Showing posts with label IMB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IMB. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
FPO
Some of the people I met at the IMB candidate interview conference in February started their 8 week Field Personnel Orientation in Virginia this week. Please pray for them as they prepare to serve on mission fields around the world, including places where a mission presence is not welcome.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Question, Part III
For those who aren't familiar with Operation GO (Operation Gospel Outreach), here is a brief description:
Operation GO is a Gospel saturation effort to reach millions of homes in the Middle America and Caribbean Region. Volunteers, missionaries and national believers distribute Gospels of John or Luke in print or audio formats. Operation GO is a practical way to get involved in church planting.
(from http://www.macregion.org/)
As teams of volunteers from US churches make the decision to come to Mexico, my role will essentially include communicating with them throughout the planning stages for their trip, preparing for their arrival, and facilitating their time in country.
Operation GO is a Gospel saturation effort to reach millions of homes in the Middle America and Caribbean Region. Volunteers, missionaries and national believers distribute Gospels of John or Luke in print or audio formats. Operation GO is a practical way to get involved in church planting.
(from http://www.macregion.org/)
As teams of volunteers from US churches make the decision to come to Mexico, my role will essentially include communicating with them throughout the planning stages for their trip, preparing for their arrival, and facilitating their time in country.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Questions, Continued
Along with the timeline, many have been curious about the time commitment I have made. I have committed to serve for 3 years. Those 3 years officially begin the first day of orientation in Virginia; July 27. That day also marks the beginning of my benefits and pay from the board.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Questions
I know that there are a couple of questions that people typically want answered after I tell them that I have been approved to serve through the IMB, so I will try to answer some of those questions through the next couple of posts.
One question is about the timeline. I will finish teaching this school year. While it is possible to break a contract, I don't feel like that is the way Christ wants me to represent Him. So, I will fulfill my contract and teach until school ends. If I didn't have this commitment, I would be able to start IMB orientation in late April. Instead I am waiting for the next orientation, which runs from July 27 until September 24 in Virginia. After orientation, I might have a week or two in the states, or I might leave immediately. The next step is language school in Costa Rica for about 6 months. After language school, I will finally move to whatever city in Mexico they decide. I believe I will then spend 3 months working alongside someone else doing the same job as me before I am "on my own." It is weird to think that it will still be a full year from now before I actually make it to Mexico, but I am grateful for all of the training (especially language!) opportunities the IMB provides.
On a different note, I submitted my letter of resignation to my building administrator and to my superintendent this morning and am starting to tell students today. It is kind of an emotional thing for me to do because I have loved teaching for 12 years and will genuinely miss working with some great students. The assurance that I am following God's leading doesn't change that fact.
One question is about the timeline. I will finish teaching this school year. While it is possible to break a contract, I don't feel like that is the way Christ wants me to represent Him. So, I will fulfill my contract and teach until school ends. If I didn't have this commitment, I would be able to start IMB orientation in late April. Instead I am waiting for the next orientation, which runs from July 27 until September 24 in Virginia. After orientation, I might have a week or two in the states, or I might leave immediately. The next step is language school in Costa Rica for about 6 months. After language school, I will finally move to whatever city in Mexico they decide. I believe I will then spend 3 months working alongside someone else doing the same job as me before I am "on my own." It is weird to think that it will still be a full year from now before I actually make it to Mexico, but I am grateful for all of the training (especially language!) opportunities the IMB provides.
On a different note, I submitted my letter of resignation to my building administrator and to my superintendent this morning and am starting to tell students today. It is kind of an emotional thing for me to do because I have loved teaching for 12 years and will genuinely miss working with some great students. The assurance that I am following God's leading doesn't change that fact.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
News
While driving from school to SBU to teach a night class yesterday afternoon, I took a quick detour by my mailbox. I knew that IMB appointment letters had been mailed Friday, and I was eager to receive mine. It finally happened. The letter was there. I got my first choice job assignment (the one in Mexico)! I am very excited and hope to find time today to share a little more. Unfortunately, though, I have a mountain of work to do and need to get started now. :)
Monday, March 2, 2009
One Week Down, One to Go
I've been back from the conference for a week now, and I have one more week to wait before I should receive a definite answer on whether or not I will be sent out and, if so, where.
