tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70099382024-02-08T01:28:35.444-05:00Canaan BoundScott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-77663997055013849892013-03-24T09:01:00.002-04:002013-03-24T09:01:32.154-04:00Concerning Our Future (Update) - 1/17/13<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Hello Everyone,</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">It's been a while since we have given an update on our plans. In the last email I sent we asked for prayer concerning my acceptance at Hebrew University in Israel. Long story short, God closed that door (they would not accept me because neither of my degrees are accredited according to their standards). After we found this out, I emailed everyone I knew who worked for the Biblical Language Center (where Vanessa and I studied in Israel two summers ago), asking for any ideas on how I might best be equipped to teach the biblical languages communicatively. A week later I received an email from one of them who I have gotten to know the past three years at the ETS conferences I've gone to. His name is Brian Schultz and he teaches at Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, California. He suggested coming to FPU to study Ancient Languages and Second Language Acquisition through their Individualized Master of Arts Program (IMAP). He also mentioned that I would be able to help them in their Hebrew classes, tutor students, help develop curriculum, and help with a teacher's manual that he's working on. This would give me not only more training with the languages (along with an accredited degree), but also the opportunity to put into practice what I've already been equipped with, which I feel is much needed after so many years of education already.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Both Vanessa and I have felt a peace about this opportunity that neither of us felt as we pursued the Israel option. We've prayed a lot about it, and it seems very "right" to us (as well as to those we've talked to about it). We are still waiting to hear back from Brian Schultz concerning the details of the degree and other information that may influence our final decision. But at this point, if God sees fit, we plan to move to California this summer and begin the degree next Fall. Please pray for the following:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">1) That we would hear back from Brian Schultz so we could continue with the application process.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">2) If God opens this door, that he would orchestrate all the details involved in the transition, including moving, finances, finding a home, finding a church (this is something we are praying about in particular. Leaving Bethlehem and everyone we know here is not going to be easy, so we pray that God would provide a solid church where we could thrive, use our gifts, have close friends, be fed, serve, etc.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">3) That God would keep our family united and dependent on him during this period of "uncertainty."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">We welcome any counsel or questions, since God's wisdom most often comes through the Body.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">We are grateful for your prayers,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Scott and Vanessa</span></div>
Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-6813606085751617052013-03-24T08:56:00.001-04:002013-03-24T08:59:16.257-04:00Concerning Our Future (Update) - 12/4/12<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since the Last update, I received word that Rothberg would not accept me because I do not have a regionally accredited BA and my M.Div is not accredited at all. I sent this email out to those who work with the Biblical Language Center, asking for advice on how to be equipped to do what they do.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Shalom BLC Crew,</span></span> </blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have talked with most of you individually about the possibility of my family going to Israel to continue studying Hebrew. I graduate this May from seminary and we feel that this would be the best next step in my preparation. I planned to pursue a master's degree at Rothberg in Jerusalem as a means of learning Hebrew and continuing my education. However (I talked with Brian and Randall about this at ETS), I have been in contact with the admissions office at Rothberg, and they will not accept either my undergraduate degree nor my masters of divinity, since neither are <i>regionally</i> accredited.</span> </blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That being said, I am back to square one. Do any of you know of universities or schools in Israel that might accept a student like me into a masters program? Or would you recommend (as Randall has) to apply for a BA at Hebrew University? Rachel, didn't you do your BA in classics at Hebrew U, and if so, how was that? Or are there any schools in the states that would sufficiently equip me in Hebrew (i.e., in order to teach it communicatively)? Any thoughts would be appreciated.</span> </blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Scott</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Three days later, I got this replay from Brian Schultz, who teaches at Fresno Pacific University and is the son-in-law of the founder of BLC.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Scott;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>I have an idea that came to me recently that I thought I should pass on. FPU offers an Independent MA program (IMPA) in which you can piece together an MA (in other words, there is no set program you have to follow). I wondered if they would accept you for it, even give you a year of graduate credit, so you would only have a year left that you would have to take here. My idea was that if you were open to that, you could come here, and part of your MA would be helping with the Hebrew program here: teaching, tutoring, help with the Teacher's manual I am writing, help developing new materials for teaching, help with assessment, etc. </blockquote>
