I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written to you, and a lot has happened since the last time you heard from me. My life has been busy, but very good as I’ve had incredible opportunities to see God work in me and in the lives of those around me. My time here at Word of Life Bible Institute has been a huge blessing, and I am excited to share with you a glimpse of what is going on in my life.

                After returning from Japan last summer I signed onto the staff at Word of Life Bible Institute in the Adirondack Mountains of New York where I had previously been a student. The fall was a time of challenging, but exciting transitions as I adapted once again to life in America, and as I made the change from being a student to being on staff here. Throughout the fall I was in charge of planning and running events on the campus property for students, high schools, retreat groups, and local churches. It was a challenging new job for me, but I have learned so a lot about working with people, planning, organization, discipleship and a lot of other valuable things that go on behind the scenes here at Word of Life.

                Stepping into such a new environment challenged me to really trust God as I tackled all kinds of new things that I had never faced before. My job has stretched me in ways I’m not used to, as did the transition back into American culture, and adapting to living here at Word of Life as staff rather than a student. All of these things pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me realize just how utterly dependant I am on God for everything in my life. Though this was a challenging time, God really used it to teach me very valuable lessons about trusting Him and walking by His grace through the opportunities He provides for me. It was such a blessing to see Him work in my heart, untangling the thoughts and experiences that were left from my summer in Japan, as well as His faithfulness in carrying me through the challenges of working at the Bible Institute.

                Since the fall I have been filling a differing role on staff as I have been the Assistant Coordinator for male counselors in our Snow Camp program. Prior to coming back from a great time of being home with friends and family back in Westerlo, I had the privilege of being able to share a sermon at church about II Corinthians 4 where the Apostle Paul states “But we have this treasure in jars of clay that the all-surpassing power may be of God and not of us.” As much as I was sharing that sermon with others, God was using it to really work in my heart in preparation for our eight week Snow Camp Season. Honestly, I was very intimidated by the position I had for Snow Camp, and really struggled with trusting God that I would be able to face the challenges ahead. Studying II Corinthians 3-4 opened my eyes to the true source of our sufficiency being completely found in Christ, rather than in ourselves. I often say that I don’t doubt God, I doubt myself, but Paul’s words in II Corinthians made it clear to me that doubting myself was really a failure to trust God’s work in and through me. II Corinthians 4:7 reminded me that my own weakness was an opportunity for God’s glory to shine through me all the more as He used a weak vessel like me to accomplish things in the world that could only come by His power.

                That lesson has proved to be so essential throughout this snow camp season as I have seen God use all of us here at Word of Life to accomplish things so far beyond the bounds of human ability. As we near our final week of Snow Camp I look back and see countless testimonies to the incredible grace of God at work through broken people. Truly, our weakness has served to demonstrate all the more clearly just how awesome a God we serve. Though the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is more than I could ever ask for, I am amazed every day anew at the incredible blessings He continues to pour out on us. One of the most amazing parts of walking with the Lord is the privilege of being used by Him as an instrument in the lives of others. We have seen hundreds of kids trust Christ throughout this Snow Camp season, and so many more hearts moved and changed by the powerful working of God in their lives. Every weekend has been an incredible opportunity for me to see how intimately He is at work in the lives of mankind. It is such an incredible wonder that the God of all of the universe, who created the vast expanse of space, the beautiful mountains, and all that we see , should desire to dwell with sinful mankind. And yet, day by day I am reminded of His grace, and of the beauty and wonder of knowing Him.

                As Snow Camp draws to a close, I look forward with anticipation to what the Lord has next. The coming months will be filled with all kinds of other incredible ministry opportunities for our students and us as staff. We will be sending students out on missions trips all over the world, as well as helping them get plugged in with opportunities to share the Gospel, disciple young people, help out the needy, and help out local churches.

                My time in Japan last summer showed me just how desperately the Japanese people needed the Gospel. As much as I enjoy being here at Word of Life, I really miss being a part of the community of believers at Dendoukan church in Tokyo. My time here at Word of Life has been an opportunity to grow in my walk with the Lord, to continue my pursuit of a degree in education, and to develop valuable skills that will be useful in Japan, and so I am very grateful for my time here so far, and hope to return to work here again in the fall. However, God has provided an opportunity for me to return to Japan again this summer to teach conversational English, lead English Bible studies, help lead English church services, and assist in other areas of the church. While last summer was much more of a vision trip to Japan, where I was able to experience Japanese culture and ministry to see if that is where the Lord would have me to serve long-term, this summer will allow me to focus much more on getting involved at Dendoukan church. I’m very excited for this opportunity, and can’t wait to see all that God has in store.

                I would ask that you keep me in your prayers, both as I continue to be a part of the staff here at Word of Life Bible Institute, and as I prepare to go to Japan this summer. Please pray for me to serve the Lord with excellence while I continue my time here at Word of Life, while also guiding me in raising support and preparing for Japan. I really appreciate your prayers, support and encouragement through all of this. It’s a huge blessing to know that I am not facing these things alone, but to know that I am a part of the body of Christ, and that you are a part of this ministry as well through your prayers and support. 

Thanks again, and God bless!