must learn to feel more than one thing at a time.” Joy mingled with sorrow. Thankfulness salted with tears.
Romans 12:15 has characterized the past week at Heritage College and Seminary. As I wrote in a previous post, one of our students (Tatiana Blackburn) was killed in an automobile accident last Friday. We are grieving with her fiancée and family.
At the same time, we are gearing up for the arrival of new students in both the college and seminary. We rejoice with those who are eager and excited to begin their studies at Heritage.
In light of these twin realities, I would ask you to join me in praying for the following requests:
- Please pray for all impacted by Tatiana’s home going. Ask the Lord to give her fiancée (Matt Collins), family (Scott and Tracy Blackburn) and friends a deep, abiding assurance of His presence and grace. Pray that Christ will be honoured at Tat’s memorial service this Tuesday (12:00 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Barrie, Ontario).
- Pray for our Heritage Student Leaders who arrive on Sunday evening for a week of training. Many of them were close to Tatiana and will need God’s strength and comfort as they prepare to serve others this year at Heritage.
- Pray for our new Heritage students in both the college and seminary.Once again we are rejoicing in God’s goodness in sending us a very strong incoming group of men and women. Pray that God will prepare them to study His Word, grow in Christ-likeness and prepare for a lifetime of faithful ministry.
Thank you for serving with us through your prayers.
Rick and Linda Reed 