Well...it's been almost 2 months on my own in the real world. It's...fun. Working two jobs started out well...but I've quickly grown weary of having to go from one job to the next.
Working with the youth group has been fun for me and I've been able to connect with them really well. On Sunday nights, I have anywhere between 13 and 18 kids show up, and we've been going through a video series about knowing all of the basics of Christianity. They learn about the importance of knowing God's word...how they know the Bible is true...how God reveals himself...etc. I think the videos have presented very relevant material for youth of today. The problem has been that the students don't want to think...they give the "Sunday school" answer and they are perfectly fine with that. I have not noticed any leadership characteristics among any of the students and that has been a struggle for me.
About a week ago, I took 8 students to SDYC in Weatherford, OK. We had a great speaker and he had some really great stuff for the youth. We had the best discussion since I've been here and that was really encouraging. I've attended SDYC as a student, a youth sponsor, and now a youth pastor...and I think going as a youth pastor has been the best experience so far. I really enjoyed talking with other youth pastors, like Mark Penner, Wendell Loewen, John Regier, and even some people I went to college with and even played soccer with who are now youth pastors. It's interesting that myself, Trent Voth, and Joe Faul...three of us that made up the back line for Tabor soccer...are all youth pastors. It was a lot of fun to be there together again.
My job at Chili's has been enjoyable. I've really gotten the hang of things and I learned my away around every part of the restaurant. It's entertaining when my co-workers learn that I have a bachelor's degree and I'm working at Chili's or that I'm a youth pastor and I'm working at Chili's. I've been having some interesting conversations with a specific co-worker of mine. Almost out of the blue, she starts asking all these questions; Where did God come from? Why are there old and new testaments? How exactly did Jesus' birth happen?, etc. It's been enjoyable for me to answer those questions...as much as possible anyways. It's kind of hard to tell her all about a relationship with Christ while we are both working. But, I've noticed how God is working in my job at Chili's.
This last weekend I went up to Kansas City to surprise Carrie at her marathon. She kind of knew I was coming because one of my sponsors let it out when Carrie met him at SDYC. It was very unfortunate. I wasn't sure if she knew, so I played like she didn't...but she played me far better...sad. But I enjoyed watching her...she was 60th out of 183 overall...8th out of 57 women...and 1st in her division. I was very proud of her.
Well...that's all that has been happening in my life so far. It gets lonely pretty often...especially when I have a full day off, but I'm making it. Look forward to seeing most all of you at Christmas! Love you all.
11.24.2008
10.06.2008
Address!
Oh...I forgot to tell you my address.
404 S Spruce
Inman, KS 67546.
I got my first letter today!!! It was from dad...but it's a letter regardless!
404 S Spruce
Inman, KS 67546.
I got my first letter today!!! It was from dad...but it's a letter regardless!
9.30.2008
I've Arrived!!!
Well...I've arrived! I've started my part-time job at Zoar MB in Inman this last Sunday. It was a really good Sunday too because I didn't have any responsibilities; only getting to know the student, which has been really really good. I know all 20 or so by first name already. It's been really easy to connect with them.
I have also found a place to live...it's a 2 bedroom duplex and it was the best deal in town. I move in tomorrow (10/1). I'll try and take pictures once I have stuff in and I get my camera from wherever it is. My supervisor and I will make the round trip from Inman to Wichita, Wichita to Hillsboro, Hillsboro to Inman to gather all of my stuff that I have left everywhere.
As far as other job stuff goes...I have a strong lead with Chili's in Hutchinson as a server. So...that will be a good way to supplement my income; assuming I'm good anyways. I have a second interview at Chili's on Friday...so hopefully that will go well and I won't have to worry about survival. Well...I'll update more as I get more and more busy with youth stuff and other work. Love you all!
I have also found a place to live...it's a 2 bedroom duplex and it was the best deal in town. I move in tomorrow (10/1). I'll try and take pictures once I have stuff in and I get my camera from wherever it is. My supervisor and I will make the round trip from Inman to Wichita, Wichita to Hillsboro, Hillsboro to Inman to gather all of my stuff that I have left everywhere.
