Walking Forward Yet Reflecting Back

Do you remember what God was doing in your life two years ago?  How did you think God would use those lessons? Were you right or has God surprised you? If you are like me, God has surprised you. 

Two years ago, I started this blog to communicate how God provided me with the opportunity to participate in an internship at 
Wycliffe Bible Translators and later teach English to elementary age students in Costa Rica. I had no idea that those lessons and experiences would lead me to what I am sharing today.

Photo Courtesy of Black Forest Academy 

This August I will begin my first term in full time ministry as an English as a Foreign Language(EFL) 
teacher at 
Black Forest Academy 
in Kandern, Germany. This international Christian boarding school allows missionary, military, and expatriate parents to provide their children with quality Christian education.  

My primary focus will be teaching EFL to secondary students in order that they may succeed academically; discovering what it means to use their gifts and skills competently in more than one language. Additionally, I will be participating in academic support services, Bible studies, discipleship, and music ministry within the community.

Aerial of School (Photo Courtesy of Black Forest Academy) 

This may not come as a shock to some of you but it did come as a shock to me.  Last May as I walked across the stage at graduation, I was at a complete loss as to what I would do next.  How was God going to use my varied interests, skills, and degrees? 

Reflecting on the last four years, I recognized that God used my time at Lancaster Bible College to instill in me the truth that God’s Word is the foundation for all education.  The next question was “What was I going to do with that knowledge?” 

God answered my question two months later with a question of His own. “Ivy, will you go? Will you use the passion for teaching I have given you and demonstrate the foundation of my Word in education with others?”

God introduced me to the ministry and work of Black Forest Academy through a newly hired co-worker whose parents had taught at the school when he was young. God’s question was ringing in my ears as I researched the school and clicked on the staffing page. There I would find an open position for an EFL teacher. A week later I began the 3-month application process.

God led me to be sent by TeachBeyond, the founding organization of 

Black Forest Academy(BFA). TeachBeyond focuses primarily on ministering to others through education.  I was approved by their organization in mid-October, shortly after I had been officially accepted by BFA and my church denomination. 

Since that time, I have met with other missionaries and professionals to prepare for the next step of the process.  I’m actively seeking out individuals, churches, Sunday school/Bible study groups and businesses to partner with me in this ministry through prayer and finances. 

To partner with me, CLICK HERE

I will be using this blog to post updates about this ministry to which God has called me.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through this blog.  I look forward to serving the Lord in this capacity and sharing the joy of ministry with you. 

Ivy