Greetings one and all! Isn't God wonderful?
I thought I'd drop a line to y'all and fill you in on what's happening in my life. In case you didn't know or didn't remember, I'm in my second year at Asbury Seminary in the seemingly-remote town of Wilmore, KY. The focus of my studies is World Missions. Beyond seminary, I am still planning to go the the mission field. My dream is to minister cross-culturally to youth and children using music. I would especially like to be able to proclaim God's Word to people who have never had the opportunity to hear it.
While seminary is an important part of planning for ministry, I recognize that it is not all that's necessary. For one thing, I am not planning on going overseas alone--I'd like to take a husband along. By the end of June I plan to have that husband. For the last 14 months I've been dating Joe Pearson, and in the first few seconds of this new year we became engaged. Our wedding is scheduled for June 29, at my parents' church in Thurmont, MD.
Joe has lived in Kentucky for about 6 months now. Before that he lived in San Diego, CA. We met in the summer of 1992 on a missions trip. Joe's parents are missionaries in Taiwan. Joe and his best friend Bill own a business that helps companies advertise on the World Wide Web. On the side, Joe does some independent Internet consulting and is a youth counselor at a children's home.
Although I did not take classes in January, I was still quite busy. I read 3 books just for fun, learned a lot more about cooking, designed my own web site, and helped Joe with his business. In addition, Joe and I have been spending more time getting to know one another. We just began pre-marital counseling.
This is the first week of spring classes at seminary. I already have begun one of my classes. The national "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" course is being offered through my church here. I began the course two weeks ago and have already gained a new perspective on the biblical basis for World Missions. I will also be taking a Bible class on the Pauline Epistles, and a course which examines the social responsibility of the church. I may be continuing with voice lessons as well.
In the next month, please pray for my Mom as she will be busy with the logistical planning for the wedding. Also remember Joe and me as we seek to strengthen our relationship in preparation for marriage. Pray above all that we would honor God in all that we do and that we would not forget Him.
Thanks for your friendship and for remembering us before God!
Love in Christ,