Preparation

In three weeks I will be flying out to Pasadena, California to begin my month long training period in preparation for Azerbaijan. From what I have gathered, training will be a very intense time for all of us involved. It will consist of a six day work week with language, teaching, culture and evangelism training that will go from early in the morning late into the night for four weeks.
I think its a great thing, but at the same time I really don't know what to expect. I talked with one of my new teammates Jillian and she said "It will get you out of your comfort zone and challenge you." so that is a general idea.
But as for now, all I am doing to prepare is getting my medical records together, getting some new shots I haven't had in a long time, earning a little extra money to take along with me and reading.

After talking with my former youth pastor and now lead pastor of Stonegate Church, Rodney Hobbs, I got a book that I will hopefully have read before I head out to California.

Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller addresses a Gospel centered mindset and examines the everyday things that we chase after and place in front of God. I think this will be a great preparation for me before I set out. It will challenge me to put Christ above all things.

Other books I am reading right now include
Surprised By Hope by N.T. Wright
The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor by Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor
The Reason for God by Tim Keller


Surprised By Hope addresses the future hope of Christianity and how it affects us here in the world we live today. By examining the resurrection of our Lord, we can gain a better understanding for what heaven will be like, what the earth will be like and how that plays out for the church today. From what I have read, I have really really enjoyed this book. N.T. Wright is almost like a modern day C.S. Lewis in that he is very well spoken and has a tremendous love for God and what he is writing about.

The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor recalls the life of one of the greatest missionaries the world has ever known, Hudson Taylor. It is an amazing story of obedience and love for God that has really challenged me, but encouraged me at the same time. I'm told that those going overseas for mission work should put it at the top of their reading list. Its been a great resource for missionaries all over the world.

The Reason for God helps to answer the many questions that skeptics have for the existence, character and intentions of God in history. There are quite a few apologetics books out there that use scientific proof to show the existence of God in our world and universe, but the Reason for God takes a look at the more philosophical side of the reasons for God being real and has been considered the best resource out today on the subject. I think everyone should read it to be honest. Whether or not you are a believer, it will either strengthen your faith or help you examine your heart and whether or not you wish to believe in a Creator who is indeed there whether you believe it or not.


Other than these things, right now I am just praying and waiting to see what happens. Hope this is enough information at the moment. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for reading.