About 10 months ago (February), I learned that a missionary school in Spain needed a secondary English teacher.  Because I have always had an interest in missions, and because I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in English education, I began praying about how God might use me at the school in the future.

Fast forward four months (June), and I was having serious conversations with the mission board about where I could serve.

Fast forward another five months (November), and I was completing an interview with the school in Spain.

Fast forward to today (December), and I am doing pre-field ministry (formerly called deputation) to teach secondary English in Spain.  If you aren’t familiar with pre-field ministry, it basically consists of three tasks: (1) attending trainings and workshops to prepare for life as a missionary, (2) doing everything possible to learn about the people and the culture that you are about to join, and (3) raising prayer and financial support for your international ministry.  As I prepare to move to Spain next year, I want to give you regular updates about my pre-field ministry.

1. Trainings and Workshops

At the beginning of November, I finished the last in-person training that my mission board requires. The training location was absolutely gorgeous in autumn!

The school where I will be teaching in Spain has also asked me to observe local secondary English classes, and I visited my first class today.  It was fun to be back in high school for a few hours.

2.  Learning about Spain

Some of the missionaries in Spain encouraged me to visit them for a week in the spring to meet other missionaries and to see the school before I move there in the summer.  Last night, I purchased my tickets for the one-week “vision trip.”  In my mind, purchasing those tickets was the final evidence that I am serious about Spain.  You don’t buy plane tickets unless you really want to go somewhere.  Now it’s time to brush up on my Spanish (ciertamente mi español es muy malo).

3. Fundraising & Prayer Partners

As you can imagine, fundraising is not my favorite part of pre-field ministry, but I have already seen God provide!  Last night, within minutes of buying plane tickets, I received an unexpected email from a couple saying that they would provide monthly financial support — and I had not even asked them to support me!  God is faithful to provide for us!  I plan to contact other potential financial partners after Christmas, so please be praying that God will continue to provide.

Also, my prayer cards arrived in the mail today.  I ordered a lot — I mean a whole lot — so if you want one, let me know!

Joyfully His,