It's Over: What's Next?

A friend of mine recently posted on Facebook that he's been to 3 continents, 11 countries, 48 states, graduated from college, acquired a master's degree, started an online business, and is leading a missions trip and he's only 23. He asked: What's next?

That question is similar to what I'm thinking. Now Amy and I haven't graduated from my Master's program just yet, nor have we been to as many states and countries as he has been to, but we've accomplished a lot. We've finished another semester. Finals are done. Thank you all for praying. They went well. Our projects are complete and turned in. Another year is over, and the question that has been asked is: "What's Next?"

Recently, in an email, I told you that we have been invited to attend Candidate School with Baptist International Missions Inc. I wanted to share with you a little bit more about that. The reason that we have chosen BIMI as our mission board is because their doctrines and standards align with our own and because missionaries Steven and Christy Maldoff, whom we plan to assist, are also sent by BIMI. As part of their deputation process (which is a fancy term for raising support), we are required to attend Candidate School twice on two separate occasions. The first time we attend will be week one, and the second time will be week two which takes place a year later. I haven't been to one yet to tell you what it's all about, but from what I understand it's a training program intended to prepare you for the mission field as well as for deputation.

We will be attending our first week this summer. The very first day of the Candidate School is an interview with their board of pastors. They'll have opportunity to question us and then make a decision on whether or not to accept us as missionaries. Upon acceptance, we'll be able to stay the rest of the week and participate in the training program. Candidate School is June 3rd through June 8th.

Before that, though, Amy and I will be returning home to Pennsylvania to visit with my family and friends. A few days into our vacation, we'll head out to Candidate School, and at the conclusion of that we'll return home to PA again for about a week. On June 16th, Amy and I will be returning to Pensacola for a summer class that lasts two weeks. The final day of that session, Amy and I will be boarding a plane for LA, and ultimately, Australia two hours after class is dismissed.

We've got a busy summer ahead of us, and we ask that you continue to remember us in your prayers.

Don't forget, if you haven't check it out yet, I started a blog designed to help pastors and churches improve their media and design. It's called Media Missions.