My name is Lauren Bollinger, and I am a TESOL student. Presently, we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the VOICE students (as well as the arrival of our sixth “TESOLite” whose travel plans have been complicated).

In the TESOL class we have been learning various ways to create a productive atmosphere in the class room, and how to ensure that students are encouraged to participate. We’re also learning methods to enable us to assess and monitor students’ skills and understanding. I am so excited to watch and see what the Lord will do as we better learn how to instruct and serve others, bringing glory to His name.

Well, today was V2’s second full day here at the training center in Oklahoma. After breakfast we dived into our first session. We began with one of my favorite songs, Be Unto Your Name, which Luke led on the guitar.
During the session Karen asked many good questions that caused all of us to think very deep while at the same time prepared us to work with the VOICE students, which will be arriving tonight.

After lunch we had our second session. This was also a very thought-provoking time for us. After all was said and done, we are confident that by God’s grace we will be ready to face the tasks which lay before us this next month. Now we all are anticipating the arrival of all the VOICE students, and look forward to meeting them.

Seth Johnson
V2, Team 3

“What God has joined together, let not man separate.” -Matthew 10:9
While Jesus may be talking about marriage, I believe that God has “joined together” this team. He has brought us together; let not man separate us. Today the V2 students shared about how God brought them here and I believe that is exactly what happened. God put us together. The similarities in the stories, and even what God has been teaching us recently, is beyond accidental. It’s so easy for me to see it as a random group of people with different agendas and personalities. When I see it that way, I can figure out which people I want to hang with more than others. But, the truth is, if God put us here He has a reason for every single one. Judgmental attitudes and wrong thoughts are suddenly seen as not being willing to accept God’s design for this trip. I see how easy it is for me to be the one standing in the way of what God wants to do.

He is already at work. He has a great plan for this month. I want be a part of that. Wes talked today about giving up our own expectations. If we want God to accomplish whatever He planned, our goals must go, and His must be lifted up. If we want to grow deeper in our relationship with Him, our focus must be on Him and His purpose for this month.

I am convicted. It is so easy for me to set my own goals and focus on them. But disappointment and unfulfillment is all that waits there. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

God has set a path before me. How can I say no by choosing to fulfill my “good” goals? The best is waiting down a beaten path where Christ has already walked.

“Lord, help put away my own plans and be ready for whatever you have. Let me not separate what you have put together.”

PRAISE God for blessing the VOICE information meetings in Kaohsiung and Taipei last weekend! We were able to meet with most of this year’s students and parents and collect a few new applications. At last count, we had a total of 26 students from Taiwan, 2 students from Hong Kong, and 7 V2 students.

Pray for the staff in the days leading up to VOICE, as we prepare the various aspects of this program including

• Outlining a month of devotions
• Planning group studies/activities to reinforce the Basic Seminar
• Revising English lessons
• Writing music for this year’s drama production
• Preparing leadership sessions for the V2 students
• Lining up events
• Drafting a new Team Prayer plan
• Coordinating schedules with each conference facility

Once the conference begins, we’ll be posting updates here. Just 55 days and counting…

…on discovering our new site before it’s officially launched. We’re in the process of moving posts from our previous site to this one.

It was my second time to go to VOICE, this year as a part of the V2 program. Although it might have seemed that I was doing the same thing over again, God still taught me a lot through the short-but-incredible month, which is totally beyond my expectation and imagination. In the V2 session, we learned how to be a leader of good character that pleases God. I learned the most from the Bible study in the classes. It helped me understand the importance of studying the Bible, leading to my decision to start working hard on doing so from then on. Because the Bible is God’s Word, we can get closer to Him by reading and studying it, which would grant us divine wisdom. Thus, it’s very important and beneficial to everyone– whether we are a leader or not.

Moreover, God let me realize that I’m indeed weak and needy through the wrong things I did and the difficulties I faced, which let me again experience His unconditional grace that’s prepared for weak sinners like me. “And He said unto me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

I’m really grateful that God gave me an opportunity to go to VOICE again, letting me grow up spiritually, know Him more, and learn to live a life that pleases Him.