I've debated about this, but I think I am ready to share my job choices. Our objective through the week was to research and find two or three job openings that we felt might be a good match for us. To help us in this search, we had access to job listing binders, books, and representatives from each region of the world. In some cases, those reps also provided us either email or phone communication with people on the field. By the end of the week, I found two jobs to list on my form.
The first job is working with Operation GO (Gospel Outreach) in Mexico. The goal of this team is to get the gospel in every home where they work. To accomplish this, volunteer teams are brought in from churches in the states who can go door to door delivering the gospel. The job that needs filled is a person who will coordinate/facilitate every aspect of the team trips and to communicate with Mexican Baptists for follow-up. Since there is typically a new team arriving every three weeks, I would probably be at some phase in the process with around 8 teams at any given time. Some would be initial email contact, some would be preparing to come, and a team might actually be on the ground needing me to drive and guide them around. It amazed me how my experience with computers, communication, mission teamwork, organization, and several other things combine to make this job seem so uniquely fit for me. It was absolutely my first choice, and there is a very strong chance that I will be placed in this job.
The second job I found is working as a computer teacher at an MK (missionary kid) school which also accepts students who are not MKs. They said they have a lot of children of diplomats enrolled. It seems like a great place, and I would love the opportunity to minister to missionaries by serving and caring for their teenage children. I can imagine how stressful it would be to have to send your kids to boarding school, and I think it would help to feel good about the place they are going and the people who are working with them. This job is located on another continent.
I've debated about this, but I think I am ready to share my job choices. Our objective through the week was to research and find two or three job openings that we felt might be a good match for us. To help us in this search, we had access to job listing binders, books, and representatives from each region of the world. In some cases, those reps also provided us either email or phone communication with people on the field. By the end of the week, I found two jobs to list on my form.
The first job is working with Operation GO (Gospel Outreach) in Mexico. The goal of this team is to get the gospel in every home where they work. To accomplish this, volunteer teams are brought in from churches in the states who can go door to door delivering the gospel. The job that needs filled is a person who will coordinate/facilitate every aspect of the team trips and to communicate with Mexican Baptists for follow-up. Since there is typically a new team arriving every three weeks, I would probably be at some phase in the process with around 8 teams at any given time. Some would be initial email contact, some would be preparing to come, and a team might actually be on the ground needing me to drive and guide them around. It amazed me how my experience with computers, communication, mission teamwork, organization, and several other things combine to make this job seem so uniquely fit for me. It was absolutely my first choice, and there is a very strong chance that I will be placed in this job.
The second job I found is working as a computer teacher at an MK (missionary kid) school which also accepts students who are not MKs. They said they have a lot of children of diplomats enrolled. It seems like a great place, and I would love the opportunity to minister to missionaries by serving and caring for their teenage children. I can imagine how stressful it would be to have to send your kids to boarding school, and I think it would help to feel good about the place they are going and the people who are working with them. This job is located on another continent.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
People
I ended up not taking any pictures of the people I met last week, but I did take a picture of the building where we had most of our activities. I thought it might make the blog a little more interesting, or at least break up the text a little.
I mentioned my roommate Amy in a previous post. I also met several other terrific people and am anxious to see where God leads them. It was certainly a bonding experience to go through the job search process together and to share one another's vision and passion. It is also exciting to know that some of them, like Katherine, will probably be attending the same orientation as me.
I mentioned my roommate Amy in a previous post. I also met several other terrific people and am anxious to see where God leads them. It was certainly a bonding experience to go through the job search process together and to share one another's vision and passion. It is also exciting to know that some of them, like Katherine, will probably be attending the same orientation as me.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Conference Day Four
Today went well. Talked to someone on field to confirm my second choice. Will probably be offered my first choice, but won't know for a couple of weeks. Please forgive the lack of details at this point. Thanks for the prayers!
Flying home tomorrow.
