Week 8 Recap

This week was quite interesting as we are beginning to wind things down here at orientation. We started the week with a seminar in “Pioneer Evangelism,” considered one of the best cpm strategies around. We also had a heavy focus on language learning. On Thursday we took a trip to Wash DC. Our team was comprised of 8 people, and we learned quickly how easy it is to get separated.  When our metro came in, Chara stepped on and then the doors closed before the other 7 of us could board. One of the ladies in our group yelled to her the stop she needed to get off at, and we were able to track her down, but the experience still makes us laugh. We did have the opportunity to share with a Palestinian couple who run a pita stand as well as a homeless man close to the National Mall and are praying for them to come to know Christ. We also went to the Russian Cultural Center and an Eastern European restaurant as well. Training ends next Wed, and we will be back in Texas next Thurs. to prepare for our next training in Vancouver. We ask for your prayers that we will finish strong and keep our focus on the Lord, even in these days of transition. 

Week 7 Recap

Well, another week in the books and less than 2 weeks left of orientation. It was quite an eventful week as we had family visiting from out of town. This was also the week for us to meet as a European affinity group. All 14 or so of us spent time getting valuable information and resources to help us specifically in the regions we are going to. As part of this, we all took part in worldview presentations and got to share a little about the countries we will be serving in. Other than that, final shot clinic was today so I am happy to say that we are both fully vaccinated! Thanks for everyone who has lifted us up to the Father, and we hope you will continue to pray that we finish strong. Coming up this week will be some language learning training (among other trainings) and a trip to Washington, DC! Stay tuned for more . . .

Week 6 Midweek Update

Well, we got a some wind and rain from Hurricane Irene this past weekend but nothing too bad. It blew a few shingles off the roofs and kept us inside for a while, but other than that, no major problems. Unfortunately, I cannot discuss much about the training the past 3 days, but suffice it to say it was very good (although very tiring as well). We have a little bit of free time the next few days to help us recover, so we would love it if you would pray that we will use that time wisely to refresh and renew (especially since we have a busy weekend with ESL training ahead)!

A little shake and bake!

Well . . . we're not necessarily baking here in the 80-something degree temps, but we did experience the first part of this statement today. This was the first earthquake for both of us, and it came when the whole group was gathered together for the afternoon session. A little before 2 pm, Dr. Clyde Meador was speaking and taking questions on the state of the SBC, when suddenly the ground started vibrating strongly. For a few seconds, I (David) thought maybe a plane had crashed outside, but I think I heard someone say earthquake. A lot of people got up and ran outside, but Chara and I got underneath a table. Interestingly, I said a quick prayer and by the time that was through, so was the shaking, but it was quite an intense introduction to the seismological world! From what I have heard, this is the first earthquake to strike this area in about 100 years! It reminds me that even the ground we stand on, however reliable it is through our lives, can at a moment's notice shift underneath us, and that the only true solid ground is found in our faith in Christ! He will always be faithful to see us through every disaster, whether natural or manmade! If you read this, keep us in your prayers as we are also looking at a potentially wet and stormy weekend (depending on what Hurricane Irene decides to do)!

Week 4 Midweek

Wow, we are almost at the halfway point! It has been another fast paced and informative week. In the mornings, we have been looking at the definition of a New Testament church and specifically how churches are planted in the book of Acts in the Bible. This has brought out some brand new insights that should be very useful to us. Monday we had seminars on “Culture Shock” and “Staying in Love on the Field”, the latter of which was extremely funny, yet informative about what couples go through under the stress of cross cultural life. Tuesday was information on men’s health (there was supposed to be a women’s health seminar but the speaker got sick—so Chara got a much needed early afternoon!). Today our European affinity group met to go over communication with churches back home. After that we got to take pictures, so if we ever come speak at your church you may see our pretty mugs from this afternoon!

Pray that we will have mental endurance as many times our brains get on overload! Thanks to all who keep us lifted up in prayer, it means the world to us!!!! 

Week 3 Midweek Update

This week, like the previous 2, is flying by!!

Over the weekend we had a group outing to a mall, where we talked to various people of different  backgrounds. This was an excellent experience in starting up conversations, and we look forward to getting even more opportunities to engage the culture around us, even in Virginia.

We started the week with sessions on anthropology, specifically looking at several of the cultural differences we will experience overseas. We also looked at "culture shock," a common occurrence for virtually all cross cultural workers, as well as how to minimize it.

Although the food is very good, we were ready for a small break, so yesterday after class we checked out one of the vehicles and went to Walmart to load up on munchies as well as a welcome stop by Chick-fa-lee!

Today was worldview training, and we attended separate trainings for the two worldviews we will find most prevalent in our part of the world.

We continue to be amazed and appreciative of the incredible training and preparation we are receiving. Continue to pray against attacks from the enemy and that our faith and trust may grow stronger each day!

Week 2 Midweek Update

We have had an incredible week thus far. Dr. Tom Eliff (president of the IMB) came and spoke for 2 days on developing a passion for prayer. The challenge he gave us is that we must be WITH God, not just simply trying to do things for Him. It is extremely easy to get busy for God and neglect spending time in prayer, and when that happens our hearts become dull. Prayer is truly at the heart of any work we seek to do for God, because our first priority must be to align ourselves so that we are not simply on a parallel track to God's will, but we are actually chugging along on His railroad track!

Mixed into that teaching have been classes on things like goal development, benefit package, and some other odds and ends.

Today we spent some time discussing the difficulty in the transition process, and we were reminded that the first few weeks of service overseas may cause anxiety and confusion for a little while, until we settle into a routine. It was great to hear that everyone deals with that, so if we do we won't feel like we are the only ones.

I continue to be both humbled and amazed at the amount of support the SBC provides to those called to serve, much of which comes from the donations of churches who probably can barely afford to give financially but understand the incredible harvest that will come about if they do.

On top of that, the staff here is incredibly supportive and see their roles as ministry. Even one of the cafeteria workers we have gotten to know has given us tremendous encouragement for our Christian walk, which is awesome!

My prayer is that we will both absorb and become everything that God wants us to be so we can do everything He wants us to do!

Pray that we will:
1) intentionally pursue Christ passionately each day as priority #1
2) with the rest of our day, seek to absorb as much great information and equipping as we can.