Monday, September 21, 2009

Sobering Quote

A sobering quote from Nancy Leigh Demoss today.

I read recently that every year 3,500 to 4,000 churches in this country close their doors forever.3 Let me say this as lovingly as I know how: There are many, many more that may as well close their doors because they have no light. Their lampstand has been removed.

That doesn’t mean that believers lose their salvation or that the church as an institution ceases to exist. It just means that the church or the individual no longer shines forth the light of the gospel. Their light stopped shining. They may keep on meeting, singing songs, taking offerings, preaching messages, having Bible studies. They may still be busy. They may have a lot of activity, a lot of programs for every age group. They may be flourishing as far as the world is concerned. They may be orthodox, but they no longer have the spiritual impact and influence on the community. Lives are not being transformed. Captives are not being set free. People are not being saved and experiencing the transforming presence and power of God.

Whether it’s you as an individual or as collectively as churches, if we will not repent, Jesus says, “I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.”

Friday, September 18, 2009

Going Home

Andrea and Abbey will be in Fulton for the weekend! Woo hoo! Scott has a lot of work to do, so he'll be staying in Pittsburgh. Can't wait to see everyone!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

What we've been up to

Scott started classes last week and things seem to be going very well. He is a little hard pressed for time because he is working quite a bit, but he's staying on top of things so far. He can tell you more about it. So far I know he's had to memorize the first four questions of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the Greek alphabet, and do lots of reading. In his Spiritual Development class he has to meet with a prayer partner once a week which is really nice. We met many new students and their families at the orientation last week, and are continuing to fellowship with them over a meal on Wednesday nights. One of the students we met is from Kobe Presbytery in Japan. It's very cool to know that this seminary is training people to preach the gospel throughout the world, and that we get to know some of those people. At the orientation, they said that this is the largest incoming class that the seminary has every had. Undoubtedly, many elders have been training Timothy's and are part of why these men are here. The elders in Fulton have surely played a significant role in getting Scott here, as well as so many other people that have supported us and continue to do so. Andrea started attending a women's bible study at the North Hills RP church upon invitation from our neighbor. The group is studying the book of James. Gretchen Robson(wife of Ed Robson), who is a regular contributor to the Fulton church, attends the study. It was nice to finally meet her. She is so nice.:) The church has child care, which is so wonderful! I get to focus on the study for 2 whole hours without interruption. It is something I really look forward during the week! I am 11 weeks pregnant now and so far things seem pretty normal. I have to wait for my health insurance to go through before I can get any lab work done. I had a preliminary visit at the Liberty Family Health Center where I answered questions. Please pray that I get insurance quickly. My morning sickness is mostly gone but I still have lots of fatigue. Other than that I feel fine. Abbey will be turning 3 in a few weeks. Time has flown by so fast. She will be having a Sesame Street themed birthday party. I'm not going to make the party as huge as I normally do, but I will still try to make it a fun time for her. We picked up some decorations I found at Target today. Love the dollar section. I'll have to post pictures from the party on the blog. The G-20 summit is next week here in Pittsburgh, and it's supposed to be crazy busy as far as traffic etc. There are many protests planned throughout the city, so please pray that people stay peaceful and safe. Sorry for the lack of organization in my writing. I tend to just write whatever pops into my head. Well, ta ta for now.

Love,
Andrea for the Doherty family

Friday, September 4, 2009

Sickies

Andrea has been sick with either a bad cold or flu all week, and now Scott is sick. Abbey's been mildly sick. We've been feverish and very tired and poor Scott has to work from 1:30-10:30 at Home Depot today and from 8-5 tomorrow(Andrea is writing this and she feels really sorry for her husband). Anyway we don't want to be a bunch of complainers, but we would really appreciate your prayers for our health. Scott starts classes on Monday evening and will be working a lot of hours at Home Depot because they are short on cashiers. We want him to start the school year out well, so if you think of us, please say a prayer for him. Monday is orientation at the seminary and there will be a picnic for all the students, faculty, and their families. We're looking forward to meeting everyone. Andrea is estimated to be about 9 weeks pregnant now. She hasn't had a doctor's appt yet because we're still working on getting health insurance issues taken care of. So far things seem to be going well. We pray multiple times a day for the baby's health. We call the baby "Peanut" because our baby book said that the baby could fit inside a peanut shell. Abbey is constantly talking about what she will do with the baby when it 'comes out.' She is so excited to be a big sister. Andrea started watching Joshua last week. Things are going well. She is using a sort of homeschool preschool curriculum with the kids that she has made up using various resources from the library and things we already have at home. She is excited to see how much they'll learn this year! For those of you who haven't heard already, the G20 summit will be here in Pittsburgh later this month. It's a good reminder to pray for our leaders. They desperately need the Lord and His wisdom! We'd love to hear how you are doing. Please send us a quick email and let us know how things are going for you.
Love,
The Doherty's