Just thought I would let you know what in the world I am doing in Montana. (Yeah, in case some of you missed that memo, I’m in Montana.)

I decided earlier in the year to go to Montana for a 6 week training. I am now in my second week and it has been great!The course is set up for those who work in DTS, but it covers areas for every leader. The course is based on the verse from 2 Timothy 2:2 “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.” It is all about being able to develop disciples who will turn around and disciple other people. You can check out their website for more info here.

Here are the spring students and staff!

Today we just finished two sessions on mentoring and spiritual disciplines. So good and such needed training! Topics in the coming weeks include pioneering, calling & conduct, conflict resolution, communication, working with people from difficult backgrounds, working with the local church… the list could go on. But it is all such great stuff for people who desire to be leaders in any sphere.

There is something special about this school in that there is a small focus to help us bring this same school to Eastern Europe. There are many leaders who need this kind of training in our region of the world. Due to this focus, besides myself and Lance who both work in Ukraine, there are several others from Eastern Europe. One girl, Oksana, did the Equip last year and came back to staff it. She works at the Lutsk base in Ukraine. There is David and Masha who work in Russia and Wanda who lives in Moscow, but helps everywhere. There is also one couple who work here in Montana, but had a desire to do this training with us. We are hoping to have this school available next year in Eastern Europe!

Teaching through skype!

While here in Montana, I am also connecting with the English ministry they run. I’m hoping to develop some kind of partnership or recruiting for more teachers! Just making connections everywhere… 🙂 The Montana base overall has a great system down and has a high level of integrity and excellence in all they do. It is fun to see how other YWAM bases run things. I anticipate learning  lost during this time that I can use in the English school and in ministry overall. I already have learned a ton!

Never tire of learning!

Last Group Shot

Here we are at the end of all things…

Yep, the first English for Missions school has come to a close for this year.

I smile when I think of all that has happened and how God was faithful in every moment that I needed him. It was a huge growing time for me and I was certainly stretched in many areas.

I have learned how to better communicate with my students.

I learned that teaching Slavic students is completely different than teaching North American students.

I always considered myself to be somewhat flexible, but I learned to be really flexible in this time.

I learned simple and complex things, as simple and silly as learning to have be more conversational when giving grades to as complex and difficult as dealing with students who do not want to do something.

I have gained a further understanding of Slavic culture.

I have grown in interpersonal relationships and leadership.

I started the school with a simple bag of tools, but I feel like I’m leaving with a full tool box.

The students have of course gained many things besides English as well. They have also gained an understanding of North American people. They are leaving with not just English, but with a broader scope of missions and Western-thinking. To see an academic list of what the students are leaving with or to see picture from graduation, go to the school blog here.  There are so many different levels of learning that go on in a classroom.

It was a great year, really, I think I can say that. Even though it was super difficult sometimes and I cried a few times, the school was a success. God was with us every step of the way. His plan was laid out and came to pass. I am so blessed to be part of it. I can’t wait until January 2013, when the next school will start!

My amazing staff and I

Just for fun