Big Update

It's time to make a rather large update on my journey with Ukraine. I have taken a few days since I returned home to pray and ask God to settle a decision in my heart. At this point it looks like I will be moving for a year-long internship with New Life Church. I am shooting for May as a departure date. A lot of things will be in flux between now and then, but it is good to have a goal to work toward. If I am able to save or raise money quicker, I may start sooner. Good news: Looks like I can live on $1000/month over there. Bad news: it's a heck of a lot harder to make $1000 over there than here.

I just started reading the updated edition of Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest. I read the second installment this morning. I think this quotation summarizes where I am at:

One of the most difficult questions to answer in Christian work is, "What do you expect to do?" You don't know what you are going to do. The only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing. Continually examine your attitude toward God to see if you are willing to "go out" in every area of your life, trusting in God entirely.

The head youth minister at New Life Church told me yesterday, "I can tell you one thing for sure - we will use you a lot (I know, using people doesn't sound good, but that's what we do here :) - we are placing right people at the right place to bring glory to God!" I am looking forward to working under this guy. I have heard nothing but good things from many people and the opportunity to be under his direct leadership will be very helpful.

In light of what I have said so far, I realize I need to be flexible in seeing where God has for me to serve and grow (and to be honest, I see this internship as much as an opportunity to grow as an opportunity to serve). But to give you all some idea of areas I will likely be working, here are some of the needs I was presented with during my time at New Life Church: playing guitar on the worship teams, helping with sound equipment installation and mixing for teen and young adult worship services, starting an English language small group for the church, and working in various ways with the young adult ministry.

Thank you for your continued prayers!