Shout out to my prayer warriors

Hey prayer team!

I'm teaching a lecture on James this Wed. Please pray for me and the students:

• For my remaining preparations
  

• that I would communicate what God has to teach these students through this book

• that their lives would be touched and transformed through it

Thanks! I will let you know how it goes. Love you all.

Hello from SBS World...

Hello Everyone! Yes I know it has been a while since I have written an update and I apologize! I am still trying to adjust to the business of my new schedule as SBS staff.

It has been a busy, overwhelming, wonderful, crazy, month and few days since last I updated my blog. We got through the seminar phase of the school, where we introduced the students to the inductive method used in SBS. Seminar went well, definitely proving its challenges and its rewards. It was incredible during seminar, thinking that I had just done this school four months ago, and now, here I was explaining to students how to do it; Remembering how it felt to be in their shoes, and now being able to encourage them, as someone who survived the work load...and lived to tell about it :) How rewarding it was to be able to explain things to students, and be there when that light bulb went on in their heads and they finally understood what was being explained. My first lecture went well. I taught about the interpretation step of the method. My next lecture will be in December, where I will be teaching the book of James.

Now that seminar is over, the school is running full speed ahead. Here I am, checking horizontal charts, grading work, teaching, leading small groups, walking students through difficult issues and in the midst of it, trying to find time to study for my upcoming lecture. This is definitely not an easy job that God has called me to, but I know that I must give it my very best. Everyday I am reminded that I am in over my head, and everyday God reminds me that "in over my head" is exactly where he wants me to be. It is in that place that he can push my beyond my comfort zone, and show me that in him I am capable of so much more than I would ever have given myself credit for. I am constantly having to look to God for encouragement, strength, perspective, grace, and that is exactly how it should be.

I feel like everyday as a rookie SBS staff, I am learning: learning about myself, God, others, discipleship, stewardship, the bible, the method. I could not have asked for better leaders to help me through the "rookie" process. Those in leadership above me, have been so encouraging, kind, gracious, and available to me. As I mentioned, I have already had to disciple others through some very difficult student issues, and my leaders have been extremely supportive, commending me for a job well done. I say that not to brag, but simply to say that as the new comer, hearing that I am doing well from those who have been at it for a while boosts me confidence immensely, and reminds me that God is equipping me to do what he has called me to.

The discipleship aspect of my duties as SBS staff, has definitely been one of the more challenging, but I am constantly learning how to be a better leader, and lover of people. The students I am working with are very intelligent, and powerful, and I believe that God is going to use this time in SBS to fine tune them in many ways. I believe he is using this time in the word to challenge them, and to weed out those things in their hearts, that might get in the way of them rising to the most that they are capable of. I believe that God is going to do incredible things in the hearts of these students over the next 8 months, and I think that these heart transformations, are going to be key in what they go on to do next. Know that those of you who are showing your support through prayer, encouragement and/or finances are investing your time/money into something extremely worthwhile. These are powerful people that you and I are pouring into, and they will affect this world in great, I believe. Thanks to all of you for your encouragement, prayer, and support, and interest in my life/SBS.

PS: Justin made it home safely from India, for those of you who are wondering, and he and I are bigger dorks in love than ever :) He is here at the base on project staff and will join the DTS (Discipleship Training School) department in January. Dorm life, and a missionary's budget makes dating in YWAM an adventure all on its own:) So please be praying for us. Privacy is a coveted thing. God is constantly teaching us about each other, and about what real love, and commitment to another person looks like. I am continually humbled by God's hand in our relationship.

Prayer Points:
1. Please pray for the students, that their hearts would be softened, to receive all that God has to show them in this time.
2. Pray for us as staff: for patience, rest, energy, and time for all the tasks at hand. Pray for us as we teach, and do our best to disciple and love these students well. Pray for growth in us, as well as the students.
3. Please pray for finances. Not only for me, but for students who still owe school fees.

Love you all, and appreciate your feedback!

"These men who have turned the world upside down, have come here also" - Acts 17:6

Prayer Request:/praise report

Hi prayer warriors,

I am teaching the interpretive step of the inductive method to the whole class tomorrow morning . Please pray for me.

Also, praise report: my cold is gone! And a new financial supporter came on board!

Thanks so much for your prayers, I love you guys!

- Annie

Fall is Here!

Hello Everyone!

