I know, I know, it’s huge. This update is, in large, for my family and supporters, but the rest of you may learn something too. I’ll break it up to make it easier to browse.

Internship
The internship itself is going quite well. At this point in time I live in Grand Rapids for Monday Tuesday and Wednesday. Then I drive up to camp for our meeting, then stay up there to do whatever work needs to be done over the weekend.

The meetings have been very fun and educational in figuring out how the camp runs throughout the year. We (the interns) have been able to play a major role in the planning of next year’s theme and other little decisions that happen on a weekly basis at camp. In fact, I am proud to announce that, pending approval from the board, we have decided on a theme for next year. It will be called “Wholly Armored at the Ao-Wa-Kastle.” It’s a medieval theme, and our theme verse is Ephesians 6:13, Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Support
My support account has officially run dry. That means that the money in my bank account, plus anything I can earn on my days off (Monday Tuesday and Wednesday), is all I’m going to have to live on for the next eight months. Now before you think this is a sob story, let me tell you the rest. God has blessed me with a large amount of support early on, and if I’m careful in how I spend my money, and continue to work on my days off, then I will be fine until I get married.

I have been debating whether or not I should send out another request for support, or simply trust God to provide. I know that when it’s worded like that, the answer is obvious, but in reality, it’s not that simple. Even if I sent another request for support, I would still have to trust God to provide. I realize that many people have given financially (whether easily or sacrificially), and I appreciate every one of you that has, but I cannot fail to give God the credit for providing that money for me. It really was a blessing from Him.

Wedding Plans
Did I mention I’m getting married? Yes, I’m sure I did. But I will again. On June 2nd, 2007, I will be marrying the most wonderful girl I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her name is Rachel, and if you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m head-over-heels in love with her.

It is to be an outdoor wedding, with the reception to follow. We are constantly looking for ways to make it less and less traditional. For instance, Neither Rachel nor I will be wearing anything on our feet, and all the men in the bridal party will have the top few buttons of their shirts unbuttoned, and the shirts will most likely be untucked. I’ll tuck mine in for the ceremony ’cause I’ll be wearing a suit coat.

Work
As I mentioned before, I’m working on the side to help pull in some extra funds (some of which will be used for the honeymoon). I work for my friend’s parents. They own a couple businesses, and I work in the warehouse for their largest business: a Janitorial Company. Basically I do odd jobs… anything that needs to be done. I have been delivering things all over Michigan, cleaning and maintaining inventory in the warehouse, and even doing some odd jobs around their house. So far, it’s been a pretty good experience, though I look forward to being able to have at least one day off per week.

The Maintenance Position
This week (probably later today actually) I will be turning in my resume to the camp for the new full-time maintenance position they’ve opened. The job is support based, so if I get it, I will be starting a much more serious deputation in order to raise monthly support. This is not a short-term missions trip… I’d be in it for the long haul.

I am really excited about this possibility. It would allow Rachel and I to live up at camp for (presumably) the rest of our working lives. ever since my first summer at Ao-Wa-Kiya I have really felt like I’ve been a part of a great ministry, and I am really looking forward to being able to stick with it full-time. Please pray that, as the board goes through the application process, God’s Will be done.

That’s it!
That’s about it for updates. Thanks again to all those who have supported me financially and/or in their prayers. It has been greatly appreciated. I’ll try to keep you posted on new and exciting developments.

His Truly,
-Steve

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 26th, 2006 at 8:35 am and is filed under Ao-Wa-Kiya Internship, Updates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.