"CANINES!"

We call ourselves “The Dogs!”

That’s a rather odd name. Not that I have anything against the canine species, but that title did sound a bit pejorative when I first heard it.

These are the guys—I should say, rather, “we,” since I have joined the ranks of this beastly contingent—who, in the midst of a rather spiritually sterile academic atmosphere here in the School of Divinity, seek refuge together in the haven of prayer. Every Monday, the 6-10 of us (last week was a sparse one), congregate at Tom’s flat for fellowship, food, and much prayer.

We’re there at noon weekly, some with their sandwiches (others with our desserts—guess who brings what) (Hey! You ever tried Cadbury’s Milk Chocolate that comes in the Turkish Delight flavor? If you haven’t, you ain’t lived yet!!!). After about an hour of feasting and frolicking, we pray for one another.

Incidentally, the crowd is mostly American and entirely evangelical. Apparently that species of Christian is subject to some amount of disapprobation and disparagement in the environs of the School (what’s new?). This, I am told, explains the animalian appellation that we bear.

Dogs, indeed! Why, once upon a time, YHWH noted His appreciation of those who behaved like dogs! (See Judges 7 for more on this.)

It has been a joy to be a part of this bunch of guys. Wonderful to hear oneself being prayed for. A privilege to pray for one’s brothers. An honor to share one’s needs. A thrill to be bonded together in Christ, despite the obvious differences in our backgrounds, cultures, races, and ethnicities.

[That’s David next to me—DTS man; Robert—from Houston; Gregor—our token Scot; and Tom—who is Swiss-Filipino; others —from India, Nigeria, and the US—weren’t there that day.]

There is no doubt that God provides and provides abundantly. Wherever we might find ourselves stationed, God is faithful to keep us in community, within the tender care of His people and under the protective cover of the Body of Christ. And Aberdeen has been no exception for me.

I have more than I can ask for.

I said to the LORD,
“Thou art my Lord;
I have no good besides Thee.”
As for the saints who are in the earth,
They are the majestic ones
In whom is all my delight.”
Psalm 16:2–3

A hearty “Amen!” to those words of David—especially to that last clause.

May we never forget to thank God for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Indeed, “How beautiful is the Body of Christ!”