As far as other job stuff goes...I have a strong lead with Chili's in Hutchinson as a server. So...that will be a good way to supplement my income; assuming I'm good anyways. I have a second interview at Chili's on Friday...so hopefully that will go well and I won't have to worry about survival. Well...I'll update more as I get more and more busy with youth stuff and other work. Love you all!
9.20.2008
The Next Stage in Life
Well, I have finally moved into the next stage in life. It wasn't my ideal situation, but I think it's a great opportunity to begin my ministry with youth. But first, I think I should give a little background, even if it is old new for some:
At the end of my senior year at Tabor, I had begun to send in resumes to to churches that I knew of that had openings in their youth ministry. Shortly after graduation, Dad encouraged me to talk with the district ministry, Tim Sullivan, and use that channel for an easier connection to churches. I met with Tim and we discussed churches that had openings, both part-time and full-time, in youth ministry. He helped by sending my resume to churches that were looking for part-time youth pastors and so a couple of weeks later I began to get phone calls. I got phone calls from two churches, both seeking part-time youth pastors. One church was in Lawton, OK and the other in Inman, KS. Since, I was down in Oklahoma City with Andy and Laura for physical therapy for most of the summer, I ended up taking a trip down to Lawton to do an interview. It was a LONG interview and I went away from it feeling that this opportunity was not for me. So that was basically the end of that opportunity.
On a trip up to Hutchinson for a doctor's appointment with uncle John, I met with my contact from the church in Inman, KS. It seemed like a great opportunity to work with their staff. I ended up going up to Inman to do a formal interview with their search committee. Shortly after, they ended up calling me with an offer. I delayed my response and told them I would like to wait to see what happened with a full-time possibility in Enid, OK.
I was one of two possible candidates for the position in Enid. I coincidentally found out who the other possible candidate was and it was someone that I had gone to school with and that I knew very confidently that I would be the better choice; as I shared this fact with many of my friends who knew us both, they agreed with me. So I ended up going through the interview process and I ended up going away from that feeling very confident about it. A couple of days after they had interviewed the other possible candidate, I got notice that I would NOT be in further consideration for that position. This was obviously a big disappointment.
The following days, I had contacted Inman again to see if the offer was still there. I find out that their church was feeling that they needed to move forward in a lot of areas, one of them being their youth ministry. Also, the day before I had called them, their senior pastor submitted his resignation. So, the elder board decided that they would hire for a full-time youth pastor right away instead of hiring as a part-time youth pastor. Since, I was still the only candidate, I was very excited that this all happened. Well, a week later, their church council met and overturned that option and decided to hire as a part-time again. At this point, the contact from Inman called me and offered the same offer as they had given me about a month before.
So, this brings us to the present. I have accepted that position and I start my weekly meetings with the high school (as is my only duty at this point) on the 28th of September. Dwight Carter, the person I have been in contact with throughout this process, has been very helpful in helping me tie loose ends together. He has searched for other job possibilities for me in order to help supplement my income, and has been looking at housing possibilities as well. So, to sum it all up, I am the High School pastor at Zoar MB Church in Inman, KS, working part-time until their search for a senior pastor is complete; in which case I will transition into working full-time with both jr. high and high school. Here's a fun little note: Zoar MB is located on Froese St. (pronounced the wrong way...I mean "other" way).
So, I will probably be moving up this week and starting life on my own. Finances will be a "little" tight, but God will provide.
Other events this summer:
I have completed my physical therapy and have had my final appointment with Uncle John. He says that I am at the point where most patients are in 4 months, and I'm only three months out. God gave me great recovery...and a great physical therapist (Thanks Laura!; I'll write you a success story sometime).
My car has received a dent in my rear bumper thanks to a handy plumber backing into it while it was parked in front of Andy and Laura's house. I'm still in the process of getting that fixed.
Also, Carrie and I have decided to give a dating relationship another chance. We're both really excited and we hope that God will give us both guidance.
Ok, I think that's all for now. Love you all! I hope to see you all (-Josh and Sara--sad) at Christmas.
