Our travel time to Tanzania will be approximately 25 hours, about half the travel time for a trip to China, but still a significant period of time. Here’s some of what I hope to be doing to pass the time:

Some of what I hope to read:

New Testament Deacon by Alexander Strauch.
We are beginning the process of deacon selection at Grace. As such, I will write a short position paper for the congregation addressing the particular questions of Deaconesses and the “husband of one wife” clause. I hope that this book will aid in the process. I must admit my disappointment at the available material on the role of Deacons in the church.

The Kingdom of Christ by Russell Moore.
I’ve been hoping to get to this book for some time now. Moore sets out to examine the relationship of the Kingdom perspective to evangelical cultural engagement. He does so in light of the current discussions between Covenant Theology and Progressive Dispensationalism and seeks to show that the Kingdom understanding provides common ground for both. Should be an interesting read in light of many of the ideas introduced in Nancy Pearcey’s Total Truth.

The Baptism of Disciples Alone by Fred Malone.
Another one I’ve hoped to get to for quite some time now. Seems pertinent, particularly in light of John Piper’s move to allow Paedobaptists as church members. Malone expands on his wonderful little book A String of Pearls Unstrung, arguing for a covenantal understanding of Credobaptism.

A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving.
I’m trying to be very intentional about including fiction in my reading rotations, something which has been lacking for several years. This is another book that I’ve meant to get to for quite some time, and it looks as though I’ll finally have time to do it. I love to watch how good fiction writers use concrete imagery, and I hope to be able to incorporate the same sensitivity into my own writing. Don’t neglect fiction!

The Saints Everlasting Rest by Richard Baxter.
In keeping with C.S. Lewis’ admonition to read old books, here’s another one that I’ve wanted to pick up for quite some time. I’ve read bits and pieces of this great work, but I’ve never read the complete work, which I hope to rectify on this trip.

Some of what I’ll be listening to:

I Want To Tell My Heart To You But I Cannot Say English and The Jaws That Bite, The Claws That Catch by…As The Poets Affirm.
An instrumental act out of Ottowa, the name is from a line of Dante’s Inferno. Falling somewhere between Godspeed You Black Emperor! and Unwed Sailor, with hints of Japancakes and Mogwai, …As The Poets Affirm incorporate cello and violin into sweeping arrangements. Larger than pop but not as cliche as some post-rock, this band is a new favorite.

Corduroy Road by Goldmund.
Goldmund is Boston-based multi instrumentalist Keith Kenniff. A stark break from his usual electronic music output, Corduroy Road is simply Kenniff and his piano. Minimal yet evocative, the warm recording is surely good music to read by.

Cracked Radiator, Bum Transmission by The Tundra Survey.
The Tundra Survey are a now defunct instrumental project combining viola, cello, flute/xylophone, electric bass and guitar into a unique rock/classical hybrid. More good reading music.

If I Could Only See Dallas by Japancakes.
Japancakes are another instrumental outfit incorporating strings (are you seeing a pattern here?) Using extended pop structures and drones, along with steel guitar, this has been a favorite for some time now.