Flying home tomorrow.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Roommate
I don't think I have shared about my roommate yet. Her name is Amy, and she is a really sweet girl who just happens to be the only other candidate from Missouri. She graduated from Missouri State in nursing last year and returned "home" to work in Kansas City. I wish I could tell you more, maybe even post her picture, but I have learned a lot about the security ramifications of such actions. So, I won't share her picture or announce where she thinks God is leading her to serve. (Which is also one of the reasons that I am not saying much about the jobs that I am exploring.)
Conference Day 3
Wow. This week has been such an intense roller coaster!
I had my one on one interview this morning after our third small group session. It was great to have had these small group opportunities to interact with the same person who would interview me so that I could feel more comfortable with her and so she could see me in a slightly more natural setting as well as during the interview. She asked some very challenging questions but did so in such a conversational manner that I was never really uncomfortable. The interview was scheduled for an hour but lasted more like an hour and twenty minutes. At the end she shared with me that she saw no reason why I shouldn't serve on the field and that she will be recommending me when the committee meets in a couple of weeks.
I found a couple more strong job possibilities and will probably be able to talk on the phone to people on the field in those locations tomorrow morning. One of them would involve teaming with someone who is currently here for field orientation, so I was able to track her down and talk to her at dinner tonight. It is certainly still a possibility for me, and between praying about it tonight and hopefully calling someone on the field tomorrow I feel confident that I will know for sure whether this is one of my top three options.
I had my one on one interview this morning after our third small group session. It was great to have had these small group opportunities to interact with the same person who would interview me so that I could feel more comfortable with her and so she could see me in a slightly more natural setting as well as during the interview. She asked some very challenging questions but did so in such a conversational manner that I was never really uncomfortable. The interview was scheduled for an hour but lasted more like an hour and twenty minutes. At the end she shared with me that she saw no reason why I shouldn't serve on the field and that she will be recommending me when the committee meets in a couple of weeks.
I found a couple more strong job possibilities and will probably be able to talk on the phone to people on the field in those locations tomorrow morning. One of them would involve teaming with someone who is currently here for field orientation, so I was able to track her down and talk to her at dinner tonight. It is certainly still a possibility for me, and between praying about it tonight and hopefully calling someone on the field tomorrow I feel confident that I will know for sure whether this is one of my top three options.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Conference Day Two
A lot of today was consumed with informational meetings about things like security, payroll, etc., but we did have a little time to return to the job fair where we can look at job listings and talk to regional representatives. I've been able to elinate couple of jobs from my "short list" and to add a few more that have potential.
One of the jobs that I found yesterday (the one where I talked to the missionary on the phone) is extremely exciting to me and seems to be a perfect fit for my personality and background. I've been thinking and praying about it since yesterday, and, as one of my fellow candidates told me, talking about it puts a twinkle in my eye. I returned to that regional representative today and was able to discuss it a little more. I shared with him that this job is absolutely my number one choice for my top 3 form that must be turned in Friday. He thinks that I would be a great fit for this job for several reasons, and he encouraged me to pursue it as numero uno.
Reaching that point felt fantastic. I really felt a lot of peace about that, but I also know that nothing is guaranteed yet. I still need at least a #2, and a #3 couldn't hurt. This is why I am continuing to look into the other jobs on my short list.
I just received a response to one of the two emails that I sent last night, and that job still has potential. I didn't feel like I got much more information than was on the job description, but he did say that he felt we would be able to integrate my specific skills and training into the job description.
So, still a lot to pray about! Please forgive me for not providing any specifics, but I am just not yet at a point where I am ready to do so.
We have one more meeting tonight, and then our small group devotional. I am more than ready to get into comfy clothes and relax!
One of the jobs that I found yesterday (the one where I talked to the missionary on the phone) is extremely exciting to me and seems to be a perfect fit for my personality and background. I've been thinking and praying about it since yesterday, and, as one of my fellow candidates told me, talking about it puts a twinkle in my eye. I returned to that regional representative today and was able to discuss it a little more. I shared with him that this job is absolutely my number one choice for my top 3 form that must be turned in Friday. He thinks that I would be a great fit for this job for several reasons, and he encouraged me to pursue it as numero uno.
Reaching that point felt fantastic. I really felt a lot of peace about that, but I also know that nothing is guaranteed yet. I still need at least a #2, and a #3 couldn't hurt. This is why I am continuing to look into the other jobs on my short list.
