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August 23rd, 2010

And the Year Begins

Written by Israel Filed under: BFA, Prayer, Work & School

Tomorrow Is the Day, the First Day of School

Woah. Can you believe it? We’ve been waiting for over a year to meet the students of Black Forest Academy, and now we get to. It will be extremely exciting, I’m sure.

We’ll start the day off with BFA’s Opening Ceremony, which includes a flag processional for all of the different countries represented this year. For those of you who’ve been to JBU, it’s like International Chapel, which pretty much guarantees that Dani will cry. The Opening Ceremony is meant to be inspiring and fun for all involved, especially the students. Right now, that’s all I know specifically about the first day of school. I’m sure Dani knows way more specifics, but my main job will be taking pictures and capturing what goes on.

The First Time For Many Students

After the Opening Ceremony tomorrow, parents will say goodbye to their kids. We’re told that it’s a very difficult time, with lots of tears. Tomorrow will be the first time for about 70 students to be at BFA. Most of them probably haven’t ever stayed at a boarding school. They will be leaving their parents and having many experiences that college students have back in the states: homesickness, a new environment, a new country, nothing familiar, no parents, dorm life. As you can imagine, it can be difficult.

There will be around 350 students total this year. I think there are around 47 students in the elementary school, which includes a bilingual school. The elementary school is in another town about 10-15 minutes away. The building is very tiny for the amount of students they have this year. They are growing each year, so everyone here is excited about the potential for that school.

Every year there are many changes, both for staff and students. New staff arrives, current staff change positions, and old staff leave. This year there is even a new director. Every year, students must say goodbye to their teachers, dorm staff and friends. BFA is a place that is always changing. Tomorrow is the beginning of another year, which will inevitably look different from the next one. Yet in all of these changes, God is present and at work. As you can imagine, the first day can be pretty overwhelming for everyone, but it holds so much hope and potential too.

God’s Timing Is Perfect

Over the past month, we’ve had moments when we couldn’t believe that we were finally here. Our hearts have been at BFA since July of last year, so it’s nice that our bodies have finally joined them. As we prepare for tomorrow, it feels like the fulfillment of the path God set us on over a year ago. He’s been building and shaping us for this, for what begins tomorrow. It’s become abundantly clear that this was his perfect timing for us to be at BFA. We are honored to have the opportunity to serve these kids. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we begin this new year.

Some Things To Be Praying About For The School

That families will know how to say goodbye well. That parents will be able to have peace about their decisions to send their children to BFA.
That the new students will not get overwhelmed by the enemy, but will have peace and excitement in their transitions.
That all the students will have a good first day and first week, and will figure out all their class schedules.
That the new director will have peace and know how to lead.
That the staff at BFA will be rested and ready for anything that might get thrown their way tomorrow.

Some Things You Can Pray About For Us

That we feel like we fit in well at BFA. Dani especially always has a difficult time with the initial adjustment period of new situations.
That we adjust to how long everything takes to done. Washing a load of laundry takes at least 90 minutes, no drying included.
That we are able to be a part of the German community here, by getting to know our landlords, for example.
For our new routine, neither of us have had regular work routines for about a year now. For Dani it’s been two years.
That we continue to pursue God, especially now that our ministry is officially starting up.

Tags: adjusting, BFA, Black Forest Academy, Family, first day, Germany, Goodbyes, Missionary Kids, Opening Ceremonies, Prayer, school, staff, students, transition

May 17th, 2010

The Future, and What the Past Alters

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Written by Israel Filed under: Family, Life, Prayer, Songs, Spiritual Journey, Travel

So I’m not sure if you are aware, but mine and Dani’s lives are changing. Our desires have changed. Our passions have changed. Our definition of love and truth have changed. Changed in a way that is better and more full. Full of wants and desires that pursue the seemingly unattainable – a life without failure, without a hurting world, without people in need.

Don’t get me wrong. We fail miserably at accomplishing this goal. Some would say we aren’t even going to make a difference in this life. That life is meaningless, and without merit or truth. I say those people have a sad definition of life. And I won’t be able to change their minds. So what can I do?

