The Public Health Christian Fellowship at JHSPH

Dear PHCF, Do you feel overwhelmed or burdened or stuck or pulled in a thousand directions (whether in the plentiful studies/work set before you, in your spiritual walk, or in relationships with family/friends/neighbors/ peers/coworkers)? Our brother Paul the apostle wrote in 2 Cor 12 about a "thorn in the flesh" given to keep him from becoming conceited. Though he pleaded for relief, God answered,  My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  In the midst of trial, will you respond like Paul and say with confidence:  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me ? Will you be content, knowing and trusting in His abundant grace to you? Tomorrow (Oct 1) at 12:15pm in Room W3031,  please join us for fellowship. We'll do a Bible study on "Flourishing in Graduate School", looking at Jeremiah 29. Bring your own lunch! Other event announcements: Apple-picking: join...

Dear PHCF, It's hard to believe that it's the first day of fall (and midterm week) already! In a time of feeling hectic and overwhelmed with projects, papers, studying, things-to-do, and people-to-meet, will you hear God's promise to his people in Ezekiel 11, who were scattered among the nations?  And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and given them a heart of flesh.  He desires to bring his people back to himself, to transform us. Will you let Him? Praying that you lay your burdens at Jesus' feet tonight, that you simply "trust and obey" as the old hymn says, and that you love Him with your whole being as you go about what He has given you to do. Tomorrow (Sept 24) at 12:15pm in Room W3031,  please join us for fellowship. Ope will lead a Bible study on "Flourishing in Graduate School", looking at John 15:1-8. Bring your own lunch! Other event announceme...

Dear PHCF, The Sons of Korah begin Psalm 46 remembering who the Lord is:  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble  (v1). Despite "the earth giving away" or the "mountains moving to the heart of the sea" or "roaring waters" or "mountains trembling" - despite calamity and uncertainty and stress - the psalmist exhorts the people of God not to fear. Dear ones, will you obey today like the psalmist?  "Be still, and know that I am God"  (v10). Remember who he is, what he has done - remember Jesus! - and let that be the root of your identity, the inspiration of your dreams, and the motivation for your work in and around the SPH.  Here is a song for meditation. Tomorrow (Sept 17) at 12:15pm in Room W3031,  Dr. Anbrasi Edward, a dear faculty member and advisor from the Department of International Health, will be sharing. Bring your own lunch; dessert will be provided. Other announcements: The  International...

Dear Public Health Christian Fellowship, Paul writes (Eph 2:19-22), " So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."  Praying that tonight you remember your one firm foundation - Christ - who calls you out of darkness into marvelous light, who gives you community, and prepares in advance good work for you to do. Tomorrow (Sept 10) at 12:15pm in Room W3031 , please join us for our PHCF first-term meet-and-greet! Bring your own lunch; dessert will be provided. We will get to know each other and make plans for the year. Other announcements/events you may be interested in: The  International Fellowship  meets ...

Dear Public Health Christian Fellowship, Happy first day of first term! Welcome to all those who are new to the SPH, and welcome back to everyone else - after a long holiday weekend (or summer break). We are glad that you are here! Isaiah writes of the joy of the redeemed in Chapter 35:  The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.... They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.  Praying that as you go about your studies/work this week,, not leaning on your own strength, you see more of His glory and his great abiding love for you. Announcements: We start up our regular weekly Tuesday lunch gatherings in SPH Wolfe Street Building Room  W3031  (note room change!)  next Tues, Sept 10 . We will have a lunchtime  meet-and-greet  (bring your own lunch; dessert will be provided). International Fell...