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The MA could be in ancient languages, and possibly also in Second Language acquisition. Alternatively, you could take other Bible courses that interest you (we have a few good scholars here you might be interested in sitting in on their specialty courses). </blockquote>
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The idea is to get you an accredited MA as quickly as possible, while also enabling you to build on Communicative Language Teaching experience in a way you could not do anywhere else. (Basically, you would be working with me and Rachel [my wife] on the Hebrew side of things.) </blockquote>
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These are the basics. I can flesh it out more if it peaks your interest. </blockquote>
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<span class="HOEnZb">Brian</span> </blockquote>
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</span>This email (looking back now) would change the direction we were heading. The day we received it, Vanessa and I read it apart from each other, but both knew that this was the next step for us!</span></div>
Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-10677070311502715002013-03-24T08:45:00.000-04:002013-03-24T08:45:47.954-04:00Concerning Our Future (Update) - 11/13/12<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Hello again,</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I wanted to give you all an update since my last email (for those who didn't receive the first email, I copied it below). Vanessa and I are seeing God put pieces together and perhaps giving us direction for next year. First, we decided to pursue a masters degree at <a href="http://overseas.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank">Rothberg International University</a> in Jerusalem and see if God opens the doors. I will most likely be applying shortly.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Second, while we were in Israel two summers ago, we heard of a place called Home for Bible Translators. They are located just outside Jerusalem. It is a ministry started by a Finnish couple (I think) where they take around 10 national translators from around the world to Jerusalem to study Hebrew, the Jewish culture, and the Bible for six months in order to make them better translators. Since we heard of it that summer, two other people I have "randomly" met have asked if we know about that ministry and saying nothing but good things about it. After looking on their <a href="http://www.bibletranslators.org/" target="_blank">website</a>, it seems to Vanessa and I that this is right up our alley. It would perhaps be something we could both be involved with (volunteering) while we are in Israel and it would be a "safe home" for Vanessa and Moriyah while I'm at class, not to mention give her something to do :-) I have not contacted them, though, so you can pray that that might be a good opportunity.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Thirdly, I am leaving this week (actually, 10 minutes––yikes!) to go Milwaukee for the annual Evangelical Theological Society conference. Two years ago at this meeting is where this whole "Hebrew teaching thing" got started. I will be meeting with Randall Buth (the man who started the school we were at in Israel) to discuss our plans for going to Israel and whether or not I could potentially be involved at their school for those couple years. Please pray for this meeting (Thursday afternoon)!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">In short, God seems to be moving. Thank you for those who have been praying for us. We will keep you posted.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Scott and Vanessa McQuinn</span></div>
Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-45846448070152937012013-03-24T08:41:00.002-04:002013-03-24T08:41:46.064-04:00Concerning Our Future (Update) - 10/22/12<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Dear Family and Friends,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I'm writing to you all because, in one way or another, you have played a big part in both Vanessa's life and mine. I wish we could have done a better job in keeping up with many of you, but we wanted to at least inform you where we are at right now.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As you may or may not know, this is my fourth and final year at Bethlehem College and Seminary. A lot has changed over these three and a half years. I moved to Minneapolis as a single man and I will be leaving with a wife and daughter! I am unbelievably grateful for both of them! But it has been an amazing spiritual journey as well. God has met us here and shown us more of Jesus than we ever knew, and he has given us a greater love for his Word and a desire to teach it to others.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Two passions in particular have blossomed in me the past few years. First, as I have become more aware of the massive need for theological education among pastors around the world, my heart has been inclined to move overseas and play even a small part in building God's kingdom where his name is not known.