Fall is already setting in, here in Lakeside Montana. The trees are beginning to transform to lovely golden shades, Kids are back to school, and the tourists have all left down. Those of us who remain, are settling back into our normal routines, as the busyness of fall comes upon us, once again.

Fall quarter here at the YWAM base starts on Monday. There is much anticipation and excitement as students have already been arriving. All the staff have been working very hard to get the base ready for them. Now, after all the countless meetings, planning , cleaning and renovation projects, administrative tasks, odd jobs and prayer times, it is finally upon us.

I couldn't be more excited! It is very quiet around here without students, and being the extrovert that I am, I am happy to see people filling the hallways. It brings me joy and comfort to hear the sounds of laughter throughout the dorms once again. (I Wonder how long that will last? :) )

Another year passed by me this week as I celebrated my 25th birthday. I can hardly believe it was a year ago, that I first came here to YWAM Montana. It was a delightful birthday, and God blessed my socks off.

This year we will have 51 SBS students joining us from all over the globe; Places like India, Thailand, Kyrgastan, Australia, England, all over the US and Canada. We actually have a large number of Indian students this year, which makes me really excited! There is so much need for Biblical Truth in India! My boyfriend has been in India and Bangledash for a couple of months now, teaching the Bible, and he was talking to me from Kalkutta the other day, saying that there is so much Idolatry there all around him; it is heartbreaking and difficult not to feel hopeless. I was reminded that there is hope, in that I have 4 students here from India who are ready to study the word for 9 months, in order to take truth back to their home with an agenda to transform it. And this does not stop with India. All of the above mentioned places will be impacted, as these students will return home to their ministries, churches, places of work, and familes with a firm foundation of Biblical truth to stand on and to pass along. That is INCREDIBLE and Encouraging! I am humbled to be a part of this HUGE thing that God is doing throughout the world, and from of all places, a tiny little town in Montana USA.

We will kick off the SBS with what is called "seminar" where we will spend about a month, teaching the students how to do the inductive method. Apparently it is an EXTREMELY busy time for SBS staff. Students will have classes in the morning, afternoon and evening to start off with, and in between classes, we (the staff) will be helping them individually with the method. In the spare time we have aside from that, we will be preparing welcome events.

Please pray:

• for us and the students as this is generally a very frustrating time for them, as they are trying to learn the method. It can be a little overwhelming trying to understand it. Pray that the staff can be helpful in aiding them through this process.

• Also, please pray for us as staff: for energy and resilience, as we are busily attacking the tasks appointed to us. Please also pray for us, as we are teaching. The first two books we will take the students through are Philemon and Titus.

• Please pray for my health I have a cold, and that is not a fun way to start the seminar. and as always, please pray for my finances.
  

I am truly grateful for all of you who take interest in my life. I love you all!

Fondly,

Annie Bol
Serving with Youth with a Mission
School of Biblical Studies
Lakeside, MT

Prayer Request:

Hi Prayer Team,

I have been figuring through some things, and I realize that in asking for 200 more a month, I did not average in the cost of car insurance, which for me is another 150. 00 a month. Yikes. Please pray that God would provide for me to pay my car insurance. My premium will go down in Feb, Thank God, so I just need to get through the next 5 months or so. Thanks for your prayers, prayer team. I am praying for you too. I love you guys!

"More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of" - Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Thanks for your prayers!

A hundred dollars a month was pledged to me! Thanks for you prayers! We are almost there :)

God has been blessing me extra with his little tender mercies & encouragements the past couple of days. Thanks for all of you who have been praying for me. God is moving in response to them. May he bless all of you for your prayers.

Life as an SBSer

Greetings Friends & Family!

I have been here at the YWAM base in Montana for nearly a month now. Most of my time spent so far has been in training as a new staff, and preparing for the upcoming SBS.

SBS 08/09 begins on the 22 of september 2008, and there is much to do to prepare for the students arrival. In the midst of trainings, and meetings, I am also trying to raise finances, unpack and prepare to teach the book of James in December. We are preparing for seminar, which is the first few weeks of the school where we introduce students to how to do the inductive method. This is a very crucial time for students, and all of the SBS staff will be teaming up to make seminar the most positive, and clearly informative experience that we can. In addition to preparing for the school to start, and all of my regular staff duties as a grader, teacher, and discipler; I will also be helping to oversee the hospitality portion of our ministry, which I am really excited about. This is so that we can bless students with food, and other aspects of hospitality for special events, birthdays, seminar, etc. (or when they are just plain worn out and seem like they need a pick me up:)) This is exciting for me, because hospitality is one of my gifts. I love cooking and planning parties, so this is right up my alley, and I look forward to blessing the students in this way. Hospitality is one of the core values of the Youth with a Mission.