At the end of my senior year at Tabor, I had begun to send in resumes to to churches that I knew of that had openings in their youth ministry. Shortly after graduation, Dad encouraged me to talk with the district ministry, Tim Sullivan, and use that channel for an easier connection to churches. I met with Tim and we discussed churches that had openings, both part-time and full-time, in youth ministry. He helped by sending my resume to churches that were looking for part-time youth pastors and so a couple of weeks later I began to get phone calls. I got phone calls from two churches, both seeking part-time youth pastors. One church was in Lawton, OK and the other in Inman, KS. Since, I was down in Oklahoma City with Andy and Laura for physical therapy for most of the summer, I ended up taking a trip down to Lawton to do an interview. It was a LONG interview and I went away from it feeling that this opportunity was not for me. So that was basically the end of that opportunity.
On a trip up to Hutchinson for a doctor's appointment with uncle John, I met with my contact from the church in Inman, KS. It seemed like a great opportunity to work with their staff. I ended up going up to Inman to do a formal interview with their search committee. Shortly after, they ended up calling me with an offer. I delayed my response and told them I would like to wait to see what happened with a full-time possibility in Enid, OK.
I was one of two possible candidates for the position in Enid. I coincidentally found out who the other possible candidate was and it was someone that I had gone to school with and that I knew very confidently that I would be the better choice; as I shared this fact with many of my friends who knew us both, they agreed with me. So I ended up going through the interview process and I ended up going away from that feeling very confident about it. A couple of days after they had interviewed the other possible candidate, I got notice that I would NOT be in further consideration for that position. This was obviously a big disappointment.
The following days, I had contacted Inman again to see if the offer was still there. I find out that their church was feeling that they needed to move forward in a lot of areas, one of them being their youth ministry. Also, the day before I had called them, their senior pastor submitted his resignation. So, the elder board decided that they would hire for a full-time youth pastor right away instead of hiring as a part-time youth pastor. Since, I was still the only candidate, I was very excited that this all happened. Well, a week later, their church council met and overturned that option and decided to hire as a part-time again. At this point, the contact from Inman called me and offered the same offer as they had given me about a month before.
So, this brings us to the present. I have accepted that position and I start my weekly meetings with the high school (as is my only duty at this point) on the 28th of September. Dwight Carter, the person I have been in contact with throughout this process, has been very helpful in helping me tie loose ends together. He has searched for other job possibilities for me in order to help supplement my income, and has been looking at housing possibilities as well. So, to sum it all up, I am the High School pastor at Zoar MB Church in Inman, KS, working part-time until their search for a senior pastor is complete; in which case I will transition into working full-time with both jr. high and high school. Here's a fun little note: Zoar MB is located on Froese St. (pronounced the wrong way...I mean "other" way).
So, I will probably be moving up this week and starting life on my own. Finances will be a "little" tight, but God will provide.
Other events this summer:
I have completed my physical therapy and have had my final appointment with Uncle John. He says that I am at the point where most patients are in 4 months, and I'm only three months out. God gave me great recovery...and a great physical therapist (Thanks Laura!; I'll write you a success story sometime).
My car has received a dent in my rear bumper thanks to a handy plumber backing into it while it was parked in front of Andy and Laura's house. I'm still in the process of getting that fixed.
Also, Carrie and I have decided to give a dating relationship another chance. We're both really excited and we hope that God will give us both guidance.
Ok, I think that's all for now. Love you all! I hope to see you all (-Josh and Sara--sad) at Christmas.
8.17.2008
So Close...
Well...I guess it is my turn to update since I haven't done it in about a month. I had to re-read my last blog just so I could remember what all happened since the last time I posted. But, it's not three months like some people...cough, Laura.
After the wedding I took part in for two of my friends I returned to Oklahoma City, as I'm sure you already know, to continue my visits with an extremely good physical therapist. When I went in to see Uncle John for a post-op check-up last month, he said that I was a few weeks ahead of schedule in my recovery, and he gave much of that credit to Laura. Anyways, I'm back in OKC to see if I can get further ahead and try to make the extremely long recovery process as short as possible.
Laura says that blogs are boring if there aren't any pictures, but since I don't have my camera, allow me to paint you a picture. Ok, picture a big HDTV, ok...it's on (surprise). Now picture a nice comfortable couch and a lazy bum lying across it, staring at the TV. That's me...sometimes. I'm thankful for having therapy a couple of times a week to get me out of the house. Therapy takes up most of my afternoon which is good...because I usually sleep most of the morning. So I actually don't get a lot of time in front of the TV. Other than that, I've been doing a lot of cooking. My repertoire grew exponentially in a matter of days; who knew I could read a recipe!? I'm really slow at it, and my coordination is a little off, but it gets the job done and it has been edible every time. So, I'll be able to survive as a single man whenever I'm on my own.