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The second passion is the study of the Hebrew language (also Greek, but especially Hebrew). The summer Vanessa and I spent in Israel studying Hebrew changed the trajectory of our life. I benefitted immensely from learning Hebrew the way they taught it there (i.e., communicatively, like any other spoken language), though I already had years of experience with the language before we went (i.e., by learning it in college and seminary from grammar books). There is a real need for more teachers to be trained with this method of language learning, and thus more students and pastors around the world equipped with the biblical languages. I believe God has given me the vision and desire to play a part in this process. I have been using this method to teach Hebrew in our church's institute the past two years and have absolutely loved it (so have the students)! This has only fueled the desire in me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As Vanessa and I look toward the future, we are uncertain how and where God is going to use us. Both of us have had a desire to advance God's kingdom overseas. The big question we have been wrestling with is how will these pieces fit together (i.e., theological education overseas and teaching Biblical languages)? There may be other possibilities that we have never considered, but from our limited perspective these seem to be the contexts that fit our gifts and desires:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> (1) Teach in a seminary or college in the US and regularly take trips overseas to teach pastors (there are many ministries that lead these kinds of trips). </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> (2) Teach pastors overseas, probably in a seminary where it is more likely that I could teach the Biblical languages. (These two possibilities are not necessary mutually exclusive)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">That being said, we have been seriously praying about returning to Israel after I graduate for an extended amount of time (~2 years) where I would study at Hebrew University and learn both Biblical languages well (through the communicative language learning method). At that point, Lord willing, I would be equipped with the tools to teach the biblical languages in a communicative manner. This is a massive decision, and it raises all sorts of other questions, but we are trying to trust God one step at a time. Some of you are already overseas and some are stateside, so you all have different perspectives on where these particular gifts might fit. <b>We would love your input!</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Please join Vanessa and I as we pray about all of this. We are confident that God has influenced us the way he has, giving us both gifts and desires that he will use for his kingdom purposes. We will try to keep you up to date with where we are at in this process. We are grateful for you all and are blessed to know that many of you pray for us regularly.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">With love,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Scott and Vanessa</span></span></div>
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Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-318067129273216432011-08-06T16:11:00.000-04:002011-08-06T16:11:31.979-04:00אנחנו הללנו את־יהוה על דברים רבים – We Thank God for Many Things<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It's hard to process everything going on in my mind right now. I'm reflecting back to last November when the seed of this dream was planted in my head and I shared it with Vanessa for the first time (before we were even married). By March we were praying for God to do a miracle and provide $14,000, which He did within three months and up until the day before we left! We got on the plane and it seems like in a flash we’re heading back home. It's difficult to describe the significance of what took place within that flash. God did much more than we expected. During our first week in Israel, we mentioned five prayer requests that we were praying for over the summer. </span>Here is how God answered these prayers:</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> 1) Acquisition of Hebrew</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Going into this summer I was convinced of the communicative method of language learning and was highly expectant of this program. I can honestly say the program exceeded my expectations. Though we are still at the beginning stages of the language learning process, we have a solid foundation to build on and the resources to keep progressing. Having internalized so much of the language makes reading it much more comprehensible and enjoyable, which was the goal for this program.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> 2) Increased love for God and His Word</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I briefly alluded to this above, but I have observed that the more a language is internalized (as opposed to merely translating in one's head), the more enjoyable it is to read. Thus, the more we learn Hebrew in this manner, the more we are able to focus on the actual meaning of the text without analyzing and dissecting the language itself, which can often be a hindrance to getting the feel for what the author is actually trying to communicate. Please keep praying that our knowledge of the language would be a means to knowing and loving God's Word more, and therefore knowing and loving God more.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> 3) Clarity for our future</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I've mentioned in previous posts some thoughts from this summer regarding our future. We see a massive need for people to learn the Biblical languages through this method. Being in Israel and seeing young children speak Hebrew effortlessly, along with the encouragement of our instructors, made me aware that the best way to learn Hebrew fluently is to be immersed in a culture where they speak it fluently. In other words, learning to speak Modern Hebrew is the most effective way to learn Biblical Hebrew well. We are seriously praying about spending one to two years in Israel after I graduate </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">from seminary in order to acquire the language to a level where I would be equipped to train others, especially Bible translators across the world who are working on translations into their mother tongue. There are many other factors to this decision, but please pray for us that God would open and shut doors in order to direct our future.