I originally intended to start this blog a couple of weeks ago when the new school year started for me, but I encountered several reasons to delay this initial posting. The title of the blog was chosen to reflect my ultimate desire; to always be on mission for God, wherever I am.
I have begun to enlist prayer supporters for my journey with the IMB. These are people who are willing to covenant to pray with and for me in every aspect of my application, exploration, and potentially eventual service through the IMB. A covenant is a solemn, two-way agreement. One aspect of my end of the agreement is to keep my prayer supporters updated. This blog seems like the most logical way for me to do that. So, I will be inviting each person who covenants to pray for me to begin checking this blog.
As most of you know, I went through the initial phase of the application process several months ago and have been working on losing weight since then. This summer the IMB changed their requirements. That fact, combined with the amount of weight I have lost so far, has finally brought me within the acceptable limits. So, I am now on the big Phase 3 of the application. This phase has several components:
1. An enormous online health questionnaire. Depending on what answer you click, sometimes additional questions suddenly appear. I have made a lot of progress on this, but I have reached several detailed questions which will require me to do some digging into medical records that I don't personally possess.
2. Church recommendation form. This has been completed and submitted.
3. Statement of Christian beliefs. This contains about 10 essay questions. I've written a rough draft but need to go through and revise before submitting.
4. Autobiography (8 pages). I also have a rough draft of this completed but need to revise. The instructions for this include so many specific points which must be addressed that it is a bit challenging.
5. Publicity/Life Sketch. Again, rough draft is completed.
6. Transcript. Ready to be mailed.
7. Reference List. I've already sent in my list of people from whom I have requested references.
8. References. I was given 8 very specific categories and had to find one person in each category who was willing to serve as a reference and complete a 3 page form. I found those 8 people, and I think about half of them have already submitted their reference forms. :)
9. Two 2x2 passport-type photos (not actually for passport). On my to-do list to get these taken.
10. Background/credit check. I've already submitted my consent to this.
Please pray for me as I complete these items and as I continue to work on my weight. Also pray for the wonderful people who are serving as my references and for the IMB personnel who will be handling my application materials. Finally, I would appreciate prayer for my students and my interaction with them. As excited as I am about the possibilities for serving through the IMB in the future, I am also trying to stay focused on being "on mission" here where I am now; in my classroom, with my students . . . .