Well, I’ve decided it’s not my responsibility to change peoples minds. And since I can’t do that, I’ll just change the world. “Ha”, you say? Well that is pretty arrogant of me, but it’s what I wish could happen. In reality I can’t do that. I can’t—without other people. So yeah…I have to deal with the hard and tough. There is no easy life, no easy route. Easy isn’t an option anymore.

This is one of the things I’ve been struggling with. I’m called to change the world. I’m called to live radically. I’m called. But I’ve been struggling, hurting, frustrated and contemplating things I don’t understand. And I want to share some of what I’ve been trying to figure out. Openness and honesty are huge to me. So here is an excerpt from a journal entry.

April 24, 2010 – God what do you want from me?

God what do you want from me?
What would you have me do?
I don’t know what to do next
Is there something missing, something hindering you and me

I just want to be where I hear you calling me. And the stillness is deafening.

Open me up and help me to hear, help me to hear.
Take this yoke upon you. My next steps are hidden from me, please help me, help me to hear you leading me.

Lord what can I do to see?
Do I need to let go?
I thought I had let it all fall
Is there something missing, something hindering you and me

I just want to be where I hear you calling me. And the stillness is deafening.

Open me up and help me to hear, help me to hear.
Take this yoke upon you. My next steps are hidden from me, please help me, help me to hear you leading me.

Help Me To Hear

Written in the car while driving in Telephone, TX. Trying to figure out God and why I’m not hearing or seeing what the next step is. Or why we aren’t getting our support. Is my sin stopping us from going? Am I not doing enough? I just don’t know the next steps to take…

All my life I feel like I’ve struggled to figure out where I fit in, where I should go, and who I should be. From my earliest memories I remember struggling with realities of life. Like when I found out about slavery for the first time. I was devastated. I couldn’t focus the rest of the day. I just couldn’t believe people could do that to each other. Since then I feel like all I’ve been doing is building calluses to all the hurt and problems I’ve seen or learned about. And I don’t want any more calluses.

The Past Alters Perspectives

The next day after writing that journal entry I found out that someone wanted to give us about 30% of our monthly budget. What can I say to that? How do I mix such undeserved giving with such hurt and need? How do I keep from letting myself build calluses when things get tough and I don’t know what’s next? I don’t know the answer to that.

I do know that I’m sick and tired of my complacency. My inability to keep pursuing a life of complete giving of myself, without regard of the consequences or with need for any payment in return. I want to be able to love others without any presupposition or need for them to love me back. I want my life to be full of joy and peace so much that my first instinct is to help others.

My Hope and Prayer

I have been given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children. To give them love and peace. I just pray and hope that it’s enough. I pray that their loves will be changed forever. That they will pursue truth and an unwavering love for other people. I know I won’t be 100% effective, nor will I be good at it. But that’s not an issue anymore. I don’t want any more calluses. I want to let myself go and be okay with hurt and pain so that others might be given peace and experience the love that I want to be able to share. My life and my heart are not my own, and so my pain and hurt are not my own.

I can’t wait to share my life with those in Germany. To help them conquer their lives and to love them unconditionally. I just hope that it doesn’t stop there. That I daily pursue a truth that revolves around hard people that cause hurt. I’m okay with that. I just want an opportunity to love them. No strings. Just unbridled giving of my life, my possessions, my time, my desires for the moment that they experience a greater love than I can give them. That is my hope and prayer.

March 9th, 2010

Pray It Up, Dude

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Written by Dani Filed under: Life, Prayer, Spiritual Journey, Support

So, since we have 23 days remaining to raise at least $1,912, we could use your prayers. Here’s some stuff you can lift up to Jesus on our behalf.

An Abundance of Support – In order to have enough support to leave for Germany in April, we need to raise 1.5% of our monthly amount per day. That’s about $80 a day to reach 80% of our budget. In order to reach 100% of our budget, we need to receive $130 of new support a day. That’s about 2.5%. Obviously, if we reach either of these amounts by April 1st, it will be all God. Pray for God to bring a flood of new support! We know that we’ll get to Black Forest Academy at the right time, but it would be amazing if the right time was now.

