The blessing of meeting face-to-face

A bit of a change of pace, but the main article for this edition comes from Lindsay, who was asked to write an article about the recent Intensive Study Weeks for the Luther Academy website:

On 17 June 2023, seminarians from across the globe (including Italy, Turkey, Romania, Sweden, Malawi, and South Sudan) descended upon Rīga to begin the annual two-week intensive consisting of in-person instruction, worship, and fellowship – aspects that are lacking during their usual online study. Since much of Luther Academy’s instruction is online, this type of gathering is crucial for educational and professional development.

Our instructors were Rev. Dr. Quintin Cundiff (Congregational Catechesis) and Rev. Jerry Lawson (Lutheran Apologetics), with additional Apologetics lecturers including Rev. Dr. John J. Bombaro and Rev. Dr. Simon David Berry.

The Intensive Study Weeks (ISW) began with a walking tour of Vecrīga (Old Rīga) and worship with the English-speaking congregation at the historic St. John Lutheran Church, which houses a bit of the city wall built in the early 13th century during the founding of Rīga.

Later that day, the attendees left for Mazirbe Recollection Center, a retreat about 170 km northwest of Rīga near the beautiful Baltic Sea. Each day there began with Divine Service with Holy Communion (in English) and ended with Compline (in Latvian). Approximately six hours of instruction filled the rest of the days with plenty of free time for fellowship, exploration, and study.

The second week of ISW saw the participants relocate to St. Gregory School in Saldus, another 130 km south of Mazirbe, with a quick stop in Kuldīga to wade next to the widest waterfall in Europe. Each day began with Matins in the chapel, followed by another six hours of classwork and free time, and ended with Compline.

After completing these classes, the attendees all returned to Rīga for a final meal together before returning to their respective homes. The students will resume online studies on 21 August but will reconvene for ISW in June 2024.

Praise be to God for this time together and for safe travels to and from Latvia!

From the student's perspective

The following is a note from Rev. Davis Wowa, a current student of Luther Academy and a pastor in Malawi in southern Africa. (Used with permission.)

I just want to express my humble thanks to the administration of Luther Academy for organizing such a wonderful and persuasive Intensive study week which brings all, students, lecturers to a one focal point something that deserves praise from both corners of space.

Such type of wisdom is at large to many but present to our dear lecturers, administration and supporting staff of this admirable Theological institution. There is a reason for all student to bow down, kneeling before our Triune God expressing our total thanks to God for giving this Institution, lecturers who are there to serve not to be served, administrative officers and all those who offer their hands in monetary support and praying for the smooth running of the Institution.

May God bless Rev. Cortright and his family, Rev. John Bombaro and his family, Rev. Christian Tiews and his family, Rev. Jerry Lawson and his family, Rev. Quintin Cundiff and his family, and lastly, our anchor, Jēkabs, the Director of English Studies. You have made us feel recognized. May God keep blessing you richly! I am returning home with a full smile for everything.

If anyone supports this, let him/her say Amen!