Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Apprentices

I have found a few apprentices who I can’t wait to see start. I think they’ll do an amazing job and, since the goal is finding someone better than oneself, I think these two will have a hard job of finding their own apprentices.
Audra Wright is an amazing, out-going girl who I’ve known for about 4 years now. She’s very clever and a born leader. Auddie is my apprentice for the Student Leadership Group that I help lead at Forefront. She’ll start leading it next January and I think she’ll do a fantastic job.
Jonathan Duffer is an interesting character who gives a new perspective to everything. Because of this, I thought that he would do very well with my middle school students. So he’ll be helping me with the middle school small groups and Sunday school.
Now all I need to find is someone to take over lights for me.

Internship

Not going on a missions trip this summer, I’m looking into what trip I’ll take next summer. I’ve put a lot of thought and prayer into it and I think I’ve found the perfect one.
Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT) are offering a two-month internship in Papua New Guinea and West Africa. Out of these two, the location that most interests me is Papua New Guinea. By going on this trip, I’ll be able to have a small taste of what I’ll be doing in the future.

Forefront - Love God, Love People

So the time is drawing near. This time next year, I’ll be saying good-bye to the amazing people that I have met at Forefront Church. This church has done some amazing things in Hampton Roads and has had, I’m sure, amazing indirect effects on others outside of the area, inspiring them to turn the world upside down. I’m overjoyed to know that I had a hand in what Forefront has been doing.
However, as I get ready to leave, I am in need of finding an apprentice, someone to take my place in the Student Ministry and as the Lighting Director. I’m praying and looking hard for someone who can do my job better than I have been doing. Hopefully, I’ll find someone and they’ll be so fantastic that Forefront won’t even realize that I’ve left.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Summer Plans

After an intensive (one week course) on Theology and Culture, I’ll start my Survey of World Lit. class with TCC. I intend to work at Sonic during the summer and hopefully get a job at nice restaurant. Unfortunately, this summer I will not be going on a missions trip, instead focusing on raising money to pay for school.

Pioneer Bible Translator

Just a few days ago, I turned in my application to become a part of Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT). By doing this, I have committed to help them spread the gospel. Also, I’ll be eligible for the Townsend Scholarship which will pay 50% of my tuition at GIAL.
At Roanoke, I’m an Applied Linguistics Major. In Fall ‘09, I’ll be going to the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics (GIAL) to continue my studies. My concentration in this degree with be Bible Translation.
I’ll spend two years in Texas, and then I will have received my Masters degree. After this PBT, will send me into the field, most likely Papua New Guinea, to translate the bible.
I’m overjoyed about the career path that I’ve chosen and the adventures that I’ll undoubtedly have as I live life outside of the American safe-haven.

Mexico '07

Last summer I went on a mission’s trip to Ensenada, Mexico. I made this trip in ‘06, as well, and ‘06 was when I decided to become a missionary. On this trip, we made a point not to do what we were told, but more. Not only did we build a house for a family who didn't have one, we furnished it. In the kids room, we bought brilliant blue paint and built a four level bunk bed, built in such a way that there was plenty of room to sit straight up. We put mattresses on each of those four beds and bought them drawers. For the parents, we built a bed frame, bought a mattress, draws, rugs, and curtains. Tables, chairs, hygienic items, dinnerware, and even a toilet seat for the outhouse. It was said that no other group has ever gone that extra mile. It was an unforgettable experience. I am truly grateful for everyone who went on this trip with me, hitching a ride through prayer or financial contribution. This trip wouldn’t have been as great had you not been along for the ride. ~Thanks

Let's Keep in Touch

I’m about to finish out my first year of a four-year college. And it’s been an unforgettable experience. ( I’ve discovered that in college, you actually have to do your homework! ) But my grades are up and I’m looking forward to next year. I’m really excited about sending out these monthly emails to keep in touch. It will be nice to know that I have you standing alongside me.