I am thankful for the plethora of teaching experience, insight and effectiveness God has built into my teaching career investing in the lives of young minds. I am also grateful for opportunities to inspire other teachers through presentations around the nation. Having the privilege of working with and gleaning from many amazing colleagues, I have come to recognize the refreshing benefits of learning from others as part of maintaining my excellence and verve as a teacher. I believe God is calling me to take the toolbox He has blessed me with to others, encouraging my colleagues in Bosnia to continue in growth and teaching passion. If you would like to join me in these endeavors, I ask you to pray that God gives me His wisdom as I plan and go. While time is short until the trip, I have already submitted my presentation papers to be translated into Hrvatski, and am excited to learn and encourage learning in Livno, Bosnia as part of a teacher's conference the week of March 7-11.
I will be flying out of San Diego March 3th, returning the 14th as this is the most economical flight and will allow prayer time in the Balkans and even solitude in a foreign land. While the land isn't totally foreign to me, having been there only a year ago, and having invested some time in learning some of the language, my heart continues to be drawn into use, building relationships and care for others wherever they may be. Designed as an encourager, given many skills and gifts, finding myself 'unemployed', I feel our Lord opening up incredible opportunities to use the skills created in me, for His glory, at His bidding.
Pastor Brian Craig, our pastor, has been preaching through Nehemiah. In a recent sermon, he challenged us to be slaves to God, and to even wrestle with the idea that slavery isn't always negative. As I ponder and explore this concept, I have come to discover that we will and are slaves to something or someone. I find myself submitting to my paycheck (well when I had one), to my feeling of usefulness through my career, and even greater, my personal desires separate from the will of God, desires that keep me from reading His word, and pressing deeply toward the mind of He who created me.
Yet, upon looking back at my past stint of unemployment, I have seen Him continue using me, challenging me with many opportunities, providing His leading through each, and all, for His glory. Steps of faith, from little, to now HUGE, are and have been in order. This next opportunity will be part of building a continued relationship with Trent and Nikki in Livno, Bosnia. They have been in the Balkans for eight years, finding themselves investing in teachers through conferences and building relationships with them. The ministry there has helped many improve their skills and deepen the effectiveness of teaching craft in Bosnia. The Nettletons have been grateful for Brad Garner, Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning at Indiana Wesleyan University, and now excited that I will join the team. I will learn about education there, using my eyes and skills to assist them in their call, and join Brad as a presenter, my part, leading teachers in hands on, directed explorations in learning.
Yes, it seems clear God is calling me to invest in people, with people to share, grow and infuse enthusiasm into individuals using my gifts of encouragement. So, if you'd like to join us in this opportunity, as part of God's leading and work in foreign lands, doing practical and spiritual investments into His people and those who will become His people, I would appreciate your investments of prayer and finances as we continue our journey of faith. The cost of this trip is $1639 with most of it being the airfare. You can contribute in a tax deductible manner, by sending donations to:
New Heights Community Church
10701 N. Magnolia Avenue
Santee, CA 92071
with memo or earmarked as Bosnian Teaching Mission
Of even greater importance, I am also requesting your prayers for safety, health and eyes to see clearly as I take this next step of faith. Thank you for joining in reading and learning about the Balkans. I will update you on all our Lord does along the way. I am grateful for the gifts God has infused into my life and the way He uses them to encourage hopeful hearts. Thanks again for taking the time to learn of and be part of His work in the nations.
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