On September 13, 2004, classes began in Pennsylvania at Twin Lakes Missionary Institute with eager students and staff. What a joy to live and work with young people whose one goal is to serve the Lord Jesus! Willingness, cheerfulness and consecration are the words that best describe those who have come from many different places to study God’s will.

With a full load of academic subjects to cover in the mornings, the practical program is a welcome change for all in the afternoons. All are students in the school of Christ so classes are always interesting. We are learning with and from one another.

How can we best describe what has been happening thus far? There have been so many different activities that we must tell you of only a few of the highlights. We’ve practiced being firefighters, farmers, chefs and painters so far. Organizing, general upkeep and lawn care have also been part of the activities covered. Besides class instruction on history, doctrine, anatomy, physiology, evangelism, and the canvassing, students are also engaged in a number of practical courses through various on-campus projects. These practical courses include electrical work, plumbing, cooking, sewing, auto mechanics, home constuction and repair, agriculture, beekeeping, and much more. In December 2004 the student body conducted successful canvassing campaigns in Nashville (Tennessee), and Orlando (Florida), where their efforts yielded many new interested contacts so that the local workers there will be busy for some time to come. Students wondered about how they could get used to going to bed earlier but frequently ask, “Is it time for bed yet?”

Students can best describe what is standing out most to them in our brief time together. Let’s ask them:

When the question is presented: “What have you enjoyed best?” the answers are:

GL: “Is there anything I don’t like? Driving the tractor, soy puffs. It is hard to choose which is best when you have the right people working with you. The closer you come to God, the more He blesses and He has blessed me with an increase of family members. We do things together and the best of all is exhorting one another into a deeper, closer relationship with our Maker.

AW: “I have enjoyed my first few weeks at school very much. What I like most of all is the environment with its opportunities for spiritual growth. The school is quiet and peaceful with nature close by and abundant fresh air. The atmosphere of the school is very refreshing and calming. I have also enjoyed studying God’s word so much of the time. Our classes are spiritually centered, and I enjoy being able to have my everyday studying so spiritual. I feel as if I am getting a very good supply of spiritual food, which is wonderful. I am grateful to the Lord for giving me such a valuable opportunity here at school.”

KS: “If I had known what a blessing this experience would be I wouldn’t have thought twice about coming! To me the greatest blessing is the true, deep, Christian fellowship with young people that are serious about getting ready for heaven. I don’t feel so alone!”

RM: “I like the solitude here that I can be closer to the Lord.”

JM: “I like fixing the car, going for walks, seeing the creatures and soy puffs! I also like the way that God has taught me to see things the way He wants me to see. I also like to study the marvels that God has made in the human body, and the wonderful teachings of God’s word. I pray for lots of blessings for the school and all the students. All should make an effort to get here.”

GG: “I am very thankful to God for this privilege to be here. I am thankful to the Lord because today we live in the last days when the history of the earth is approaching the end. I want to thank the brothers and sisters of TLMI for this opportunity to be here and to study the word of God. May the Lord bless you and this school.

“As well as beginning the full-time program, part-time seminar students have also joined the ‘family.’ What are some of their observations?”

KC: “As a participant in the past-time seminar program, I am receiving a real blessing from the studies involved and look forward to each session. There is much to learn and I realize that I know so little in comparison. The classroom teaching and discussion is very valuable and brings out the deeper things which I may not glean on my own. I desire to keep studying and learning more of the wonderful truth with God’s help and want to impart it to others. This program is helping me to do both.

“I welcome the opportunity to learn more how to research and compile material in order to spread the message. . . .

“I am not ready to sit in my rocking chair and wait for the Lord to come but desire to work with and for Him so that He can come!”

Praise the Lord for His work in human hearts!

What have been the greatest challenges we have faced? The mini flood that greeted us one morning. With all of the hurricanes threatening the eastern coast of the US, residual effects have been felt here. Twice we have had the basement flooded and our new lounge area has been watered as well. Our need - a new roof and gutters at the front of the building. Temporary measures have been taken to avoid more water inside by extending down pipes with existing fragments of old ones and a blue tarp nicely placed on the roof held down with cement blocks. It works for now, but we ask you to pray for the necessary means to help meet this immediate need. If you can help, please let us know soon.

We thank you for your prayers and support.