Roger Mohrlang (1978-present) professor of theology
How quickly the years pass: this is my 30th year at Whitworth! Dottie and I are so grateful to be here: It's been a splendid place for us to serve Christ together. What a privilege it's been to work with so many eager students and such first-rate colleagues.
Last summer I flew to Cameroon to give an exegetical seminar on Paul's Letters for Bible-translation consultants working in various African countries. After that, I spent two pleasant weeks checking the Oku translation of Matthew and Mark.

Fall term was an unusually busy time. While Dottie was working with certification for ministry interns, mentoring students, teaching a women's Bible class, and caring for her 95-year-old mom, I was teaching New Testament, Old Testament, and New Testament Greek 1, as well as serving on a departmental search committee that perused more than 150 applications for a new position. I'm delighted that Jonathan Moo (New Testament, Cambridge) was given the nod; he and his wife, Stacey, will be a superb addition to an already stellar department.

Whitworth has graciously given me a sabbatical leave (my fourth) this term. For the first time, we've decided to remain in Spokane, so that we can be near Dot's mom. We have wonderful memories of our previous sabbaticals -- two in Oxford (1986, 1993) and one at Daystar University in Kenya (2000-2001). At the encouragement of my colleagues, I've begun writing a book on -- who else? -- Paul!

In January, after Dottie and I spent a great week visiting our daughter in Wuhan, China, I travelled on to India and Nepal, where I taught week-long courses on Paul's letters at three Bible schools and two Indian missions. (At one school, students rise for devotions at 5 a.m.and read all the way through the New Testament during five days of fasting at the beginning of every school year.)  I also gave a week-long exegetical seminar on Paul for Bible translators working in Nepal. I met so many impressive Asian Christians. Persecution and anti-conversion legislation is on the rise in India: Over Christmas, Hindus destroyed dozens of churches and burned down hundreds of Christian homes in Orissa. Several church leaders lost their lives. "Remember those who are in prison, as if you were in prison with them. Remember those who are being tortured, as if you were being tortured with them" (Heb 13.3).
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In mid-June I shall be returning to the remote Nigerian village I lived in from 1968-74, when I was working on the translation of the Kamwe New Testament. Christians there have now begun to translate the Old Testament, and I've been asked to provide consultant help. After 34 years, it will be a wonderful homecoming -- but you can imagine how desperate I am to recover the fluency I once had in the language.

Do keep in touch, please. Remember that we love hearing from you. May you be filled with the joy and power of Christ's Spirit as you serve him day by day!