I just received a response to one of the two emails that I sent last night, and that job still has potential. I didn't feel like I got much more information than was on the job description, but he did say that he felt we would be able to integrate my specific skills and training into the job description.
So, still a lot to pray about! Please forgive me for not providing any specifics, but I am just not yet at a point where I am ready to do so.
We have one more meeting tonight, and then our small group devotional. I am more than ready to get into comfy clothes and relax!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Conference Day One
Today has been a very full day, and I wish I could share every detail. However, I am borrowing internet access and should keep it brief.
This afternoon we had the opportunity to meet with regional representatives and research job listings for each region. I found several extremely diverse jobs in various locations around the globe that really seem to have potential for me . . . and this is after speaking to only 4 of the 11 representatives! I was able to email 2 missionaries tonight and hope to have responses tomorrow with more information about their teams, and I was able to have a wonderful conversation with a female missionary in Mexico about her team. That was an amazing blessing to me, and the conversation really solidified that job as being a strong candidate for the "top 3 list" that I have to compile by Friday.
My prayer now is for God to lead me to any other job that I haven't yet considered but to direct me clearly and erase any confusion caused by the overload of information and factors to be considered. Thank you so much for joining me in these prayers.
I have also met some wonderful people and am praying for God to direct each of them to the specific ministry where He desires to use them.
Hopefully, I can share a little more tomorrow . . . .
This afternoon we had the opportunity to meet with regional representatives and research job listings for each region. I found several extremely diverse jobs in various locations around the globe that really seem to have potential for me . . . and this is after speaking to only 4 of the 11 representatives! I was able to email 2 missionaries tonight and hope to have responses tomorrow with more information about their teams, and I was able to have a wonderful conversation with a female missionary in Mexico about her team. That was an amazing blessing to me, and the conversation really solidified that job as being a strong candidate for the "top 3 list" that I have to compile by Friday.
My prayer now is for God to lead me to any other job that I haven't yet considered but to direct me clearly and erase any confusion caused by the overload of information and factors to be considered. Thank you so much for joining me in these prayers.
I have also met some wonderful people and am praying for God to direct each of them to the specific ministry where He desires to use them.
Hopefully, I can share a little more tomorrow . . . .
Friday, February 13, 2009
Last Day
Here it is . . . the last day of school before I leave for VA. I'm excited that it is finally almost here, but I also have a LOT of work left to do before I go. I am praying that God will help me to use my time efficiently today as I try to wrap up several projects and prepare a week's worth of lesson plans for a sub.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Roommate
At the conference next week, one of the other single females in attendance will be my roommate. As I pray for God's direction in my journey, I pray for the same in hers. As easy as it is to be consumed by my own experience, right now I am enjoying the perspective gained through praying for one specific person who is going through a similar journey. There will be over 80 people at this conference, so my situation is hardly unique. Although I don't know who she is yet, I pray that my roommate and I will be a blessing to one another at the conference.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
One More Week
A week from now, I will be finishing my packing to make sure I am ready to hit the road very early Monday morning (Feb. 16) to catch my flight from St. Louis. Over the past couple of weeks I've gone through several different emotions, thoughts, and feelings about the upcoming conference. It is incredible to think about the huge impact that one week will have on my life. I get excited, nervous, anxious, etc. I agonize over clothing decisions, I pore over potential job openings, I pray for guidance . . . meanwhile, I frantically try to get caught up and work ahead so that my classrooms will not "fall apart" during my extended absence.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ready
As committed as I have been to keeping myself open to whatever and wherever God leads me to serve, I have definitely carried an inclination for Central and South America. All of my international mission experience has been in this region, and through those experiences God has definitely broken my heart for the lost in that part of the world. Furthermore, Spanish is the only language besides English in which I know more than 3 words.
Now that the conference and these types of decisions are rapidly approaching, I am focusing more prayer time toward seeking God's direction for where He will send me and what type of work He will send me to do. The more I pray, the more I find my heart opening wider to people groups around the globe. So, I am heading into this conference ready for God to surprise me!
