Tuesday 3 November 2015

Prayer Letter: November 2015

Monday, November 2:   Please pray for the ICS Board recruitment process, that committed and able candidates for Board vacancies will be offered to the ICS membership for approval later this month.

Tuesday, November 3:  Please join with us in thankfulness for the opportunities enjoyed by Director of Advancement Pat Webb and President Doug Blomberg during their trip to Western Canada last week. Doug was able to meet with senior administrators at The King's University and Ambrose University in Alberta, then at Trinity Western University in British Columbia. The purpose of these meetings was to explore possibilities for partnering relationships. These were very hospitable and fruitful conversations.

Wednesday, November 4:  Last week our Director of Advancement Pat Webb flew straight to BC, where she met with a number of supporters one-on-one. Last Thursday evening, Pat and Doug met with twenty enthusiastic long-term supporters gathered at Fleetwood CRC. Very good questions were asked and a vigorous discussion was enjoyed. In conclusion, there was and strong affirmation of the vision and mission of ICS and a call for everyone to be steadfast in prayer for ICS. We thank you that for being our prayer partners!

Thursday, November 5:   Today we pray for the work of Senior Members. Bless their ongoing tasks, both administrative and academic. Give them the relief they need when things pile up.

Friday, November 6:  We offer prayers of gratitude for the many people who have given ICS gifts of prayers, money, concern and appreciation. It is truly a blessing to have the interest and support of so many people.

Saturday, November 7:  This afternoon, President Doug Blomberg represents ICS at the University of St Michael's College Convocation of the Faculty of Theology and Continuing Education. Such gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to interact with representatives of TST schools and other institutions. Please pray for Doug's engagement with colleagues in what we trust will be a joyous time of celebration for all.

Monday, November 9:  We ask for God's blessing on Ed Hayley, Director of Finance and his team, who are planning the Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 24. We pray for energy and enthusiasm for all who are involved.

Tuesday, November 10:   We pray for blessings for the Friends of ICS Board and all those who are doing advancement work in the US.

Wednesday, November 11:  Today we observe Remembrance Day in Canada. We are reminded of the wars that continue to rage and the soldiers and civilians who continue to suffer around the world. We pray for peace.

Thursday, November 12:  We pray for stamina and wisdom for Senior Member Bob Sweetman as he continues in his role as Academic Dean.

Friday, November 13:   Many of our Junior Members are working on their their Masters and PhD thesis projects. We pray for our Junior Members and ask that they will have time, focus and wisdom.

Monday, November 16:  We ask God's help and guidance for all those who are doing advancement work for ICS. Please pray that support for the vision and mission of ICS continues to grow.

Tuesday, November 17:  Today we offer prayers for the general well-being of the ICS. We ask for blessings and energy for ICS faculty and staff as they work together.

Wednesday, November 18:  The Academic Council meets this afternoon. We ask for God’s wisdom to guide this meeting.

Thursday, November 19:  President Doug Blomberg will be visiting Dordt College for two days. This afternoon he will speak with two Philosophy of Education classes. Between these sessions, he will meet with supporters at Chancellor John and Sanneke Kok's home. Please pray Doug will interact effectively with students and that there will be a goodly number of supporters in attendance for the latter gathering.

Friday, November 20:  President Doug Blomberg will be visiting with ICS donors this morning. At 4:00 p.m., he will present a public lecture, to be followed by a public reception. We ask the Lord to bless these visits and events and that his return home tomorrow will go smoothly.

Saturday, November 21:  Senior Member Rebekah Smick will represent ICS at the Regis College Convocation this morning. Regis is the Jesuit Graduate Faculty of Theology at the University of Toronto. As noted earlier in the month with respect to the USMC Convocation, this too is a great chance to talk with colleagues from TST schools. Please pray for this significant event and Rebekah's involvement in it.

Monday, November 23:  There is a Board Meeting today. We pray for God’s wisdom to guide this meeting.

Tuesday, November 24:  The Board is meeting all day today. Please uphold Trustee Peter Brouwer in prayer; he is sadly and regretfully unable to join us for this meeting due to a medical condition and we ask you to uphold him in prayer, that the Lord might bring him comfort and healing.
This evening ICS will hold its Annual General Meeting, where members will elect new Board members and conduct the annual required business for ICS. We are extremely grateful for our committed and hard working Board members. Please pray for wisdom and guidance at this meeting.

Wednesday, November 25:  We offer prayers of thanks for all the hard work done by the outgoing Board members. We ask God for wisdom and energy for the incoming Board members.

Thursday, November 26:  Today we pray for God's help for those who are struggling with illnesses. We ask God for strength, patience and for good results from treatment.

Friday, November 27:  We ask God to bless and guide Senior Member Ron Kuipers and Allyson Carr as they continue their work with our Centre for Philosophy, Religion and Social Ethics.

Monday, November 30:  Please pray for the Institute and the continued mission of ICS. To be even more specific, we ask that you pray with us that we have good responses to our donor appeals in the remaining weeks of 2015.