A Conversation on Conversation

We asked our friends the Deweys to tell us a little about themselves and their experiences with the Highlands Study Center. They were here this past summer for the couple's conference. We enjoyed them as much as they seemed to enjoy us.

ETC: Tell us a little about yourselves.
Mark: We have been married for 8 1/2 years. I am currently attending Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids (MI) and work with an organization called "Athletes Abroad For Christ". The Lord saved me in 1991 by revealing His holiness and my sinfulness. After many years of being deceived in thinking I was a Christian the Lord was pleased to bring me to true repentance and saving faith in Christ.
Monique: I am a keeper at home, wife, and mother of five (soon to be six, Lord willing). I came to faith in Christ after hearing the gospel at a conference Mark and I attended in the fall of 1990.

ETC: How did you first hear about the Highlands Study Center?
Mark: I first heard of the HSC after attending the Ligonier Conference in Florida in 1998 and getting a copy of ETC from RC. We had discussed going to the HSC for a visit (as we have been considering a move to the area) and this (the couple's conference) worked out well.
Monique: We heard of the HSC by reading ETC. We have enjoyed reading the newsletter and were interested in meeting everyone and seeing how things were done at the HSC.

ETC: What was your first impression?
Mark: My first impression, before we arrived at the Sproul house, was "what a beautiful area of the country." Upon arriving at the HSC I appreciated the simple, separate and deliberate character of the Sproul family and the study center.
Monique: My very first impression was that I didn't want to intrude on RC and Denise's home life. After a few minutes however, I felt much more comfortable being an "intrusion" and could tell this would prove to be a very interesting time.

ETC: How did you like the format of the meetings?
Mark: The format was great. Brothers and sisters in Christ gathered together talking about the holy and sovereign Lord and how we can live our entire lives coram deo. The only change I would suggest is that there would be more time to do these things (but I shouldn't be selfish).
Monique: I also thought the format was very good. Getting to be involved in the college study and meeting some of the other church family members was just what we wanted. It was a joy to experience what we had been reading about in ETC. The only change I would make is to lengthen the conference.

ETC: What was the most important thing you learned?
Mark: Probably the most important thing I learned was that I very well may be a supralapsarian. Though it is always wonderful to increase in my understanding of God's Word, as an uncompromising believer in sovereign grace I have few friends as it is and this will only increase the accusations of being a part of some cult.
Monique: Two things. First I learned that all the information I received from my government education concerning the war between the States was nothing more (or less) than propaganda. Second, I learned that being a Yankee is not necessarily a matter of one's geographic location. Darby was quick to explain the true meaning of "Yankee": "a Yankee is someone who is rude, pushy and likes to live in cities." Categories I hope never to fall into - unless I am asked, "you're not going to have any more children are you?", in which case I feel a little retaliatory rudeness is acceptable.

ETC: What were your favorite experiences?
Mark: After much anticipation I was able to partake of both RC's home brew and Laurence's salsa. More importantly, I was able to enjoy the fellowship that came with the food and drink.
Monique: I would have to say my favorite experiences would be watching RC and Denise living out their faith in love. Also, the opportunity to ask all the questions I wanted. We had some very interesting conversations; most of which left me lamenting over the fact that I am a product of government education.

ETC: Would you recommend a visit to HSC to others?
Mark: Absolutely!
Monique: I would definitely recommend a visit to others. We hope to be able to make the couple's conference and the HSC a yearly stop on our vacation (or a permanent stop if the Lord wills).