Changes

Change. That single word capable of eliciting a variety of emotions - something unwelcome or that we're not fond of, something that is desired or needed at times, or something surprising or overwhelming. However, no matter what mental image that word conjures up for you, there are a few things we can't change, and one of them is that things change. As you may be aware, there will be some changes in the near future for Central Seminary and WCTS.

First, to address a change for the seminary. For those who may be unaware, WCTS is a ministry of Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Minneapolis, Minnesota, so a change in leadership there also affects the station. Therefore, I'd like to welcome the soon-to-be new president of Central Seminary, Dr. Samuel Horn. You might already acquainted with Dr. Horn if you tune in to the Sunday afternoon programming and have had the pleasure of hearing him on Word for Life. Personally, I have been blessed many times when I have tuned in to that program, so if you haven't had such a pleasure, I'd recommend you do so. It also means that I am absolutely delighted that the Lord has directed him here to fill the roll from which Dr. Bauder is stepping down. If you'd like to know more about Central's new president, you can find it on the seminary's website here.

And in regard to some changes that will be happening in the near future for WCTS, I'd like to address a few things that you may have already heard on the air. Two dear friends are leaving the station this summer. John Goetz has been the afternoon host for 20+ years, and Kimball Cummings has been the general manager for 4 years. They have both been so instrumental in the years they've been here - contributing their time, talents, and efforts in the individual ways God has blessed them. And yet, the Lord is now calling both of them on to new things, some of which He may not have fully revealed to them even yet. I feel so blessed to know them, that the Lord has allowed our paths to cross. There is no real way to say all of what their friendships have come to mean to me as I have had the opportunity to work with them, but I would like to dedicate a few words to them... just a few things that make me smile.

John, the Packer fan with whom I, being the dedicated Vikings fan that I am, so enjoy the banter - trading stats, scores, rankings, and the like. As I came down to the station from sharathon to sharathon and a few times in between, the friendship offered went beyond the shallow depths of sports to genuine talks about our families and life's journeys. He's also a man who has a song for everything. Saying a phrase like "It's Friday" would trigger It's Friday, But Sunday's Comin', and since I have such tendencies myself, it was often to my amusement when we would think of the same song.

Kimball, a man who loved to hear from any and all listeners for their feedback. Yet it became much more as he became more acquainted with those who called in on a regular basis - he would take an interest in their lives, not just for the sake of the station but also the people themselves. He was always willing to take the time to listen to what was on your mind, especially when he had a few spare minutes, and he was ready to help in any way he could. He's helped reshape how the station comes across on the air, and I think WCTS is better for it.

It will feel different without them being there, that's for sure. But for the believer, a thing like this is never truly goodbye. So while we will miss them and their unique presences on the air, we can pray for them and know the Lord has a plan for everything. Thus, we can also look forward to the things that are before us, and even the changes it will bring.

So, John and Kimball, take care and enjoy the things the Lord has in store for you! Oh, and do know, that as I think of you, I'll also remember to pray for you.

Will and the Red Ball

Christianity in a Changing Culture is one of my favorite programs, but I am especially looking forward to today's broadcast. Why? Because both the author and the illustrator are very dear to me. For many months I had hoped that an interview could be scheduled, then when I finally heard that one was indeed scheduled, I had to wait to hear it. Ohhhhh... *sigh.* I needn't wait much longer, however, for the day is well and truly here, and the countdown has begun! The minutes are ticking by (second by second, of course), and the suspense I have been enduring has built up to its climax so that my nerves are tingling with excitement! While I anxiously wait for these last few minutes to pass, let me use this meantime to tell you a little bit about them, more of which can be found on their website willgopress.com.

Gloria is a very fun lady who loves her Lord and her family. She also loves kids and reading and writing. For quite awhile, she has been using Shutterfly to publish photo books for her family about her cats' fictional adventures. I've seen a few of them, and they're very amusing! Her Christmas letters to family, friends, & loved ones are much anticipated by all. Her blog, Ants in Pith Helmets, is full of quippy little accounts about the things that cross her path throughout each day. I am so glad she is now using her God-given talent for writing children's books in addition to these other writings. And guess what? Even adults love them!

Karne, Gloria's daughter and mother of Will, is very sweet and thoughtful. Her love for her Lord is sure and strong as she seeks to grow closer to Him. She and her husband have two children, toddler Will and baby Lilias, whom they love so very much. For as long as I can remember, she has been using her artistic talent to create watercolors of God's beautiful creation, as well as using it as a means to encourage others in their life's journey.

Let's not forget little Will, the main character of each book! From what I hear, he is a bundle of energy, who is growing up quickly. In my opinion, he's much too cute for his own good, and I'm hoping he and his family will come up here again sometime soon. Already he has these books tucked away in his memory and follows along quite well. (There's a video of Gloria reading to him on their website.)

Here's how Steve sums up the books on his blog:

Christianity in a Changing Culture: "Will and the Red Ball"

Book 1

Gloria Dunshee & Karne McGary
"Will and the Red Ball"
Will Go Press, 2010, 978-0-9828231-0-1, $11.95

"Will and the Magic Snowman"
Will Go Press, 2010, 978-0-9828231-1-8, $11.95

These are stories about Will's adventures in different places: New York City and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Gloria shares how and why she started writing children's books, and what she hopes these books for 3-8 year-olds will do to help children love reading, and to enhance closeness between children and parents.

[link to podcast]

Oh, and by the way, Steve has 4 sets of books 1-2 to give away today!

Let me also encourage you to tune in to Christianity in a Changing Culture often because you'll hear many more interesting interviews like this one, sometimes also with book giveaways such as today. Both new and experienced authors enjoy talking to Steve about their books, and many listeners such as myself enjoy hearing the author's perspective and what they hope the reader will take away from their writings.

Unshackled!

We're all shackled to something at some point in our lives.  Sometimes, it's a contract.  Other times, it's a position.  Or maybe it's an addiction.  Either way, there's something that has a locked in.  But there's something more that has us in its snares.  It's just 3 letters, but oh-so-encompassing!  Even from our birth we are entangled in sin.  Sin has us shackled, and there's nothing we can do to get out of its grip.  But Jesus has come to set us free.  He holds the key to unlock sin's irons, and He will release us if we will but trust in Him.

That's why I'm so excited to hear that Unshackled!, a radio drama production from Pacific Garden Mission about lives who have been set free of sin's fetters, is going to have recording sessions at the WCTS facilities this Thursday through Saturday.  Listeners are invited to attend the sessions as well as the Friday night celebration for all the years of broadcasting.  A call to the station is requested to reserve your seat.  Whether you are unable to be there or in attendance, your prayers are appreciated and desired.

"If the Son therefore shall make you free,

ye shall be free indeed."

~ John 8:36 ~

Christianity in a Changing Culture

I don't know about you, but I do so enjoy Steve Davis' book review Christianity in a Changing Culture.  It's exciting to see that it now has it's own blog!  It's simply christianityinachangingculture.blogspot.com, or not so simply if you consider the length of it.  Either way, it's a nice addition, and I've linked to it on the tab bar as well.

Podcasts of the interview are also available at iTunes.  (I have to bite my tongue while I type that because I'm not an Apple enthusiast, rather the opposite actually.  Yet I'm thrilled the podcast is available, so I'll grin and bear it.)  You can also subscribe directly through the blog, and of course, the downloads are still available at wctsradio.com.