January 18, 2004
about us
Both of us were born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. We met while in High School at All Saints Episcopal School. For college, Thad went to Texas A&M University, while Jana went to Baylor University. After graduating from college, we were married September 11, 1999. Thad worked as a computer programmer for various companies during the ?dot com? phase, while Jana worked for an Interior Architecture and Design firm that primarily designed hotels.
For quite some time, we both felt unsettled in our work and were constantly seeking the Lord?s lead. In the Spring of 2003, after much prayer, a friend approached us about considering Campus Crusade for Christ as a possible career change. Our first response was literally a chuckle. As we are both rather introverted, we thought that idea was a bit funny. It was after a few more weeks of prayer, that the Lord brought before us a position in the Western Europe division.
We never dreamed that our skills might actually be needed in the field of ministry, but alas the Lord amazed us even further. The specific positions we heard about were for computer programming and graphic design. At that time, and still today, we were thrilled to have our eyes opened to see that ministry does not only involve extroverts. That just like any other line of work, all skills are needed to effectively accomplish any goal.
In July of 2003, we sent our applications into Crusade, were accepted for work overseas in October, and attended New Staff Training in November. In January of 2005 we moved to Orlando, Florida for 7 weeks to complete a cross-cultural training. Currently we are serving as full-time staff for Campus Crusade, raising financial support for our ministry, and preparing to move overseas to live in Southern Germany. What a journey it has been to this point...it only makes us excited to venture further and follow God's lead. His blessings truly are great!
For more information about our Ministry, please see the Ministry section or contact us by phone at (817) 457-2167. (Yes, this number dialed just as a local number will reach us in Germany. Don't you love technology!)
Hey Thad and Jana!
Did you already move to Germany?! It looks beautiful! This will be a wonderful experience for the both of you! Keep in touch! God bless!
We have not moved just yet. We are looking at Fall 2004 for our move. As of March 2004, we have raised 17% of our monthly support. When we hit 100%, we are off to Germany!
Kandern is very pretty! There are more pics in the Gallery... go take a look!
What do you guys think will be the biggest challenge you will face, once over in Germany?
Being far away from Family and Friends
The biggest challenge... being away from family and friends will be very difficult. Thankfully, we have many wonderful people praying for us, so I am not too worried. As well, I have Jana to lean on!
Question one:
If a woodchuck would chunk wood how....
kidding :)
How long do you guys plan on staying overseas?
Thanks for the questions Chris! A woodchuck would chuck wood as long as woodchucks could chuck wood.
Our initial commitment to Campus Crusade is 3 years. We will continue to pray about what God would have us do after that 3 years.
What is the population of Kandern and the surrounding cities? Also, what is the spiritual condition of the area?
Kandern's population is about 5000. The surrounding towns are roughly the same size until you get to Freiburg, which is about 15 miles north. It is a city of 200,000 people.
The spiritual condition of that area is mixed. Generally speaking, Western Europe has turned from the Lord. The area where we will be going, is somewhat more evangelical. Living, active churches are not hard to find. Kandern is a bit different, in that there are several missions organizations based in or around the town.