That brings me to my next point. The job search has intensified in the last couple of weeks. I ended up getting a job offer from the MB church in Inman, but it is not my ideal opportunity. It is a part time job that would pay $1000 a month. That means that i would have to find another job and work on tying loose ends together just to get by. The offer is still there but I'm waiting and praying that God has a door open in Enid. I'm still one of two possible candidates at the MB church in Enid and I have an interview there on Thursday evening (8/21). I've also sent a resume up the northwest part of the country to Ferndale, WA. There's an MB church up there that is without a youth pastor. It also happens to be minutes away from a fellow youth pastor and good friend of mine who's wedding I took part in at the end of July. I think that would be a great situation as well. So, maybe something will start coming together up there as well. Other than that, there's not much going on in that area. I'll be sure to post as soon as more developments happen.
I think that's all for know...love you all!
After the wedding I took part in for two of my friends I returned to Oklahoma City, as I'm sure you already know, to continue my visits with an extremely good physical therapist. When I went in to see Uncle John for a post-op check-up last month, he said that I was a few weeks ahead of schedule in my recovery, and he gave much of that credit to Laura. Anyways, I'm back in OKC to see if I can get further ahead and try to make the extremely long recovery process as short as possible.
Laura says that blogs are boring if there aren't any pictures, but since I don't have my camera, allow me to paint you a picture. Ok, picture a big HDTV, ok...it's on (surprise). Now picture a nice comfortable couch and a lazy bum lying across it, staring at the TV. That's me...sometimes. I'm thankful for having therapy a couple of times a week to get me out of the house. Therapy takes up most of my afternoon which is good...because I usually sleep most of the morning. So I actually don't get a lot of time in front of the TV. Other than that, I've been doing a lot of cooking. My repertoire grew exponentially in a matter of days; who knew I could read a recipe!? I'm really slow at it, and my coordination is a little off, but it gets the job done and it has been edible every time. So, I'll be able to survive as a single man whenever I'm on my own.
That brings me to my next point. The job search has intensified in the last couple of weeks. I ended up getting a job offer from the MB church in Inman, but it is not my ideal opportunity. It is a part time job that would pay $1000 a month. That means that i would have to find another job and work on tying loose ends together just to get by. The offer is still there but I'm waiting and praying that God has a door open in Enid. I'm still one of two possible candidates at the MB church in Enid and I have an interview there on Thursday evening (8/21). I've also sent a resume up the northwest part of the country to Ferndale, WA. There's an MB church up there that is without a youth pastor. It also happens to be minutes away from a fellow youth pastor and good friend of mine who's wedding I took part in at the end of July. I think that would be a great situation as well. So, maybe something will start coming together up there as well. Other than that, there's not much going on in that area. I'll be sure to post as soon as more developments happen.
I think that's all for know...love you all!
7.10.2008
The Life of a college graduate.
Well...my vagabond-ish endeavors have led me to Andy and Laura's house for a couple of weeks. It was time for my physical therapy to start, so why not get some quality treatment from a physical therapist in the family.
The therapy has been going well and I'll have no problem getting my range of motion back to normal. My shoulder is doing really well in general...the only pain I get is when I sleep on it or when I move it beyond my current range of motion...naturally.
The job hunt has taken a few turns for the better. I've been contact with the MB church in Inman, KS about a part time position; I've been in contact with the MB church in Lawton, OK about a part time position; and I'm still waiting for the MB church in Enid to continue their search process and see how far I make it there. I had applied for the position at the oh-so-familiar Discovery Bible Fellowship church, but was told recently that I am no longer in consideration for that position. That's not a big let down; it just means that the likelihood that I get a job with my current options are getting smaller. I meet with my two contacts at the two churches looking for a part-time youth pastor in the next couple of weeks...so we'll see if that goes anywhere.
My dating relationship with Carrie has ended...again. This time it looks a little different though. I'm not 100% clear on what exactly is going on through her head, but I understand that she needs to step away from the relationship to figure out if she should be dating now. She also says that she's not sure if I'm the one she wants to spend the rest of her life with; this is the part where it gets a little foggy. I'm not going to try and explain it on here when I don't understand it, but just pray. There's a chance that we could get back together, but there's as good of a chance that we won't. Prayer is definitely appreciated.
