Update From Ian

Ian Gillies is a student under care of Presbytery studying at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Here is Ian’s latest letter to the Scottish congregations.

10th September 2020

Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends,

When I last wrote to you in early March, I am sure you, like me, didn’t expect the next six months to turn out as they have. Much has changed since March, but we can give thanks that our Lord never changes — He is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Seminary classes resumed just a few days ago and one of my professors reminded us, “The Lord did not promise ease; He promised salvation.” Although these past months have not been easy, I hope and pray that you, with me, can yet say with boldness, “The Lord is good.”

Shelby and I were reminded of the Lord’s goodness in a special way on
August 6th, when we were joined in marriage. We would like to take this
opportunity to thank you all for your prayers. In the absence of many of our loved ones, we were certainly aware of the presence of our Lord, which gladdened our hearts. At a time when the world is markedly chaotic and the United States particularly turbulent, the Lord has been so kind to us, and so have you, His people.

As mentioned, classes have now resumed at RPTS. This marks the beginning
of my final academic year, with a view to graduating at the end of May 2021, Lord willing. Time has passed quickly but much work remains to be done! Thankfully, due to our relatively small class sizes, we are able to meet in person. Until the end of November, I will be studying Covenant Theology, Doctrine of Human Nature, Pastoral Theology, Acts and the Pauline Epistles, and Preaching New Testament Narratives.

I am also taking a class called Old Testament Exegesis, which involves the
interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. Over the summer, both Sylvester Konteh and I took an online class that laid the groundwork for this subject, but we are now to write an extensive paper to cap off the course. This is one of the larger assignments we will be tasked with so we would appreciate your prayers. Pray that the Lord would use it — and all our classes and assignments — for the good of our hearts, not just our heads. Please pray particularly that God would guide Sylvester who, being in The Gambia, does not have as much direct access to resources as I do.

Technology has enabled Sylvester and I to keep in touch during our studies. I am excited by how the Lord is working in his life and in The Gambia in general. It is amazing to think what could take place if the Lord would breathe out His Spirit on that small nation. And is this not what we need in our own land? What great cause we have to pray that the Lord would pour out the breath of His Spirit and give life to the dry bones strewn throughout Scotland.

Before I leave you, I want to thank those of you who write me — a word from home never fails to encourage the heart. While I am thankful to have the opportunity to write to you all, I long to see you. According to my own plan, I would have been with you this summer, but, according to the Lord’s plan, that was not to be. Great solace is found in the fact that “He does all things well” (Mark 7:37). Though we are far from you, be assured that Shelby and I pray for you often. We are so looking forward to the day when we will be able to see you and worship with you, as the Lord wills.

I was asked to summarise the points I have raised for prayer at the end of my letters, so they are as follows:
• The new academic year at RPTS, and the significant assignments that
will entail
• Sylvester’s continued distance learning, and the cause of Christ in The
Gambia
• The need for the Holy Spirit to move in power in the States, at home,
and further abroad
• The Lord’s continued help as Shelby and I grow into married life and
hope to return to Scotland next summer

I praise God for you all. May He bless you richly.

Ian Gillies