Grace and peace to everyone at Saint John’s. Thank you so much for allowing me to serve at the church this summer. I’m still smiling as I recall some of my memories from this summer. Now that I’m in the fall quarter it’s nice to take those experiences back to the classroom. This fall semester I’m taking my second preaching class, my first of four systematic theology classes and a class on the Gospel of John. Apart from class I’ve also had time to be involved in intramural sports, some campus Bible studies and my field-work church.

I want to share a neat experience that I’d recommend trying if you haven’t already: Prayer Journaling. The congregation I’m involved with in Saint Louis, Faith Lutheran, has had me teaching a four-week Bible study on prayer. When I was first asked to teach on prayer my first thought was “Well, God does have a sense of humor, I’m so bad at praying.” I’m not kidding either; my schedule is often so hectic and transient that consistency is rare, except for the time before bed. I must say that God blesses in marvelous ways. Part of this class was to keep a prayer journal. Now, I’ve never journaled in my life! It was strange at first, but it’s becoming more fun to do. If you have never tried something like this before, I highly recommend keeping a prayer journal. I can be a bit of a scatter-brain at time (this is no surprise to my parents). The journaling has really helped to focus my prayers and it’s fun to look back and see how God has answered prayers. Plus it helps to keep notes on what and who to keep praying for. Give it a shot! Like me, you may be surprised how helpful it can be. I’ve grown much humbler in how God is working in my life, that’s for sure!

Apart from seminary and church I also had a neat opportunity. A few weeks ago there was an airshow in Saint Louis. It was a blast! There was a whole lot of fried food, cool planes, aerobatic airshows and I was asked to do a few skydives for the crowds. I found a ridiculous cow-print jumpsuit and the kids loved it. That is probably the closest I’ll ever get to being a celebrity. A friend and I even got our picture in the local paper. It’s been great to spend time back with my skydiving friends and enjoy flying again!

Generally life has been going very well. I’ve been quite busy but blessed. I’m already looking forward to vicarage next year. Thank you so much for your prayers and support during this journey in my life. Seminary has been a great blessing. I owe you many thanks for making it possible to have this time to study and grow as a child of God. I continue to pray that my time here will mature me into the servant Christ needs for his Church. I can’t wait to see you all over Christmas break.

Nikolai Gibbons is a Saint John’s member who is studying for the ministry at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. You can reach him by email at gibbons@StJohnsFC.org.