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> 4) Our marriage to strengthen through this summer</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As newly weds we did not desire to spend our first summer apart since, in many ways, we still feel like we're getting to know each other.:-) This was one reason I did not go alone. This summer had a different rhythm than the steady school-work-school-work that characterized our first semester as a married couple. It was good for us to observe each other in a different context. I don’t imagine there will be too many times in our life when we will get to spend twenty-four seven together for seven straight weeks! We also experienced that being together that much provides our flesh with more opportunities to sin. It was a good wake-up call that we are both sinful and do not always love each other the way we ought to. We praise God for His Holy Spirit who did not allow sin to fester and destroy our marriage, but who convicted us and granted grace to love and forgive each other in ways deeper than we could have imagined, strengthening our marriage as a result.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> 5) To be the aroma of Christ to the people we encounter this summer</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Being involved in more of the “civilian” life (as opposed to the tourist perspective) of the Jewish people helped us better understand the way they think and what they believe. It is disheartening to see such ignorance and neglect of Christ. We were able on several occasions to point to the glory of Christ and show how he fulfills and completes everything that is written in the Tanakh (Hebrew Old Testament), which Jewish people esteem highly. Pray for Avi and Yossi especially as we had conversations with them explaining what we believe the Old Testament and New Testament say about Jesus.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We want to praise God for doing more for us this summer than we could have asked or prayed for. We look forward to seeing what he has in store for our future. Lord willing, we will post updates along the way on our blog.</span></div>Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-63055432228155153402011-07-24T13:15:00.001-04:002011-07-24T13:17:13.354-04:00!הקץ בא – The End is Coming!<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As our summer winds down, our minds have been preparing for what comes next. We thank God for the opportunity we’ve had to be here and are excited to see how God uses it in our future (both near and far). We have one more week of our Genesis course, which has a very different feel than our Jonah course did. It involves less acting out and more discussion of the creation/fall account. It’s encouraging to be able to speak about the Biblical text in the language in which it is written. Last week, we took a field trip to the Biblical Zoo since we studied Genesis 1-2. It was a unique experience!</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for our return, Marcus (BCS classmate of mine who’s here studying) and I have the opportunity to teach what we’ve been learning this summer at The Bethlehem Institute this year. It has been exciting to plan for this, though we know it is going to stretch us tremendously. Vanessa will be taking the class both to solidify what she’s learned this summer and to help us teach the feminine gender of the language.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We made our last excursion into Jerusalem today. It has been rich to spend time in the Old City, but we’re excited to explore the rest of the country during our last five days here (after this week of class). Pray that we will absorb as much of the language as we are able to this last week!</span></span></span></div>Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-2379240468397146692011-07-17T15:43:00.000-04:002011-07-17T15:43:49.581-04:00Life Beyond Class<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The last several days have been refreshing and encouraging for us. Both last weekend and this weekend we visited some friends who live here in Israel. They moved to a different city and we helped paint both their new and old apartments. It was a good break from our studies! Both weekends we called the same taxi driver (for our 45 minute ride) who asked why we are so interested in studying Hebrew. We told him we love studying the Tanakh (Hebrew Old Testament) and knowing Hebrew better will help us. This opened a flood of questions: Why do you love studying the Tanakh? What do Christians believe? What is the New Testament about? He was very curious so we simply answered his questions explaining the difference between the Old and New Covenants and the person and work of Jesus. It ended with him asking where he can get a Hebrew New Testament, which we “just so happened” to have. Pray for Yosef!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
On Shabbat, we visited our friends’ Messianic congregation and were blown away by the diversity! Four languages were used throughout the service. Hebrew was spoken from the pulpit, which was then translated into Russian, English (for the few of us visiting) and sign language! It was amazing to worship with these believers from around the world.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoOHVirpGJfkBlXYW0Umm4N2_Rr3oKgUPeacaZP1q8SGkUnsD6Jn0DNkDCCShNokJGZhOsGNA148Xj-5ejwi-qtdYtq5pKtRwt1_ts45bhKnRUlEyqMmWd4hEK-eUBjZSrkUJ/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoOHVirpGJfkBlXYW0Umm4N2_Rr3oKgUPeacaZP1q8SGkUnsD6Jn0DNkDCCShNokJGZhOsGNA148Xj-5ejwi-qtdYtq5pKtRwt1_ts45bhKnRUlEyqMmWd4hEK-eUBjZSrkUJ/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The is a picture of one of the song slides in the congregation. Top left: Hebrew. Top right: Russian. Middle: Russian phonetic spelling. Bottom left: Hebrew phonetic spelling. Bottom right: English.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8MomMPs28XkbCn7JlvGqwtM0Ur3b7gTaYZk46fGDI6F9G3sQKaqcf-SD-c_XfVJzc86xQyUwnuKXOl0COBJggezz04XEtaqrRQ0Hz_MjYDlZzY9hkB5jOtEBmOlJ6_q_Vq3R/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8MomMPs28XkbCn7JlvGqwtM0Ur3b7gTaYZk46fGDI6F9G3sQKaqcf-SD-c_XfVJzc86xQyUwnuKXOl0COBJggezz04XEtaqrRQ0Hz_MjYDlZzY9hkB5jOtEBmOlJ6_q_Vq3R/s320/IMG_0429.