Our life in Iowa

We have now lived here in Des Moines, Iowa for 2 months! Time has flown by and we are more excited everyday for the things God is doing here. About 4 weeks ago I got a job working at Vatterott College here in Des Moines. Its a technical college with about 170 students presently. That number is a bit low, but only because this branch campus was opened in 1997 and has been steadily growing each year. I currently have a partner, Craig, who has the same title as me in the office, and then a director who oversees our office but not usually involved in the actual work. Thusfar it has turned out to be a great ministry opportunity. Craig and I have become very good friends and he has confided a lot in me. He has known I was a christian from day 1 but that has not deterred him from getting to know me. I've done my best to be a friend while never compromising any of my morals or values. Its been tough at times because he cusses a lot, drinks, is promiscous, and gets high once in a great while. He is about 38 years old, but acts like an 18 year old. I feel like I'm more mature than him, and I'm not joking about that. Its tough to be around the joking and making fun of less fortunate people, which we see everyday in our office. This place is definately not a bible college but I am so glad to be here. Its great to be in a place where I can really be a light and not just be around christians everyday like I was at EBC. I treasure the time I was at EBC, but I was so secluded from the world. Now I have been thrust back into the world and am loving the opportunities. For anyone reading this, please be in prayer for Craig as he is battling to find faith. God is using me to really bring about conviction and making Craig think about things of spiritual significance. The other part of the job thats great is the other guys who work at the school have taken a liking to me, but are a bit cautious of whether I am a "bible-thumper" or not. They even have gone to Craig to find out. Craig greatly respects the fact that I haven't shoved the bible down his throat but at the same time have demonstrated Christian qualities that you don't see very often. The guys want to take me out drinking soon. I will go with them but will not drink. That will in itself raise some questions in which I will be able to share a little about my faith. I love being able to truly witness to these people and go to the places they are comfortable. I must be on guard when I go to the bars and such, but taking a stand for Jesus in those locations can be very powerful. Jesus spent his time with prostitutes, drunks, disabled, and the scum of society. He didn't just spend his time with his followers. At the same time, he never compromised himself. I've got to find the right balance.

In other news, Kristine recently got a job at Hallmark. She really likes it and they are giving her pretty good hours (33 in her 3rd week). The only problem is that they also own a Halloween store. She has to work there 3 times next week and shes kind of scared. I told her to use it as a ministry tool and just pray for every single person that comes through the doors. If she feels to surrounded by evil, then we'll try to get her not to have to work at that store. But the Hallmark store is great and she's caught on very fast with their merchandising system.

We are getting involved at our church. I'm not able to do most of the ministries that the church does because of my hours at work, but I am looking into working the powerpoint, lights, and video for sundays worship service. I checked it out this sunday and in two sundays I will actually get training on it. Kristine on the other hand has a loaded schedule. She and her mom are going to be teaching a sunday school class for preschoolers. They are involved in a womens prayer group and also a small group. Kristine is in her 1st week of INSTE which is a college level bible education through the church. Theres something else, but I can't remember off the top of my head.

Things are going great here, but we do miss all our friends so much. We've been so busy with work and church that we haven't been able to really make any close connections with people. Hopefully that will come soon. But yes things are great and we are excited to see what God has in store for us next.