Andersonville Theological Seminary

ANDERSONVILLE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEWS

May 2013

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UPDATE ON MAY GRADUATION

The April 15th deadline has passed and we still have many people who have not completed a part of the process but who have said that they would be attending the May graduation. This could be finishing your coursework, paying off your account, paying the extra fees, such as diploma, attendance. It is very important that we hear from you as to your final intentions. If you need time extensions for finishing your courses, we can work with you on that; but we need to know your individual situation. Julie has tried to keep each person informed as to what they need to send in to complete their file, but we certainly do not want to skip anyone. It is also not too late for anyone who had not planned to attend to add your name to the list and join us. The only thing that it is too late to do is to order your cap and gown from Brooks. You can still try to borrow one or get one from somewhere else. You can find all the information on our website, www.andersonvilleseminary.com under the Forms tab or by calling Julie Weeks at 1-800-525-1611. At the present time we have approximately 93 graduates attending the graduation and a total of over 700 guests attending. Any of you are welcome to attend as guests if you would like to watch an outstanding event.

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INTEREST IN DECEMBER GRADUATION?

Graduation is always the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend. In the past we tried to have one in September but that did not work out. Enough people did not sign up for the September time of year.

If you are interested in attending a December graduation please click the link below. ATS has not decided if we will have a December graduation or not we are just trying to get a feel if enough would be interested or not.

Click the link and it will open your email program – all you need to do is put your name in the message and send the email:

Interested in a December graduation

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MONTHLY MIRACLES

This month we will continue our series on: Miracles Are Still Possible. This is an uplifting story on how God has influenced a person or people to change their lives after an accident, tragedy or personal hardship. If any of you have a story that you would like to share with us, please send it to sdavis@andersonvilleseminary.com

The Miracle of Belief

Approximately 10 years ago, on a freezing January night, the cold, hard, truth hit me like a freight train: NO ONE WAS COMING TO MY RESCUE.

On our bedroom floor, my wife was giving birth to our son. He’s come so quickly that we had just called the hospital to tell them we were on our way…but we never made it out of the house.

The complication was he was breech, and when he had come out to his shoulders, the contractions stopped and he stopped coming. My wife and I stayed calm, but for all my trying, I just could not get his head out.

While this was happening, my sister had called the ambulance but we were stuck in this position for about 15 minutes before they arrived and were able to fully deliver him.

What I didn’t realize was that the umbilical cord was obstructed and our baby was suffering asphyxiation. When he was finally born, our boy was blue and his heart rate was 40 beats per minute when it should have been 140 beats per minute.

As the paramedics worked on our son, pumping oxygen into his lungs with a hand pump, I went outside to talk to God.

I had been studying the Bible at a local church for a while and had learned a great deal. One of the scriptures that had always impressed me the most was Mark 11:24:

“Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

This scripture told me I had to take responsibility in the situation and not wait for something to happen, but make something happen.

I felt strength flow through me as I reminded God what this scripture said. I told God that I was not going to ask for anything but that I was going to take control of the situation.

I had a strong belief that parents are supposed to protect their children, not just naturally but spiritually as well.

I also could not accept the idea that a child would be born just to die ten minutes later.

After my conversation with God, I felt fearless and determined. When I went back into the house, the main paramedic pulled me aside and asked me if he could have a word with me.

With a grim look on his face and a professional tone in his voice he told me, “I don’t think the little bloke’s gonna make it.”

THIS WAS A DEFINING MOMENT; I REFUSED TO BECOME AFRAID AND ACCEPT HIS OPINION!

Looking directly into his eyes I replied, “No he is going to be fine.” I know I must have had a look that said I meant business, because the paramedic backed off immediately with a quick reply, “Yea Okay.”

It is amazing how quickly people will change their mind and come into agreement with you when you are clear and absolute about something.

Upon entering the hospital I repeated with conviction, “No, he is going to make it. He’s gonna be just fine.” to anyone that spoke to me.

As I stood back and watched doctors and nurses buzzing around my son, in a hive of activity, things became surreal.

A smiling woman in a white coat approached, you know when they called in, I thought they would be bringing in a dead baby; but it is a miracle, they have done a great job, he is looking good.

Of course our baby did survive but the next day he was placed in intensive care.

At a meeting with the head of intensive care, the Doctor explained to us that our baby was “fitting” and this was most likely because he had suffered brain and organ damage due to the lack of oxygen he received during birth.

