Why Aren't We Wearing Crash Helmets To Church?

Annie Dillard wrote,

“Why do people in church seem like cheerful, brainless tourists on a packaged tour of the Absolute? … Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we blithely invoke? … It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets.”

I love this quote. It reminds me of the dream Nebuchadnezzar had in Daniel 2. He dreamed of a statue that represented his and many different kingdoms that would follow his. Then God brought a huge rock that smashed the statue. That rock went on to become a mountain that filled the whole earth. Daniel interpreted the dream for the king:

“… the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed ... It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” (Dan 2:44)

People in our churches face fear and insecurity from different sources. It’s easy for some people to fan the flame of that fear to manipulate people. The Bible assures us of a sovereign God who is in control and will prevail against anything or anyone. The message from Daniel is that we don’t have to live in fear. How do people learn God’s clear message of confidence and hope?

Clarkston Bible Institute is working at preparing leaders who not only learn the Bible, but teach people to think. We want to equip leaders with the ability to discern the times, and apply scripture accurately. To do that we have to allow God’s word to blow up false ideas of self preservation being our only goal as Christians. We must allow God’s good news to penetrate the false notion that outward appearances are more important than a changed heart.

We are glad you are part of the Clarkston Bible Institute family. As part of this family, we hope you lead people to strap on their crash helmets and let God’s word do its work.

🎓 Student Spotlight | Meet Daniel Muwanguzi

• Name: Daniel Muwanguzi
• Home Country: Uganda
• Ministry Focus: Pastor. Youth Evangelism and discipleship.
• Theological Growth: Daniel is bridging the gap between classroom study and real-world ministry. By applying practical biblical truths to his daily leadership, he has found a new sense of clarity that has transformed his ministry from a burden into a joy.
• In His Words:

"Enrolling in the Clarkston Bible Institute during a season of uncertainty was exactly what I needed. The curriculum wasn't just informational, it was deeply practical. After almost every lesson, I found myself immediately applying what I learned to my current church ministry. This experience has opened my eyes in profound ways, making my path clearer and my ministry work feel like a joy rather than a burden. I can truly testify that my spiritual life and understanding have been transformed."

🌍 Impact Report: Beyond the Classroom

Global Expansion: Thailand Mission Trip
This month, we celebrate the 'Entrust' phase of our work as one of our own leads a strategic mission to the unreached."

The Need: Within the Southeast Asian region, there is a critical requirement for spiritual formation and biblical mentorship for displaced and unreached youth. As regional tensions and the threat of military conscription create a sensitive political climate, these young people need the stability of foundational truth.

The Goal: To serve an estimated 200 Karenni students that live in the boarder region between Myanmar and Thailand. The objective is to provide effective teaching that transforms lives and equips the next generation of Karenni community with a biblical worldview.

The Strategy: Peter Na (A Clarkston Bible Institute Alumnus) is leading a six-person mission team from the Karenni Baptist Convention of America (KBCA) to Thailand from April 2nd to April 29th 2026. At Clarkston Bible Institute, we don't just want to engage, equip, and entrust, this is an example of what it means to entrust. By deploying Peter as the trip leader, we are seeing the "Entrust" phase of our mission in action, as he utilizes his intensive training to provide specialized spiritual leadership and discipleship to 200 students.

🗓️ Upcoming Events

• MAR 2026: Myanmar Training - The start of the 3-month intensive course for the Yangon cohort. This intensive training will focus on Salvation, Evangelism, and Discipleship.
• APR 2026: Alumni Seminar: "Eschatology" & "The Theology of Work"
• JUL 2026: Start of the semester for the class of 2026-2027.
• FALL 2026: Clarkson Bible Institute will mark its 10-year anniversary.

🎒 Current Needs & Prayer Requests

💲Financial Needs:
We are currently seeking funding for our Student Scholarships. Many of our international students, particularly those from East Africa and South East Asia, rely on these scholarship funds to complete their one-year intensive training.

🙏🏼Prayer Points:

• For Myanmar: Protection for our students and faculty in Yangon as they navigate a sensitive political climate and the threat of military conscription.

• For Clarity: That the Head knowledge gained this month by students like Daniel would transform into a bold, compassionate Heart for the lost.

• For Clarkston: For peace and dignity among the diverse families living in the 30021 zip code.

• For Future Leaders: That God would call more students to join our next Clarkston area cohort, which starts in July 2026.

• Pray For Teachers: That God will send Clarkston Bible Institute at least two more teachers with the same heart as our board and current faculty.

• Thailand Trip: Pray For safe travel and fruitful ministry for PeterNa and them as they travel to Thailand to minister to Burmese refugee and displaced youth.