Party Friday Night

Last night Janet & Andrew Skinner invited us and 5 other couples to their apartment for a "party". When we offered to bring something, Janet replied that they just wanted to get people together and of course, we were happy to oblige. Once everyone had arrived, Janet announced that this evening was in celebration of the publication of Andrew's new book, "To Become Like God." He gave everyone a personally signed copy and we felt honored. We are rubbing shoulders with people who are so knowledgeable and are learning so much from them.

Andrew is currently a professor of ancient scripture and Near Eastern studies at the Jerusalem Center. He served as Dean of Religious Studies at BYU and has authored more than 200 articles of historical and religious topics.

On the 16th of March, he was given a special award: Andrew received the Richard Lloyd Anderson Research Award that his wife, Janet, shared with us. He and Janet have six children and grandparents of seven. He is very highly respected and has graduate degrees from Harvard, Hebrew University and the University of Denver, specializing in Judiasm. He and his family have served several times at the Jerusalem Center. They are a delightful couple, so down-to-earth and it's wonderful getting to know them.

In his warm, conversational manner, Andrew answers questions: "To Become like God - Witnesses of Our Divine Potential." He explains that these doctrinal questions were answered and taught long ago and that the restored gospel answers them fully once again.

Photo: Jennifer & Phil Alred (Professor)

Photo: Janet, Tina & David Whitchurch, Juliane Alred, David Heiner Janet also shared Dr. Whitchurch's award: the B. West Belnap Citizenship award, which Janet also shared with the group. Dr. Whitchurch is the Associate Director of Academics at the Jerusalem Center and their assignment here will will end in August. Janet and Tina had prepared some delicious treats for us. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday and thousands of Christians will be in a parade and we are excited to see that.