At this point, once again I reassured the Doctor, “No, don’t worry, he’s going to be just fine.” Because of what we had just been through, I thought there’s no way I am going to start backing off now. About this time the hospital psychologist interviewed us to see how we were handling the fact that our baby would be severely handicapped.

After the meeting, my wife sneaked a peek at the psychologist’s clipboard and notes. Among other things, my wife noticed the statement: “THIS COUPLE IS NOT PREPARED FOR FAILURE!” It was not written as a positive statement, but I found it incredibly empowering.

The intensive care unit is divided into ten sections. Section one for the sickest babies and our son was in this section. Some babies are in section one for months and some never get well. However, within two days our son was in section three and in three days he was in section nine. Within another three days we were taking him home in absolutely perfect condition.

Since this time I have pushed myself to learn as much as possible about this incredible power that saved my son’s life. With all certainty, I will always believe that God worked a miracle in my family.

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A MOTHER’S LIGHT

A very beautiful story is related of a boat out at sea carrying in it a father and his little daughter. As they were steering for the shore they were overtaken by a violent storm which threatened to destroy them. The coast was dangerous. The mother lighted a lamp and started up the worn stairway to the attic window.

“It won’t do any good, mother,” the son called after her.

But the mother went up, put the light in the window, knelt beside it and prayed. Out in the storm the daughter saw a glimmer of gold on the water’s edge.

“Steer for that,” the father said.

Slowly but steadily they came toward the light, and at last were anchored in the little sheltered harbor by the cottage.

“Thank God,” cried the mother, as she heard their glad voices and came down the stairway, with a lamp in her hand. “How did you get here?” she said.

“We steered by mother’s light,” answered the daughter, “although we did not know what it was out there.”

“Ah!” thought the boy, wayward boy, “it is time I was steering by mother’s light.”

And ere he slept he surrendered himself to God and asked Him to guide him over life’s rough sea. Months went by, and disease smote him.

“He can’t live long,” was the verdict of the doctor, and one stormy night he lay dying.

“Do not be afraid for me,” he said, as they wept; “I shall make the harbor, for I am steering by mother’s light.”

Happy Mother’s Day

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Thought: Don’t let the years rush by without telling others God’s loves them and what God has done on the cross for them

The years rush buy

The wasted chances . . .

Regret without hindsight

Backward glances.

Then too late

Felt sudden dread

Of reassuring

Words unsaid

While time still favors

Tells yours true

This humble phrase

“I love you.”

Can you tell your spouse, friends, etc you love them and also more importantly can you tell them what Christ did for them on the cross that is “love”?

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Thought for today: Do you know that once your name is added to the “Lambs Book of Life” God never has to read or check to make sure your name is there. God never once asks if you are too young, too old, etc. He only asked you to trust in the finished work at Calvary and then your name is written down forever more. What assurance!!!

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KEEP ON KEEPING ON

Wry comments on aging abound on the internet. No doubt you have seen some yourself:

“Going out is good . . . Coming home is better.”

“Your back goes out more often than you do.”

“You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything . . . Especially golf.”

“You miss the days when everything worked with just and on and off switch”

“The things you used to do, you no longer can do, but you do not care that you don’t do them anymore.” What most of these lists do not include is God’s perspective on aging:

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness (Proverbs 16:31). Gray hair is not something of which to be ashamed if we enthusiastically and humble continue to obey and serve the Lord.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. . . I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken. . . For the Lord. . . Forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever (Psalms 37:23, 25, and 28). In retirement we may have more time to comtemplate the Lord’s goodness, as well as pray for and help others.

When I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not, until I have shewed they strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come (Psalm 71:18) . God has a purpose for us at EVERY AGE STAGE OF LIFE, and with increased age comes increased responsibility to pass on TO OTHERS THE TRUTH’S OF GOD’S WORD AND HIS WAYS!!!

You don’t have to be old to experience the contentment of “aging in the Lord.” Whatever your age, when we recognize God’s sovereignty in the details of life, we can rest in the assurance He has all things under His control.

Today is the oldest you’ve ever been yet the youngest you’ll ever be, so enjoy the day while it lasts! Until you take your last breath, may it be said you’re working and leading others by your footprints to the footprints of Jesus at the cross!!!!!!

Work for the day is coming when men can work no more!

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24

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When you face life trials remember:

Under His wings I am safely abiding,

Though the night deepens and tempests are wild;

Still I can trust Him – I know He will keep me,

He has redeemed me and I am His child.

Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!

There will I hide ‘til life’s trials are o’er;

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,

Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.

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THANK YOU FROM HUNTER’S MOM

I would like to say thank you for all who pray for my autistic son.

He can now write his first name, Hunter.

He can write other letters as well. Some letters look like more than one letter. He still has a way to go, but it is progress.

He will be in the 3rd grade next year but now knows 36 reading words on the pre-k reading list. Not enough to read, but God is blessing us with this progress.

Thanks for everyone who is praying and please continue to pray.

I am constantly asked what I would like people to pray for him:

1. Pray he will learn to read.

2. Pray he will learn to write.

3. Pray that he will learn appropriate behavior and patience.

4. Pray that when he goes to special needs camp in June that he will make it the entire week.

Again I appreciate all your prayers!

Julie Weeks – Hunter’s mom

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WITHOUT GOD

Without God

Our Week would be

Sinday

Mournday

Tearsday

Wasteday

Thirstyday

Fightday

Shatterday

7 days without God makes one weak

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When sending in a test to the grade department remember one test per email.

For example, if you are sending in Eschatology and Doctrine of God, Eschatology should be in one email and Doctrine of God on another email.

All parts to Eschatology can be on one email:

Example

From: John Doe

To: grades@andersonvilleseminary.com

Subject: Eschatology test

Attachments: Eschatology test #2 Eschatology timeline #3 Outline of Eschatology

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please do not put your payment and tests in the same envelope-there is a possibility that your payment might get overlooked in the paperwork.

?Students are confused over our new course The Epistles of John. It is not the same course as I John – Jude. So if you receive the new course, you are to do it like you would any other course.
?Please remember to put your complete name and address on all correspondence with ATS to ensure proper credit on your account and your coursework.
?Transcripts cannot be issued to any student who has a balance on their program.
Please make every attempt to keep up with your progress as you are working through your courses. We have many students who call and ask us to tell them how many courses they have or have not completed and with over 8,000 students, it is very time consuming to have to look up your record.
When you send in a test, please do not use colored ink to denote your answers. Our printer is black and white only and does not pick up the color; this delays our grading your paper and getting you your results.
When a student retakes a test to improve his/her grade, you will receive an average of the two grades. The cost to retake a test is $50 for all students.

?If you pay for a student to take courses at ATS, please be sure to put the student’s name on the check, so that we can ensure proper credit is given.
If you send in an envelope to have your test paper sent back to you, PLEASE put enough postage on the return envelope. We cannot fit a 50 page test in a 46 cent envelope.
?Please remember to give us your new address when you move. There is a Change of Information Form on our site that you can fill out to inform us of this.
Please keep an eye on your automatic deduction credit card to make sure that your card is not expired.

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ADD ATS MEMORABILIA AND APPAREL TO YOUR SHOPPING LIST

Featured Product of the Month – Computer Bag

Computer Case Order Form

Other ATS Memorabilia and Apparel

ATS Medallion Order Form

Class Rings Order Form

Bumper Sticker Order Form

Frame Order Form

T-Shirts Order Form

T-Shirts with Graduation Year – Order Form

Polo Shirts Order Form

Jacket Order Form

Bible Holder Order Form

ATS Cap Order Form

ATS Long Sleeve Red T-Shirt Order Form

ATS Sweatshirt Order Form

ATS Clear Tumbler Order Form

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ALL STATEMENTS NOW GO OUT BY EMAIL AND REGULAR MAIL

If you are not receiving a statement by email, the finance department does not have your email address.

Please email the finance department your FULL name and your email address.

If your statement only has first and last name, please email finance@andersonvilleseminary.com and give the finance department your full name. You would be surprised at how many students have the same FIRST and LAST name.

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EMAIL ADDRESSES FOR YOUR INFORMATION

A. finance@andersonvilleseminary.com for money related questions.

B. grades@andersonvilleseminary.com is where students need to send tests, grade questions, and grade report questions

C. advisor@andersonvilleseminary.com to ask general admission questions

D. advisor2@andersonvilleseminray.com to ask general questions

E. ccd@andersonvilleseminary.com to ask counseling questions/NCCA department questions, and for emails you need to send Cherry Hayes; also use this email address to email any churches that need pastors, youth pastors, music/song leaders, etc and we will post this to our next newsletter and on our face book site.