Ummm...as for now, I have a doctor's appointment in Hutchinson on the 21st, so I will be going back up there and end I will likely spend the rest of my summer with Josh and Sara. Hopefully by the end of the summer, I will have something close to a job and I will not be living off of family. But I do appreciate all the help I have gotten and will continue to get...as long as they dont' get tired of me. So...thank you Josh and Sara and Andy and Laura.
I think that's all for now. I beat Laura in updating, so I feel like I've accomplished my mission. Love you all.
The therapy has been going well and I'll have no problem getting my range of motion back to normal. My shoulder is doing really well in general...the only pain I get is when I sleep on it or when I move it beyond my current range of motion...naturally.
The job hunt has taken a few turns for the better. I've been contact with the MB church in Inman, KS about a part time position; I've been in contact with the MB church in Lawton, OK about a part time position; and I'm still waiting for the MB church in Enid to continue their search process and see how far I make it there. I had applied for the position at the oh-so-familiar Discovery Bible Fellowship church, but was told recently that I am no longer in consideration for that position. That's not a big let down; it just means that the likelihood that I get a job with my current options are getting smaller. I meet with my two contacts at the two churches looking for a part-time youth pastor in the next couple of weeks...so we'll see if that goes anywhere.
My dating relationship with Carrie has ended...again. This time it looks a little different though. I'm not 100% clear on what exactly is going on through her head, but I understand that she needs to step away from the relationship to figure out if she should be dating now. She also says that she's not sure if I'm the one she wants to spend the rest of her life with; this is the part where it gets a little foggy. I'm not going to try and explain it on here when I don't understand it, but just pray. There's a chance that we could get back together, but there's as good of a chance that we won't. Prayer is definitely appreciated.
Ummm...as for now, I have a doctor's appointment in Hutchinson on the 21st, so I will be going back up there and end I will likely spend the rest of my summer with Josh and Sara. Hopefully by the end of the summer, I will have something close to a job and I will not be living off of family. But I do appreciate all the help I have gotten and will continue to get...as long as they dont' get tired of me. So...thank you Josh and Sara and Andy and Laura.
I think that's all for now. I beat Laura in updating, so I feel like I've accomplished my mission. Love you all.
6.07.2008
It wasn't me, it was the one-armed man...
Well...this is going to be a short post, since I'm typing with one hand. I'll give you the few updates in my life.
First off...I've had surgery on my shoulder, but you know that. The recovery has gone well I think. I haven't experienced much pain so I haven't needed to take much of my pain meds. The hardest part is showering and putting my shirt on. I go back on the 18th for a "check-up" just to see how the recovery is going. I'll also get a better picture of rehab and stuff of that sort.
I met with Tim Sullivan, the district minister of the southern district conference, this last week. I was very encouraging, though I still have no job. Hopefully this next week I'll know a little more as far as that goes.
That's about it, so I'll stop there. Love you all.
First off...I've had surgery on my shoulder, but you know that. The recovery has gone well I think. I haven't experienced much pain so I haven't needed to take much of my pain meds. The hardest part is showering and putting my shirt on. I go back on the 18th for a "check-up" just to see how the recovery is going. I'll also get a better picture of rehab and stuff of that sort.
I met with Tim Sullivan, the district minister of the southern district conference, this last week. I was very encouraging, though I still have no job. Hopefully this next week I'll know a little more as far as that goes.
That's about it, so I'll stop there. Love you all.
5.29.2008
Graduated & Jobless
Well, I've graduate from college and I have nowhere to go. I like to consider myself a vagabond, but call it what you will. I've sent resumes out to all the places that I can think of and so far I've only gotten two responses, one from Northwest Baptist Church in Oklahoma City (Andy & Laura's church) and the other from the Mennonite Brethren Church in Enid. The Enid process will likely take up to a month, depending on how far I get in the process. I think my ideal place to work would be at Ebenfeld in Hillsboro. I would get to work close to two great youth pastors at Parkview and Hillsboro MB and I think it would be a great place to begin my ministry and learn from them. So...I'll try to keep you all posted on what happens as far as that goes.