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">On our field trip two weeks ago, we stopped at the Mediterranean Sea to act out and recite our Hebrew dialogue for that day––Jonah getting swallowed by the fish and then spit out onto the beach!</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEdLaE-ibQmoaMwJERXEDU2Lv9guDBYu06eHWFHdah5SzjsLvDKah5-pcKsaksgxRFGp16KDOvNu43MGxgQiuzp6ut4s9wSfkQnq3fxCCOqMxYT6vdBQ4yenG70lKWmVTc3Lt/s1600/201107+July+VB+336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEdLaE-ibQmoaMwJERXEDU2Lv9guDBYu06eHWFHdah5SzjsLvDKah5-pcKsaksgxRFGp16KDOvNu43MGxgQiuzp6ut4s9wSfkQnq3fxCCOqMxYT6vdBQ4yenG70lKWmVTc3Lt/s320/201107+July+VB+336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZRk7x2_BBSU7-I3WX4k3ZVTdiFsEge-EcM4H-Ieu19H83i473rE23n6gadyCxy0gk58e8oKn-xuUryNUUr6tvjLA4rpeITyVGByez3EaMG37Wjs29eu8MR8zRPJ9oOT9v44R/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZRk7x2_BBSU7-I3WX4k3ZVTdiFsEge-EcM4H-Ieu19H83i473rE23n6gadyCxy0gk58e8oKn-xuUryNUUr6tvjLA4rpeITyVGByez3EaMG37Wjs29eu8MR8zRPJ9oOT9v44R/s320/IMG_0432.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After acting out and reciting the reading, we had class under a Roman Aqueduct.</span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2oQjI1og99SMM5VkGfYD7ed7v_lI-dGW4pNMCHoIa1YivzU_YQKBBOZ10fmE4RRXHYInZWFLs8xjR-tNXCaM7zmdCpZ1C1MUOGNZd4sIya-8XQYFa7AerTWc5svogB60f5tT/s1600/201107+July+VB+460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2oQjI1og99SMM5VkGfYD7ed7v_lI-dGW4pNMCHoIa1YivzU_YQKBBOZ10fmE4RRXHYInZWFLs8xjR-tNXCaM7zmdCpZ1C1MUOGNZd4sIya-8XQYFa7AerTWc5svogB60f5tT/s320/201107+July+VB+460.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We also visited a Talmudic village. Here we are at the synagogue.</span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6qkqtuU_jhh9ox9q7b08qUuDRZ2N4RQRn2APwwyV-MfIduz1G1JotVkGO-6CpsT-ZFKBMqEpTAJkOQ9VK_WTbOkuAboJ2F-d78BC8LCZJCyrH1mb4AdM4uRYlXzWEGVGrhRO/s1600/class+photo+03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6qkqtuU_jhh9ox9q7b08qUuDRZ2N4RQRn2APwwyV-MfIduz1G1JotVkGO-6CpsT-ZFKBMqEpTAJkOQ9VK_WTbOkuAboJ2F-d78BC8LCZJCyrH1mb4AdM4uRYlXzWEGVGrhRO/s320/class+photo+03.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">These were the students in our Jonah class. Unfortunately, we lost five students for the next two-week course, and we will gain one new student.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">!שׁלומ</div>Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-67678650937371660912011-07-14T14:44:00.002-04:002011-07-14T14:44:52.288-04:00Final ExamTomorrow is our final exam for the Jonah course. Pray for us! Next week, we will start a two-week intermediate course on Genesis 1-3.Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-86900278329864591062011-07-13T01:06:00.000-04:002011-07-13T01:06:19.576-04:00העתיד - The Future<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Before this trip, we were praying that God would clarify some things for us concerning our future, but we feel that this summer has opened <i>more</i> opportunities and possibilities. I’ve mentioned that I see my gifts and desires fitting into the ministry of Bible translation; however, the last several weeks have served to open our eyes to perhaps a greater need that is one step removed from actually translating the Bible––training Bible translators! A number of students in our class this summer have the same passion to see the kind of training we’re receiving here to be spread to more and more people. There are very few people who are equipped to teach the biblical languages in a communicative (spoken) manner, but there is a massive need for it. Perhaps God could use me in a greater capacity if I trained those who are doing the “grunt work,” that is, native speakers who are being hired to translate from a common language (such as French, Spanish, or English) into their mother tongue. The beauty of the training we are receiving here is that is transfers completely to another culture in another language. That is, there is no need to translate grammar books and other materials. I could teach the biblical languages the way they learned their other three or four languages (which is common for the average human being across the world!). This vision would require extensive training, though we are not clear what it would look like at this point. Please pray for Vanessa and I as we seek to use our gifts to spread His word to the nations.</span></div>Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-87139123509872262011-07-05T15:19:00.000-04:002011-07-05T15:19:29.040-04:00[Creative Title]We just started the last half of the beginning Hebrew course (first course is four weeks; the second is two weeks), in which we use the book of Jonah to immerse ourselves in the language. I am VERY pleased with the program so far and I feel it has helped tremendously in understanding the Hebrew language. Last week I felt like I hit several mental walls and struggled to absorb the language, but after a refreshing weekend I have been doing better this week, which is encouraging. Vanessa is doing very well, though it is always more difficult the first time you are exposed to such a foreign language with squiggly letters and guttural sounds :-) Tomorrow morning we leave for on an overnight field trip to Jonah's birth place: Gat-Hefer (in Galilee). We've been told it's not a typical tourist highlight, though we will be making some significant stops along the way including: Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast where we will act out our Jonah dialogue for tomorrow (Jonah getting spit out of the fish's mouth onto dry ground), Mt. Carmel, Sea of Galilee, an old village (name?), and a winery. We're excited to get to see more of the country!<br />
