In order to capture some highlights of time spent as a female student at RPTS, I’ve borrowed the format of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

On the first day of Seminary, my true love (God) gave to me 90 new brothers (and friends). My first impression of them was positive, because of their sin- cerity, maturity, and decency. Six months later, my respect for them has grown because of the obvious harmony and the quality of their characters and friendship.

On the second day of Seminary, my true love gave to me a beautiful library, seminary, and professors to help me learn. When my father graduated from here 40 years ago, he probably couldn’t have imagined the changes that have occurred. The receptionists’ offices are as bright and sunny as the receptionists themselves. The grand staircase is a prominent feature in the main hallway, like something out of Gone With the Wind. The second floor now consists of a classroom, expanded library, rare books room, and soon-to-be RP history room. Everything is well-lit and attractive.

On the third clay of Seminary, my true love gave to me—homework! The missionary certificate program is a wonderful way to take some classes that the first year master of divinity students take. For those interested in becoming ministers, it is also a good way to discover if God is calling them to that ministry. At the end of one year (15 credits), the missionary candidate receives a certificate of accomplishment. Several of my friends who were RP short-term mission “teamers” have gone this route. There is a discount available to such former members, which was one of the incentives that brought me here.

Some of the excellent classes I’ve had are spiritual development, Reformed the ology, history of Westminster Assembly. Synoptic Gospels and John, Christian education, worship, God and science, Revelation, Acts and the Epistles, re search and writing, and missions. Working at a part-time job and doing volunteer work on weekends have helped me appreciate the spirit of teamwork that prevails at the Seminary. Although Semi nary sometimes feels like a sports game. I very much feel like a full-fledged member.

On the fourth day of Seminary, my true love gave to me a computer lab. Other wise known as the War Room, it is a great place to learn all sorts of things. In the midst of typing papers, doing research, listening to Jason Coghill’s CDs, e-mailing friends, and checking out the news, the computer lab inevitably becomes the incubator of some interesting discussions and unofficial publications.

On the fifth day of Seminary, my true love gave to me a white collar. What a blessing it is to have 35 minutes scheduled each day to hear the Word of God preached. with praise and prayer offered. I do enjoy hearing the men preach and seeing them “work out their salvation with fear and trembling.” Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God I don’t have to do that. I have given several presentations in classes and can appreciate the skill of those called to be teachers.

On the sixth day of Seminary, my true love gave to me a movie night with food and friends. After a long, hard day listening, taking notes, and reading, it’s fun to order pizza and watch a movie with a group of Christian guys (and the occasional girl). It’s usually nothing pro found, but I really enjoy watching Christian men interacting with each other and with me. As iron sharpens iron, I’ve seen these brothers train each other for ministry. They don’t look down on the younger ones, but all strive to be good examples in life, in love, in faith, in speech, and in purity. It’s a rare and precious gift to be part of that.

Since this is only the middle of my school year, I must wait to see what the other “six days” will bring. I hope this may be of some encouragement to those who support the various missions and ministries of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. What a blessing it is to know that “God is doing a good work in our land and it is marvelous in our eyes.”