This semester I am studying both Chinese and Biblical Hebrew, needless to say.. I'm busy. I love both of the subjects and feel so privileged to be able to study both! Chinese is a blast, I am learning characters and already introducing myself :) In Hebrew we are translating the book of Ruth, so many cool things have been opened up already. Like for instance, did you know that when Ruth, by coming with Naomi, gave up her chances of having a son. In the Hebrew culture if a women did not have a son she would have no way to be provided for in her old age... Ruth was willing to risk everything she had and her own future to stay faithful to Naomi and follow the LORD. SO COOL eh?
Justin has also started into his classes, his BIBLE classes. If you have been up to date on his studies you would know that until this semester he was a Political Science major. Over the summer God called Justin to full-time ministry through the church, the Wesleyan Church in particular, through the path of ordination and pastoral training! That means that next year he will be starting his Masters of Ministry through Wesley Seminary online :) I am so proud of him and excited for him to step into ministry this way. He is also studying Greek, which is great fun for me.
God has shown us what he desire for us in the upcoming years! Come graduation I am required to do a practicum oversees in Macedonia, Justin may or may-not come along (we are praying through this yet). After this practicum Justin & I will be living in Holland for two years as he works towards his masters online. We are SO excited to get re-connected with Central Wesleyan Church and be close to family for a few years. We have also heard from God that after those two years we are to leave the United States and move oversees to do full time missions. (most likely in China, message me if you want to hear more about opportunities we are thinking about!). Our two years will also be our time to find a support base. We feel that inorder for our ministry oversees to have any grounds for changing lives for Jesus, we will need a group of believers to send us out. We will need prayer, financial help, accountability, and support!
God is leading us and guiding us every step of our last year here at IWU. We are both extremely busy working 10 to 20 hours a week on-top of classes. It will all be worth it when we get our diplomas so soon!
I have many more things to say, but I will wrap it up :)
A few prayer requests:
- school work getting done!
- decisions about the Macedonia trip this summer
- for Justin & I to continue to grow closer together as a team in our ministry!
Love,
Leah & Justin
*our one year anniversary*
