Better Than Free!

What could be better than free training? How about getting paid for training?

As we continue to wait for God's timing to send us into ministry in Croatia, we have done lots of training with SEND International. We have had cultural training, language training, conflict training, teamwork training, orientation... you get the picture. All of these learning opportunities have been excellent, and several of them have been expensive (but well worth the cost).

As we wait, I (Dave) have also been blessed with work. In our first year as "appointees," I found substitute teaching jobs that fit perfectly with our trainings, travels, and ministry presentations. As we moved into our second year of preparation, I got a full-time job working at Vista Charter Academy. This job has blessed us in many ways, including: providing a paycheck, insurance, friendships with staff, and the opportunity to be involved in the lives of young people.

At the end of August the school also paid me to attend a "Capturing Kid's Hearts" training in Holland, MI. Not only was this a great way to get ready for the classroom, but, in a way, it was also preparation for ministry! I learned about relationship building , effective communication, team building, group facilitation, and I was encouraged towards personal growth. The facilitator even used some quotes from the Bible in his presentation (though he did not mention the references).

We are so thankful for all God is doing. This training was another example to us that God is in control of the agenda and that there is a reason for us to be in Michigan right now. We trust that when He has completed all that is necessary, then we will move to Croatia. For now, we continue to thank God for His blessings and seek to be obedient to His calling for today.