Favor – Pray that we find favor with those we meet with. We want people to connect with us, understand our vision and passion for the students at BFA, and want to support us. Ask God to give us favor with everyone we call and meet.

Tags: BFA, Black Forest Academy, Father, Germany, God, Life, Prayer, Support

January 8th, 2010

What Does it Mean to be Christian in a World Full of Christians?

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Written by Israel Filed under: Culture, Life, Prayer, Spiritual Journey

What Does it Mean to be Christian in a World Full of Christians?

For Christmas I asked my wife, Dani, to get me the book In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. A few men at my church have read it, and it’s been an integral part of where they are today. I also picked up a copy of No Compromise, The Life Story of Keith Green from my dad. It was on the dining room table at the fam’s house and I started reading. I wasn’t able to put either book down.

Both of these books talk about people who are radical about what they believe and how they live their lives. It’s inspiring, motivational, convicting, and scary. In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day talks about how some of the most inspiring people in history are the most daring, the ones who take risks. This book embodies the idea that without risk there is no gain. I think the book takes it one step further and says that if you don’t take risks there are negative repercussions. No Compromise talks about Keith Green’s journey to find truth and meaning. It’s a passionate life story of a passionate man. The book talks about ideas that are radical even to today’s standards of what being a Christian means. If you read this book looking for answers, you won’t come away the same. You might even leave with more questions than answers.

So Why am I Talking About These Books?

So what does being In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day have to do with being a Christian? And why should you listen to me talk about No Compromise? One reason. Am I, as a Christian, really living a lifestyle that embodies who Christ is and what Christ taught? I look at my past and where I am at, and I have to say No. When was the last time I did something for the glory of God that didn’t involve serving my own well-being, or pleasing myself, or making myself look Christ-like in the eyes of others? I feel like my faith is based off of concepts and ideas that are Christian, but they don’t go far enough. It’s been making me not want to call myself “Christian” because I want to think of myself in a new light as being one who lives like Jesus lived. Not one who just does the normal Christian stuff: Sundays, Wednesdays, small group.

Have you ever read First John or James? Those guys talk about radical, non-conservative ways of living, not just believing in something. I wonder if maybe this is a better idea of faith and risk, “Without risk, faith is an impossibility,” Søren Kierkegaard. I don’t know. But I do know that my view of Jesus is minimized and compartmentalized because of my Western view of the Bible. I guess I’m just frustrated with myself, the church, religion. I feel like there should be more to my view of the world. I should be a person willing to take chances. Someone willing to be controversial, and not ashamed of what I believe. To me it’s coming down to this: Do I really believe what the Bible says?

Do I really believe what the Bible says?

If the answer is yes, than my current lifestyle must change. Everything from how I view things to how I interact with people will need to be altered. I cannot be a nominal Christian or an average Christian. There’s no such thing. Jesus calls us to be fishers of men. When was the last time I shared my faith with a non-believer? I don’t think I could tell you. Jesus also calls us to a lifestyle of total abandon. “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” – Matthew 10:38. This God-man—Jesus—is not playing around. He demands life-altering, complete sacrifice to live differently than the rest of the people around you. I can’t think of my life as my own anymore, no compromise.

So In Summary

I guess I’m wanting to push people and myself towards a lifestyle and faith that really has action and behavior that is not like other people. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him…” – First John 2:15-17. I’m ready for my faith to be real and not superficial. I’m ready to give it all up. Life. The Future. Family. Happiness.

A Prayer

God be my peace. Be grace in my life. I know not what the future holds, or if what I am thinking is right, but I know you are leading me. I want to follow. So please let me see you like I see my hands in front of me. Let me see as you see. Let my desires be yours, and let my heart follow after truth. Your name is holy. May my limited knowledge of your word and who you are lead me to you and nothing else. May I not lead others astray. You are perfect love. Help me bring that love to those around me. Unashamed, I proclaim you Lord and pray you hold me tight and safe in your will for my life.

