Sunday, July 15, 2012

Not leaving just yet...

God provides, though not always exactly how we expect. A month and 11 days ago, I let you all know where I was at financially and where I needed to be. At that time I was considering either getting a full time job here, and doing ministry in whatever time I had leftover or returning home and getting a job or going back to school. So I sent out a call for help.

The goal I set for myself to be able to stay was an additional $500 dollars a month minimum. I received pledges for $160. So I went back to God and asked what I should do. He said go try again at the language school, but not for a full time position. The first time I went there, with CV in hand, references and dressed to get the job. And I never heard a peep back from them. So I thought, what do I have to lose? I went back, and asked them about my old application, and they had lost it completely. So I filled out a new one, and when I finished, started talking to one of the teachers, who ended up being the director. He hired me on the spot for as many hours as I want.

CEC is run by a Christian couple, who use their business to reach out to the students who come, and so they also encouraged me that if I want to do any ministry with the students, I am free to, so long as I was teaching English first. I also have complete freedom to teach as much or little as I want to, and after a trial period, if they still want me on, then they will take care of all my paperwork for visa's and my work permit.

I also had to move out of my house, as the landlord sold it. So I have found an apartment within walking distance of the school, which is nearly $30 cheaper than my old place, even though it is downtown Chiang Mai.

So to conclude:

1. With the new pledges, and teaching part time I am at my goal to be able stay and do church planting.

2. At this center I am encouraged to do ministry, and will have new students for more opportunities.

3. I am at a cheaper apartment and close to my classes.




God does provide in big ways. I have been moving and settling into new routines the past two and a half weeks, hence the delay in this post. I have also been invited to start teaching an English club once a week at the University where I used to work, so that my turn into a great opportunity as well.

I feel like this is the right next step, that I am where I need to be. So now I am waiting on what God is going to do. Thank you again for all your support!


Still getting everything settled as of yesterday, the 14th