I have surgery next Tuesday (6/3) on my shoulder...so that will pretty much make in effective to do anything useful. I can't do any odd jobs or anything like that, so it will be a struggle to just have to sit there all the time.
Carrie and I continued our relationship about a week ago. We talked a lot during the break about things that should have been discussed during the relationship and she felt really good about where she was at. So, we decided to start the relationship again and I think it has been the best it has ever been; Carrie would agree. She feels the most comfortable about it then she has been. It basically helped us to understand the importance of communication. There were too many unknowns about how we felt about the relationship and those just needed to come out before the relationship would be the best. Right now Carrie is in KC for the summer working at Union City Mission which is a homeless ministry in inner city KC. This is her first week and she asks for prayer for contentment. She says that all she can think about is when she'll be able to come home. But, I'm sure once the program picks up and she gets into the daily grind of that job, she'll feel much more content about it. This is also a time where the both of us are really seeking God's wisdom and clarity as far as our relationship. I think that this summer will either make or break the relationship; it will help us both see whether or not we want to be with each other forever. Anyways, I don't know if that made sense to all of you, but it does to me.
I think that is all for now. Keep praying that God will show me an awesome job. Love you all.
I have surgery next Tuesday (6/3) on my shoulder...so that will pretty much make in effective to do anything useful. I can't do any odd jobs or anything like that, so it will be a struggle to just have to sit there all the time.
Carrie and I continued our relationship about a week ago. We talked a lot during the break about things that should have been discussed during the relationship and she felt really good about where she was at. So, we decided to start the relationship again and I think it has been the best it has ever been; Carrie would agree. She feels the most comfortable about it then she has been. It basically helped us to understand the importance of communication. There were too many unknowns about how we felt about the relationship and those just needed to come out before the relationship would be the best. Right now Carrie is in KC for the summer working at Union City Mission which is a homeless ministry in inner city KC. This is her first week and she asks for prayer for contentment. She says that all she can think about is when she'll be able to come home. But, I'm sure once the program picks up and she gets into the daily grind of that job, she'll feel much more content about it. This is also a time where the both of us are really seeking God's wisdom and clarity as far as our relationship. I think that this summer will either make or break the relationship; it will help us both see whether or not we want to be with each other forever. Anyways, I don't know if that made sense to all of you, but it does to me.
I think that is all for now. Keep praying that God will show me an awesome job. Love you all.
5.14.2008
Jumping on the Bandwagon
Well...I guess I just decided to join my family in creating my own blog to make it easier for everyone who cares about me and visa-verse to keep track of me. So here I am.
As most know, I'm on the eve of graduating and moving on in my life to...who knows what at the moment; it's a work in progress. I've had my interview with Tabor College Admissions and I await there decision sometime next week (something else to be stressed about during finals). I've also been getting news of a few openings in the area so I'm also in the process of sending out resumes.
Another event in my life that just happened less than a week ago is the pause in my relationship with Carrie. Carrie and I have decided to step back and take the summer to evaluate some things and to seek out answers. This is primarily for Carrie's sake but I'm taking the time as well to do my own seeking. I feel we are both encouraged that our prayers will be answered, though it has been a struggle for both of us due to the change. Your prayers would be greatly accepted and if you wish to talk to me about it more, please do; I might seek advice.
Well...I think that's all for now. I will update you all around graduation as I get news of interviews and the sorts. Love to all.
As most know, I'm on the eve of graduating and moving on in my life to...who knows what at the moment; it's a work in progress. I've had my interview with Tabor College Admissions and I await there decision sometime next week (something else to be stressed about during finals). I've also been getting news of a few openings in the area so I'm also in the process of sending out resumes.
Another event in my life that just happened less than a week ago is the pause in my relationship with Carrie. Carrie and I have decided to step back and take the summer to evaluate some things and to seek out answers. This is primarily for Carrie's sake but I'm taking the time as well to do my own seeking. I feel we are both encouraged that our prayers will be answered, though it has been a struggle for both of us due to the change. Your prayers would be greatly accepted and if you wish to talk to me about it more, please do; I might seek advice.
Well...I think that's all for now. I will update you all around graduation as I get news of interviews and the sorts. Love to all.
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