Tags: change, christian walk, christianity, Kierkegaard, life changing, personal journey, philosophy, reading books, theology

September 23rd, 2009

How to Pray

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Written by Dani Filed under: Life, Prayer, Work & School

We greatly appreciate your prayers. They make a huge difference. Here are some things you can pray for over the next week.

Support – That God will bring 100% of our support in by October.
We’re at about 14% of our monthly support or $765. Now, not everyone has told us what they will be giving and not everyone has sent in their paperwork yet. So this is not an official number. We need 80% of our support in order to book tickets, but we would prefer to have 100%. We just found out that we will be living in an apartment one town over from Kandern, where the school is. This means we’ll need a car. At 80% of our budget, all of our living expenses are covered. At 100%, a car is covered. We are still praying that God will provide our support by the beginning of October, but it will definitely take a miracle!

Last Month in Our Apartment – Should October be the last month we’re in this apartment?
We are praying about whether October should be the last month we stay in our apartment. We have to give a month’s notice when we move. So, if October is our last month, but we don’t have enough support to leave, we’ll be homeless. But, if we wait until we have our support, we might have to pay rent for a month that we aren’t here.

Money for Our Lease – $1600
I signed a year-long lease three weeks before we found out about BFA. We tried to change our lease, but they wouldn’t let us. So, in order to break our lease we will have to pay three extra months of rent, about $1,600. This will basically deplete our savings, which is definitely not ideal. So, pray that we will either not have to pay this amount or that God will provide the money for it.

Video Equipment - BFA needs video equipment
Black Forest Academy doesn’t really have any video equipment. We would love to be able to find people to donate equipment or money to buy equipment for the school. Here are the specifics that we’d like to have: two professional quality, mini-DV video cameras with all the fixings (tripods, batteries, a light kit, boom mic, lapel mic, etc.), a Mac Pro desktop computer, an external hard drive with LOTS of storage space, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Our Marriage – We don’t work well together
Pray for our marriage in general, that through this experience we’ll love each other more, grow closer together and bring more glory to God. But also pray that we’ll work well together. We tend to argue when we’re working on a creative project together—like a website, video or design project. Since we’ll pretty much be doing these kinds of projects all the time in Germany, pray that we’ll learn to communicate in a way that is encouraging and supportive to the other person. Pray that we’ll be patient.

Preparing a Place for Us – Our life in Germany
Pray that God will prepare a place for us in Germany. Pray that we’ll have great friends, a comfortable home and good relationships with the students. Pray that we’ll enjoy our jobs and excel at them. Pray that we’ll learn German quickly and feel comfortable driving a car with a standard transmission. Just pray for our adjustment in general, and that God would get things ready for us there.

Israel - Trusting God
Pray that Israel will give his worries to God. He takes very seriously his role as the provider of our family, so raising support is definitely a challenging experience for him. Pray that he will remember that God is our ultimate provider. Pray that he will not be discouraged or feel defeated. Pray that he will have time to get everything done, even though he still working a full-time job. He needs joy and peace!

Dani – Proper response to difficulties
I tend to get discouraged when things don’t go as I want them to. My habit is to withdraw and become depressed. So, pray that when things don’t go as I plan, that I will press in to God and seek his perspective. Pray that I am open to learning through my hardships and that I have a positive attitude. I don’t want to repeat my pattern of withdrawal and depression.

Tags: BFA, Black Forest Academy, Dani, Germany, Giving, Israel, Money, Prayer, Support, transition, work

Archive for the ‘Prayer’ Category

And the Year Begins

Tomorrow Is the Day, the First Day of School

The First Time For Many Students

God’s Timing Is Perfect

Some Things To Be Praying About For The School

Some Things You Can Pray About For Us

The Future, and What the Past Alters

April 24, 2010 – God what do you want from me?

The Past Alters Perspectives

My Hope and Prayer

Pray It Up, Dude

What Does it Mean to be Christian in a World Full of Christians?

So Why am I Talking About These Books?

Do I really believe what the Bible says?

So In Summary

A Prayer

How to Pray

Monthly Support Raised

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