Now that the conference and these types of decisions are rapidly approaching, I am focusing more prayer time toward seeking God's direction for where He will send me and what type of work He will send me to do. The more I pray, the more I find my heart opening wider to people groups around the globe. So, I am heading into this conference ready for God to surprise me!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
In the Mail
Yesterday I received my packet of information from the IMB in the mail. Holding e-tickets, conference agenda, etc. in hand made it feel real that this is happening!
I fly out of St. Louis on Monday, Feb. 16. After a brief stop in Chicago, I will arrive in Richmond, VA later that day. The IMB has buses scheduled to collect candidates from the airport and take us to their International Learning Center, where I will share a room with another single female candidate. It looks like there will be at least 80 of us there for the conference, mostly couples.
The schedule for the week looks pretty packed, with each day starting with breakfast at 7 am and ending with group devotionals around 8 pm or so. The conference officially ends that Friday afternoon, and I will be flying directly back to St. Louis Saturday, February 21.
I fly out of St. Louis on Monday, Feb. 16. After a brief stop in Chicago, I will arrive in Richmond, VA later that day. The IMB has buses scheduled to collect candidates from the airport and take us to their International Learning Center, where I will share a room with another single female candidate. It looks like there will be at least 80 of us there for the conference, mostly couples.
The schedule for the week looks pretty packed, with each day starting with breakfast at 7 am and ending with group devotionals around 8 pm or so. The conference officially ends that Friday afternoon, and I will be flying directly back to St. Louis Saturday, February 21.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
IMB Interview Conference
For the interview conference, I will be flying from St. Louis to Richmond VA (where the IMB is headquartered) on Monday, February 16. The conference begins Tuesday morning and ends on Friday afternoon.I will be flying back either Friday night (February 20) or Saturday (February 21). The IMB handles the travel arrangements and covers all expenses.
The conference will provide additional information about job assignments, work conditions, and other aspects of missionary service. I will be assigned to a small group led by an IMB staff member who is familiar with all of my application materials. This IMB staff member will serve as a counselor and facilitator throughout this decision-making process. I will also participate in personal interviews and meet with regional office representatives to discuss current job openings, etc. in specific regions of the world.
I cannot find the words to express all of my thoughts and feelings about this amazing opportunity. I feel so blessed and have so much enthusiasm and anticipation. Please join me as I pray that the Lord will give me a clear mind and an open heart throughout this process and that He will use the conference to clarify His leadership and will for my life.
The conference will provide additional information about job assignments, work conditions, and other aspects of missionary service. I will be assigned to a small group led by an IMB staff member who is familiar with all of my application materials. This IMB staff member will serve as a counselor and facilitator throughout this decision-making process. I will also participate in personal interviews and meet with regional office representatives to discuss current job openings, etc. in specific regions of the world.
I cannot find the words to express all of my thoughts and feelings about this amazing opportunity. I feel so blessed and have so much enthusiasm and anticipation. Please join me as I pray that the Lord will give me a clear mind and an open heart throughout this process and that He will use the conference to clarify His leadership and will for my life.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Answered Prayers
Late this afternoon I received the long-awaited email from the IMB, inviting me to the interview/selection conference in Richmond Virginia in February! I have been walking on air ever since I got the news. I am SO EXCITED and feel truly blessed that God has chosen to continue to open doors for me in this direction.
I am thrilled to be able to share this incredible news with you and appreciate your continued prayers as I enter this next phase of the journey.
BTW: This morning I was able to get in to the doctor for that last requested test, and they faxed the results in for me.
I am thrilled to be able to share this incredible news with you and appreciate your continued prayers as I enter this next phase of the journey.
BTW: This morning I was able to get in to the doctor for that last requested test, and they faxed the results in for me.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Medical Status Update
Since my last post, I've had 2 more requests for medical information. Today I finally received confirmation that they had received the first one. This long anticipated email confirmation was less exciting than it should have been as it also included yet another new request. For this one, I have to go back to the doctor yet again and get another test done. By the time I get in to the doctor and then wait for the tests to be interpreted and then submitted, odds are good that I will miss yet another IMB deadline. Maybe God's plan is for me to attend the March interview conference . . . .
P.S. Happy New Year!
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