Winter 1993

Pinecrest News

The first school week of each January is a special time in which we search our hearts and seek the Lord. All classes are set aside during this week and we meet in Chapel each morning and evening for this purpose.

From the beginning to the end of this week of spiritual emphasis and prayer, the presence of the Lord was very evident. We were challenged to look beyond those things which are behind, and press toward the mark of His calling and purpose (Phil 3:12-14). Another verse that became very real to us was Psalm86:11 "Teach me thy way O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to reverence thy Name."

This school year has been marked by many stirrings of the Holy Spirit. There is a very evident working of the Lord in the Chapel services and classrooms for which we are most thankful. Lives are being changed and prepared for the ministry and mission fields of the World. Those who give in support of this ministry will have a part in the fruit of the abundant harvest that will follow.

Pastors Joe Nieves from Allentown, Pennsylvania and Ed Szumowshi from Delaware are here this second term to teach. The rich deposit that has developed within their lives through many years of ministry is being imparted into the student body. Clair Hutchins from Florida, a powerful man of God with a compelling love for the nations spoke at the Thanksgiving convention. He had a rich, challenging word of total commitment to the cross and of a new higher life in the Spirit. The tapes of these meetings are available from the bookstore.

It was good to have a large number of visitors here during this week of spiritual emphasis. Next year, this special time of prayer will be mentioned in advance in the Banner so those who desire to come can make arrangements to be here.

Several new students came at the beginning of the last quarter, and many more are coming at the beginning of the new quarter that is just before us. There is an evident increase in hunger for spiritual things. The quality of dedication and spiritual desire that is present in the student body is a challenge to all of us.

A return trip to Bulgaria is planned in February by Tom Worth and Richard Forde, who are full time teachers here at the Bible School. There is an increasing burden to establish a Bible School in Bulgaria and steps are being taken in this direction. A student is here from Bulgaria and several of the tracts and a Banner are being translated into their language. These will be printed and taken there. Both Richard and Tom are learning the Bulgarian language.

I shared with you last year of my husband, Howard, who went to be with the Lord in October 1991. He is greatly missed. He had been here for twenty years and was active in many aspects of the spiritual life of the school. Also, he had a special burden for the financial needs of the school, and of the students.

Some time ago, I felt that a Pinecrest/Howard B Adkins Memorial Scholarship Fund should be established to benefit students who desire to attend Bible School and lack funds to do so. This has been done and several contribution shave been received for this purpose.

Both Pinecrest and I greatly appreciate these expressions of caring toward Howard. I also express my thanks to the hundreds who sent cards and letters at the time of his passing. Please, prayerfully consider being a part of this scholarship fund.

There is much ahead of us, as we follow on to know the Lord. It is my prayer and desire that the ministry of the Banner, and the Bible School will be a blessing and encouragement to each one of you.