F. info@andersonvilleseminary.com to send complaints or praises to be passed on to Dr. Hayes

G. www.andersonvilleseminary.com to put in a free online application/evaluation

H. sdavis@andersonvilleseminary.com to ask how many courses I lack/ask for a test to be emailed to you

Emails are answered in each department in 48 hours or faster on Monday-Friday. If you send an email on Friday, it may be Monday or Tuesday before it gets answered since we close at 12 noon on Friday.

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STUDENTS WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We would like our newsletter to include the following every month:

? Churches that need pastors

? Churches that need song leaders

? Poems or encouraging stories written by ATS students

? Comments about ATS/comments about your courses

We need your help in sending us those items! We would love to put in our newsletter about churches in your area that may need a pastor. Please help us with this information!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

??If you do NOT put your name on your work, we regret that it will have to go in the trash!
Keep a copy of all work that you send in during a program until you have your degree in your hands!!! Clerical workers can make mistakes. We are not perfect, even though we would like to be. Therefore, we cannot over stress; DO NOT SEND ATS THE LAST COPY OF YOUR WORK.
ATS is not responsible for work lost in the mail.
When the grade department receives an exam by email which does not have the test form number, it will be emailed back to the student so the proper information may be included. Exams without test form numbers will not be printed or given to the graders.
THANK YOU for putting your first, middle, and last name on exams. This helps so much since many students have the same first and last name.
Grade reports are mailed out by regular US Mail every Thursday. Please allow 3 weeks for grading of your exams.
Check out the ATS items for sale by visiting http://www.andersonvilleseminary.com/ On the home page, click on ATS Apparel and Memorabilia (There you can see all products in COLOR)
The current ATS price chart can be found here.

Office hours (EASTERN standard time)

Monday to Thursday 9 to 4

Friday 9 to 12 noon

If you have bought a frame, t-shirt, or any ATS apparel please email grades@andersonvilleseminary.com and let us know how you liked your product so we can put your comment in the next newsletter.

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ATS goal is 150 graduates to participate in the May 24, 2013 graduation. Please pray that ATS meets or exceeds that goal! Add ATS to your prayer list!

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CHURCHES IN TEXAS THAT NEED PASTORS

Pastor–Antioch, Cassville, Missouri is seeking a pastor. Contact us at oakwoodchristian@yahoo.com or 417-847-5555.

Pastor–First, Beckville is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to P.O. Box 329, Beckville, Texas 75631 or fanninc@yahoo.com.

Pastor–Clover Hill, Quitman is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Send resume to the church at P.O. Box 1426, Quitman, Texas 75783.

Pulpit Supply–Carlos Missonary, Carlos, 20 miles north of Bryan/College Station. We are a small country church. At present we have no pastor and we are prayerfully looking to fill the pulpit in search of the pastor that the Lord is to send us. We do have overnight accomodations if our visiting pastor is in need of at the church’s fellowship hall. Call 281-924-6942 or email cheryllangford@comcast.net.

Pastor–New Home Missionary, Lansing, Michigan is seeking a full-time pastor. Send resume to the church at 3133 Pleasant Grove Road, Lansing, Michigan 48910 or mankeygary@aol.com.

Youth Minister–Afton Grove, Jacksonville is seeking a bi-vocational youth minister. Must be a man of strong spiritual character, purposefully called to lead our youth into a closer walk with Jesus Christ. We are looking for someone who is spiritually gifted, as well as a hard worker. The church is situated close to Jacksonville College and BMA Theological Seminary. Send resume to the church at P.O. Box 1328, Jacksonville, Texas 75766 or oneilbet@yahoo.com.

Pastor–South Park, Fort Worth is seeking a pastor. Visit fortworthbaptistchurch.org/PastorSearch/ for more information about the church or to submit a resume.

Pastor–Elwood, Wills Point is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. Elwood is a smaller congregation with a rich 115 year history. Send resume to Larry Black, 3922 VZCR 3504, Wills Point, Texas 75169, lblacksr47@yahoo.com or call 903-873-8184.

Pastor–Pastor Fred Heath is retiring as pastor of Eighth Street, Grand Prairie. We are seeking a new pastor. Send resume to the church at 705 Skyline Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75051 or e-mail gardnmaster1@aol.com.

Teach with Wisdom; Preach with Power

Student Earns NCCA License

Congratulations, May 15th Graduates!!

Update on Churches Needing Pastors

Congratulations to May 1 Graduates