Over this past weekend, I was able to spend some time with other staff members, at an SBS staff camping retreat. This time was relaxing, but also a good time for getting our hearts in the right place for what lies ahead of us. The focus of the retreat, was getting back to the basics of why we do what we do. It was both challenging and encouraging.

Prayer Points:

• I have definately been going through alot of transition, so please be praying for me, as I am still adjusting. Also please pray for my finances.

• Please also be praying for us, the staff as we prepare for the students arrival and the school; pray that we would prepare well and be loving them well in the midst of it.

• Pray for the students as they are preparing to come. Many of them are in need of finances and nervous about the rigorous course that lies ahead of them.

Thanks for your interest in my life. I will keep you updated as things unfold.

This scripture has been encouraging me lately. Maybe it will for you to:

"Count it all Joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4

My Love and gratitude goes to all of you,

Annie Bol
anniebol17@yahoo.com

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about the ministry, or if you would like to partner with me through prayer or finances.

Tax Deductible donations are always accepted with a grateful heart. Please make checks payable to YWAM MT with project # 3581 in the memo line and send them to:

Annie Bol
501 Blacktail RD
Lakeside MT 59922

Please pray for my finances:

Prayer Request:
Hey friends. I am in serious need of some financial support! I need at least 200 dollars more per month in committed support, in order to be able to stay here. Please be praying with me for God's provision. Thank you. Love you all!

Praise Report!

My health is doing much better & I am sleeping through the night! Thank you for your prayers!

Please Pray for my Health:

Hello partners in ministry!

1. I first wanted to say that I have definitely been feeling God's grace & favor on me in this time of transition, so I wanted to thank you for your prayers in that; and to join with you in praising God for it.

2. Second, I was wondering if you could stand in the gap for my health: I have been under some of stress lately and my left side, where I had pneumonia has started bothering me again. I wanted to be proactive in putting this before you to ask for your prayer, that no illness will recur.

3. I keep waking up in the middle of night, and finding it hard to get back to sleep. Please pray that I would find sufficient rest: both spiritually and physically.

You are all fantastic & all my love goes out to you. I am praying for you too.

I have arrived in Montana with some new prayer requests:

I arrived safely in Montana (thanks for your prayers for that) :) Now I am trying to process through the great change that is happening in my life.

1. Please pray for me as I am in this season of transition. I am a little overwhelmed. I am struggling a bit with my housing situation, as it is in transition, so I can't really get comfortably settled in for the next week or two. Please pray for God's grace for me in all of this.

2.Please pray also against fear, doubt, stress, being too hard on myself, and spiritual attack. I know that he will get me through the little bumps in the road, but I need prayer, that I will keep all of these little bumps in their proper perspective.

3. Please pray that I will not try to do anything in my own strength, but God's alone.

Montana is more beautiful than ever, and I love it here. Thanks for your prayers.

Prayer Requests as I get started:

1. I am home in Seattle until the last week of July, and very busy trying to get prepared to go back to Montana for 2 years. I have alot on my plate, and alot to accomplish in the next 2 weeks. I could use prayer just for God's peace, and that I will get everything done that I need to, and that I will trust him; not take control, or try to do it myself.

2. I need to raise a monthly prayer and financial support team. I am praying for Approximately $800 a month in financial support.

3. That God will prepare me for all that my duties as staff will entail. Particularly giving me heart, passion, drive, focus and helping me to prepare well for the lectures that I will be teaching. Also that I would teach well and students would be impacted. The first book that I will teach is James and I will teach Dec 10.

4. It is going to be hard to leave my nieces, I will need God's grace for that. Also my boyfriend and I will be seperated for 3 months, as he is in overseas. I know it sounds corny, but prayers for God's grace in our relationship, would be awesome.

5. Prayer for the up-coming students - that God would prepare them. that God would do Incredible things in their lives over the course of the school; that there would be global impact; . That I would form good relationships with them and lead them well. Classes start Sept 17 2008.

Thanks...I really appreciate it