August 2004

To view letter in PDF format, click here

Dear Family and Friends,

Since the first missionaries went out into the world, the world itself has changed. The Lord is the same. People have changed. Mode of transportation has changed. The way we communicate has changed. Methods of sharing the gospel have expanded, from Paul’s first missionary journey to showing the gospel story in the Jesus Film on a large traveling screen in a remote wilderness.

Today, we see another advance that is aiding to spread the Gospel and facilitate ministries around the world: the computer and the internet. We have found many uses in ministry which would be obvious and some that are a little less apparent.

Of course one purpose is simply evangelistic websites that present the Gospel. Another would be an informative site, such as Campus Crusade for Christ’s homepage, which tells about Crusade and all of its ministries. A third would be a site that simply points the surfer to helpful sites on various subjects, such as Apologetics, raising kids, missions and more. (See our link section for some of these sites)

But, perhaps one of the more obscure aspects of ministries on the Net is to connect ministries and people. While all of the previous types of sites do this in some form, there are many uses that are behind the scenes. The Internet is a powerful tool for connecting people and ministries that otherwise could be isolated, coordinating various ministries for common goals and simply aiding in support networks for people that seem to be alone. It is with eagerness that Thad looks forward to using his skills in this way.

Even now, the Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to work with these uses of computers and the Internet. While we have yet to begin our official assignment, we have taken this opportunity and run with it! As you may have noticed at the bottom of our prayer letter, we have listed our website address.

Our primary focus for our site is a place where people can go to learn about our ministry with Campus Crusade. We have tried to include a lot of information about how we came to be on staff, where we are going, what we will be doing and what our favorite colors are. We have also included our support needs and ways to support our ministry. So, if someone is ever interested in how they can support us, they can be sent directly to us or to the site to learn more about us and our ministry!

While our prayer letters are a wonderful way to tell you what is happening and what has gone on in the last month or two, our space is limited. Soon, there will be many things that happen that will not fit into this letter, without making the print dangerously small. Can you read this? So, that is another use of the site. We have created what is called a Blog. In non-Geek terms, it is an online journal. We try to write in it at least once a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. It just depends on what is going on.

Even our prayer letters are included on the site. If you missed one or three, your dog ate it, or maybe you want to share one with someone, the Prayer Letter section is the place to go! You can read one as text or you can download it to see it in full, living color, with pictures.

Jana’s favorite part of the site is the Gallery. We have posted pictures from the past few years there. Some are silly pictures, while some are ministry related, such as our “Vision Trip” to Kandern and the Highpoint Colorado Trip. As well, if you do not remember what we look like, or if you want to know what our latest hair style is, that is a great place to go!! Upon arriving in Kandern, we will upload many pictures of the town and surrounding areas, the people, and as well as more pictures of the Staff and office! As our site expands and changes, we hope that you will feel more connected to us and more importantly to our ministry.

It is for these reasons that we are excited about technology…more people can read more stories and be face to face through pictures within literally minutes. What more could be on the horizon?

AIT update (Cultural Training)

Though this will not be final until September 3rd, the AIT staff may cancel the Fall training due to low attendance. The good news!!! The Spring training which was originally set for April 2005, has moved up to January 2005. We are on track to make this training and are very excited about this latest development. Please continue to pray for our support raising, particularly in relation to this new goal!!

In Christ,
Thad and Jana