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Please continue to pray for us. We have been praying for God's direction for our future. There are many people here who are interested in the same things we are, which seems to present more opportunities and not narrow them down. But we know that God has already determined our future and will lead us in his time.Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-26672452328977131912011-07-02T15:36:00.000-04:002011-07-02T15:36:01.043-04:00A Glimpse Into Our Daily Life<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1K5Vnft2GXQO0peCq-7JjLscluHeDV8FH_ZIbCk4VzCJlIHliOufPg-lTllpxYutWyoxtsbddulninxv5p9OaEkcY-9OCEwb93O4e35nMznYeTlxOBtrclhLpHQuu3SzcQPd/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1K5Vnft2GXQO0peCq-7JjLscluHeDV8FH_ZIbCk4VzCJlIHliOufPg-lTllpxYutWyoxtsbddulninxv5p9OaEkcY-9OCEwb93O4e35nMznYeTlxOBtrclhLpHQuu3SzcQPd/s320/IMG_0310.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> This is where we're living for six weeks. Not too shabby! We've had sunny and eighty degree weather every day since we've been here!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFeAnAf-UxHM2zWu6AzgS9c2cj3O24Zhbp80twH4lD85FS3M3EuNEdiJlsULVodsZEZgxjLyfC8cuVI93Q6y7ieiZK5ptg1L9g9utLgQ-5MDeElcQyva1HKKkwIykYWrFeQXK/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFeAnAf-UxHM2zWu6AzgS9c2cj3O24Zhbp80twH4lD85FS3M3EuNEdiJlsULVodsZEZgxjLyfC8cuVI93Q6y7ieiZK5ptg1L9g9utLgQ-5MDeElcQyva1HKKkwIykYWrFeQXK/s320/IMG_0372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our back porch where much studying, reading, and eating takes place :-)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOwmOuVsbEhjIBY3irfvDl0ydeUKVDSmAiwDvdaRI-5U6VkH6A2MgPjvkm9NG0H7Rp0ZacaO_ZgRE2vW5FKWRgfdQe2_qcVQhjUGVrrJ-6cLgM75mwPJREMJi63z0XqKXPy-3/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOwmOuVsbEhjIBY3irfvDl0ydeUKVDSmAiwDvdaRI-5U6VkH6A2MgPjvkm9NG0H7Rp0ZacaO_ZgRE2vW5FKWRgfdQe2_qcVQhjUGVrrJ-6cLgM75mwPJREMJi63z0XqKXPy-3/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our study time involves much listening and performing drills to increase fluency.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67ZwPQcm_Vpsmi0DcfuKNsjid-2rpfe5hcRUygwasgtR_Yq6EPitGpHMRs4-iwONYiejn9rxEOWwei2NVPDN1zxQ3b4Y7cBCXQoIxv3zWhI9eaK5s56RbANOSzhhbKpBn_2iU/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67ZwPQcm_Vpsmi0DcfuKNsjid-2rpfe5hcRUygwasgtR_Yq6EPitGpHMRs4-iwONYiejn9rxEOWwei2NVPDN1zxQ3b4Y7cBCXQoIxv3zWhI9eaK5s56RbANOSzhhbKpBn_2iU/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">These little guys are our friends this summer! They help learn verb persons and numbers.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTDR70IyOgUBxMGRCdP06GSBzteuw-dOFJ2K9tJ1KiObV44dwztHqOwfHpjyBqZDMO50yWqvQje8cejgUxM9PyLBykeeAWsH7H0r1z8TQfimgNEa5sMUFCeD4NZOvLiLG61by/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTDR70IyOgUBxMGRCdP06GSBzteuw-dOFJ2K9tJ1KiObV44dwztHqOwfHpjyBqZDMO50yWqvQje8cejgUxM9PyLBykeeAWsH7H0r1z8TQfimgNEa5sMUFCeD4NZOvLiLG61by/s320/IMG_0354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our classes are held across the street in these old school buildings where other activities take place on the kibbutz.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAmSc5KwyUpPisYbtwpqTHeDf_F4GagLEqe-_SL46q6SEhWAP02qtaGGSuL-6UhFQbcTDtu0HX_1x4jFq6IlVxahOO1s9Bn8w4AXs8MzjF44ffwA1W5rAA3dSa5yXs7Hrz0CP/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAmSc5KwyUpPisYbtwpqTHeDf_F4GagLEqe-_SL46q6SEhWAP02qtaGGSuL-6UhFQbcTDtu0HX_1x4jFq6IlVxahOO1s9Bn8w4AXs8MzjF44ffwA1W5rAA3dSa5yXs7Hrz0CP/s320/IMG_0311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's the inside of our classroom (well, we've had to change rooms since then).</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9Gtm8-RaCoS4mjBHB4mzE_fOEs4fBSqUG_txgAuWlJFUI0HPWNCqpaYTzBHzHd_MJ2pD6b6sYd7ngCeWySzCG4cBuqy_XeZbjm6T8MH54EW6OeYunn7_SJ6ikHTOGQXS2NDE/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9Gtm8-RaCoS4mjBHB4mzE_fOEs4fBSqUG_txgAuWlJFUI0HPWNCqpaYTzBHzHd_MJ2pD6b6sYd7ngCeWySzCG4cBuqy_XeZbjm6T8MH54EW6OeYunn7_SJ6ikHTOGQXS2NDE/s320/IMG_0303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Class consists of many different activities including role playing, singing, demonstrations, skits, stories, etc. which all help to internalize the language.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiQgjwsUcSSrgLlsUCJGcbCrQhh8sXlHh1ROw1o4MTuQGu3mF2Y3hyphenhyphen9Qg9LcTSHiYQ1Ld8dYlzNS8uoyajubp_Ha69YavNHwfIw5wvuWegX0HkZHHzv6Wwu1qwYg47-R6eQTu/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiQgjwsUcSSrgLlsUCJGcbCrQhh8sXlHh1ROw1o4MTuQGu3mF2Y3hyphenhyphen9Qg9LcTSHiYQ1Ld8dYlzNS8uoyajubp_Ha69YavNHwfIw5wvuWegX0HkZHHzv6Wwu1qwYg47-R6eQTu/s320/IMG_0307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another activity...this time, I was the prop!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0trtnHZtEAuYyiTuCJn2jJgAaLJHaN21om7uRLA3mYbIWSqcZPxVAVjT2sXdT0YxkPIp9v7twLrfTwyMJwZYT7P6qBxNaj1J5WxgrX5BqVIkhzqU0dD3yf05g_61acEsyRBaa/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0trtnHZtEAuYyiTuCJn2jJgAaLJHaN21om7uRLA3mYbIWSqcZPxVAVjT2sXdT0YxkPIp9v7twLrfTwyMJwZYT7P6qBxNaj1J5WxgrX5BqVIkhzqU0dD3yf05g_61acEsyRBaa/s320/IMG_0380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The stories in our class are quite comical. Some, like this one, were thought through; others, however, are made up on the fly using props and other ideas we throw in as the story progresses. All of the activities and stories prepare us for the readings we have assigned for homework.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G_rNX3e6s2ZHY1j63jFSdPuuN0n4J8t6NAgjvf8vDnA7YyKTseoOdjHZCrggZY2YQr0n7A8e6MGhRKUPvQDZWJ69z9cNeLcLAbFcmiRC-I_2zmdl6bdW2u2oHTd4IqQq_yHj/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G_rNX3e6s2ZHY1j63jFSdPuuN0n4J8t6NAgjvf8vDnA7YyKTseoOdjHZCrggZY2YQr0n7A8e6MGhRKUPvQDZWJ69z9cNeLcLAbFcmiRC-I_2zmdl6bdW2u2oHTd4IqQq_yHj/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Every Friday, we celebrate Shabbat which begins in the afternoon. Here, Randall Buth is explaining the bread and the wine before we enjoy the Lord's Supper as a class. The two men standing in the background are our teachers: Jordash (left) and Aaron (right).</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURPHOC2aTq1W0GMUKsxTZjpGjSFOayQZewQuORCCHWz3IuMh-QbUJs7SBSqYW6DrO6vVSnmSjhsTaekgTHgucQGHTRnxXKvsSLEyoM-BLEMNjR-wpd6HY_sb2OJtO4XSyRNmr/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURPHOC2aTq1W0GMUKsxTZjpGjSFOayQZewQuORCCHWz3IuMh-QbUJs7SBSqYW6DrO6vVSnmSjhsTaekgTHgucQGHTRnxXKvsSLEyoM-BLEMNjR-wpd6HY_sb2OJtO4XSyRNmr/s320/IMG_0385.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This week we had quite the spread: flat bread, hummus (fyi, causes terrible gas), olive oil, apricots, figs, carrots, cucumbers, wine, and juice. Yum :-)</span></td></tr>
