Romans 12:2 states that God’s children are to: “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” These words indicate that God’s will is Totally Fitting, Totally Satisfying and Totally Fulfilling, which means that God’s Will is the very best path believers can take. As much as Kathi and I (Earl) have sought to pursue this path, I myself temporarily doubted its perfection.
Since 2003, we have been involved in International Theological Education with ABWE Canada. I have developed and taught 40 Theology and Bible courses courses in 9 different countries around the world. Kathi kept busy at home editing and typing Course student manuals, monthly newsletters, and more recently transcribing Course teaching recordings. During Covid’s travel restrictions we were involved in publishing Kathi’s transcriptions into books for the Bible Colleges and Seminaries where I taught. I looked forward with eagerness to returning to International Theological Education and my closest ministry partners who were overseas believers.
All that changed when my preparatory medical for returning overseas was inhibited due to health complications. In effect, my International Theological Education Ministry was ended! I would never again be among my closest ministry partners. I was devastated by the finality of the diagnosis. Needless to say, I sought the Lord for His intervention with equal eagerness, praying for His will while secretly hoping for the International Teaching ministry to be renewed.
It was through these prayers that God accomplished not only His perfect will, but His promised result: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Php. 4:67). Although I failed in the call to ‘not be anxious’, God’s peace truly captured me. I began to look forward to what God had in store.
God’s plan became clear when the Leadership Team of our home church asked me to consider starting a Bible Institute, and ABWE Canada has endorsed this new mission mandate for us. In September 2022, the Riverside Bible Institute was started at our home church in Huntsville, ON. Kathi and I are once again labouring together to produce Institute courses and looking forward to a local Theological Education ministry. It appears that my health issues will not be affected by nor interfere with this new mandate. God never breaks His Word, never wavers from a perfect plan for His children, and never fails to satisfy our deepest needs. Praise the Lord!
In Christ,
Earl Cooper