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</div>Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-59211731086407877242011-06-26T15:12:00.001-04:002011-06-26T15:15:48.086-04:00עוד שׁבוע - Another WeekOne week down and five to go. Vanessa and I both feel like last week was a great start. By the end we were experiencing information overload so this weekend was enjoyable and refreshing to our brains (though we still had a lot of homework!). The homework load really picked up by the end of last week and will continue so as far as we can see :-) Today we took a trip into Jerusalem and explored the Old City. It was good to get away and see some of the historical sites. And praise God for the opportunity to witness to a Jewish guy on the bus ride back! He wanted my contact information because he was interested in talking more. Pray for Avi! Tomorrow we will begin speaking more in class, which is hopefully going to internalize the hours and hours of listening we've been absorbing the last week and even the months of preparation we did before we came. We have to reproduce a short dialogue in class, acting out the different parts! Fun stuff :-)Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-5222157379104263852011-06-22T14:06:00.000-04:002011-06-22T14:06:53.579-04:00אנחנו פה – We're Here!<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> We’ve had three days of class now, and we are thoroughly enjoying it! What a privilege this is! Here’s what our days look like so far. We have class every morning from 8:30am-12:30pm, with several mind-refreshing breaks interspersed :-) Don’t think of Hebrew class as tedious, arduous, or burdensome––its not. But that doesn’t mean we’re not learning––quite the contrary! The first week of our course involves primarily listening to our two teachers who are introducing new vocab and grammar to us via a method called Total Physical Response (TPR). This means they point to objects and say the Hebrew word for it. They command each other to do things and then command us to do them. They describe things and tell stories with props. We are very involved in class––running around, singing, standing, sitting, jumping, pointing, giving, taking, smiling, crying, riding, touching, lots of laughing, etc., and it’s all being commanded to us in Hebrew! Occasional walks outside broaden our vocab and give us more exposure to the language. It is very intuitive. That is the beauty of this program. We are actually learning to think in Hebrew (literally, over 95% of class is spoken in hebrew)! After class, we go to lunch, and then have the afternoon/evening to study, taking breaks either to nap or to go for a run in the Judean hills. This is to “de-fry” the brain, as my wife says ;-)</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> It’s amazing to see how God has worked in the lives of our fourteen classmates (all professing believers) to bring them all here from differing backgrounds. There is a lady from Switzerland, a few people from Australia (sweet accents!), but most from the U.S. There is already a camaraderie that has encouraged my faith. We had a small prayer meeting tonight organized by my classmate, where we read Scripture, prayed, and sang.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Here are a few items to pray for:</span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Acquisition of Hebrew</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Increased love for God and His Word</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Clarity for our future</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Our marriage to strengthen through this summer</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">To be the aroma of Christ to the people we encounter this summer</span></li>
<ul></ul></ul>Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-5753147050183794172011-06-16T21:46:00.006-04:002011-06-16T21:52:01.887-04:00FINAL Provision Update - 100%<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As my wife and I sit here, pondering what to say, Paul's words to the Philippians come to our minds.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Apple Braille';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">.</span> I have received<b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">full payment, and more</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">To our God and Father be glory forever and ever</span></b></u></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Amen.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Apple Braille';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">”</span></span></span><br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Apple Braille; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Philippians 4:14–20)</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Apple Braille; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Apple Braille; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We have seen God do an amazing work in our lives through this whole process. It began with a dream that seemed too big to come true––study Hebrew in Israel (I know, not the kind of dream most people have!). But as God began growing this desire in me, and with the support of my wife, we began taking steps toward this unknown opportunity. They were steps of faith since we had to make costly decisions before we had near enough money for the whole trip. As God began providing, it became more and more obvious that spending this summer in Israel was not just a dream, but God's sovereign purpose for our lives.</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Apple Braille; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Apple Braille; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">God has shown us that he answers prayer! As we began praying for this massive need, checks started coming from people we know did not have the means to give the way they did. How humbling this has been! Seeing the body of Christ work the way it has has been a real eye-opener for us. God works miracles through his body, the church. Thirty-eight different people gave to us to meet our $14,000 need. That's an average of $368/person! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But like Paul said to the Philippians, "Not that [we] seek the gift, but the fruit that increases to your credit." We recognize each gift is a "fragrant offering, a sacrifice pleasing and acceptable to God." It is fruit, or evidence, of the Spirit's work in you. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Of course, God is the Giver of all things, so we want to give him all the honor and glory. "To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Apple Braille; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Apple Braille; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We will keep you posted throughout our journey!</span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Apple Braille; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Apple Braille; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</div>Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-21451695321252202832011-06-14T22:55:00.000-04:002011-06-14T22:55:08.814-04:00Provision Update 9 – 96%Three more days until departure!Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-15161230006885064752011-06-11T22:49:00.001-04:002011-06-11T22:49:25.474-04:00Provision Update 8 – 90%Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-77066698670920214042011-06-06T20:16:00.002-04:002011-06-06T20:16:29.546-04:00Provision Update 7 – 81%Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-18791516180928690512011-05-26T09:28:00.000-04:002011-05-26T09:28:07.954-04:00Provision Update 6 – 68%Vanessa and I have seen God graciously provide through people giving beyond their means. It is quite humbling to be on the receiving end of such great sacrifice. We are praying that God's Word would become a reality in the lives of those who give: "...[Jesus] himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" (Acts 20:35). But we also realize that this means we are not as blessed as those who have given to us if we do not also give! We're learning that giving is contagious. As people have sacrificed for us, it makes us want to sacrifice for others. I truly think God designed the body this way. God has all the resources in the world and he will always bless those who give, whether monetarily or spiritually. So "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-11287554508872532682011-05-14T10:48:00.001-04:002011-05-14T10:48:36.830-04:00Provision Update 5 – 63%Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-68349483356268691862011-05-14T10:43:00.000-04:002011-05-14T10:43:02.574-04:00All I Have is ChristIt's amazing how God's Spirit works! He uses pagan kings, donkeys, and roman soldiers to accomplish his purposes in this world. And in our day of technology, he can use Christ-centered computer art to sanctify his people. God used this video to break me of much sin and pride this week, and I commend it to you and pray it will have the same effect on you that it did to me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/j3lwsOPEpMw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-90691128671271647282011-05-01T14:47:00.001-04:002011-05-02T13:47:05.590-04:00Provision Update 4 – 41%Well, God has provided more since our last update two days ago! We are seeing him work in incredible ways as we seek his face in prayer. Today's sermon in church was quite relevant for us. Mike Bartlett, Bethlehem's church planting resident, preached on taking bold risks for God in the confidence of his love to us through Christ (The sermon can be found on this <a href="http://www.hopeingod.org/resources/sermons/date/2011">link</a>). As we step out in faith for the sake of his kingdom, we are confident that he will meet our needs and fulfill his plans for our lives. Thank you all who have been means of this provision through financial and prayer support!Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-49395087924407637132011-04-29T18:28:00.003-04:002011-04-29T18:28:45.970-04:00Provision Update 3 – 30%Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-63194365002470900632011-04-08T17:48:00.000-04:002011-04-08T17:48:39.854-04:00Provision Update 2 - 22%We're still praying! And God's still answering!Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-79440626272363455292011-04-05T21:46:00.008-04:002011-04-05T21:55:45.583-04:00How Beautiful are the Feet of Those Who Preach the Good News!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You may have seen this video before, but I thought it was quite appropriate to put on our blog. It is a video of missionaries taking the Bible to a tribe for the very first time in their mother tongue. I cannot help but think of Isaiah's words:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">who says to Zion, '<b>Your God reigns</b>.'"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Isaiah 52:7; cf. Romans 10:15)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</div>Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7009938.post-2933887833944178342011-04-03T11:02:00.000-04:002011-04-03T11:02:20.539-04:00Provision Update 1 - 12%Well, we're seeing God provide! So far, He has graciously provided 12% of our need for this summer. We are learning to trust God during this time. Since we've been married, He has abundantly supplied for all our needs, just as he promised He would (Matt 6:33; Phil 4:19). Thank you to those who have been God's means of answering our prayers.Scott McQuinnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09105262771320698031noreply@blogger.com0