Back to the Books!

I want to take a moment to share an exciting update from the Puffenbarger household: After a 6 year hiatus from student life, I am going back to school... more specifically, seminary!

 It has taken some time to come to the place where I feel ready for this as my next step in life, but I believe the Lord has been guiding circumstances and prompting my heart to bring me to this point. Let me take a moment to explain this progression.

Several years ago on a mission trip to Africa, I was approached by a group of men (elders/pastor) about their concerns with not being able to provide for their poor, especially for the widows that come to their church for help. I didn't have much of a response except to listen to their concerns. In fact, it is pretty common for Christians in Africa to approach foreign missionaries and ask for financial help. I believe God moved my heart through that experience, and gave me a vision to help churches work together more effectively- specifically in the international context.

When I got back from the trip, I began job searching and came across an academy in South Korea that offered a paid position to English as a second language. Through providence, God led me to work for a Christian gentleman who was passionate about God and using his business to honor Him. For the last month of my contract, Mr. Lee sent me to Cambodia to teach English at a church mission center. There, I had the opportunity to speak with the residing Korean pastor, 'Kim Moksanim'. He told me about the lack of communication between international mission organizations. He mentioned how these organizations could come into a country and set up their ministries side by side in the same city trying to reach the same people but not working together to make it a joint effort. Wouldn't it make more sense to network and find out what other mission organizations are working in a city, find out what type of ministry they do, and then strategically decided where to base their ministry? This again pulled at my heart strings to be a part of working internationally to help improve communication and have more efficient networking among Christian ministries.

After returning to the states in 2007, and marrying the love of my life, Stephanie and I began talking more about living/working overseas. We found the Network of International Christian Schools and made the choice to move to Korea. Stephanie was able to get a position as the school Nurse/High School anatomy teacher, and I was able to teach the Bible to both Middle School and High School students. Over the course of our time here in Seoul, Stephanie and I have had a number of conversations about our future direction. And while teaching at an international school does fulfill some of my desire to work with international ministry, I still feel my career lies ahead of me. 

So how do I get into international church/mission networking? This is where seminary comes into the picture. Seminary has been something I've thought about in the past, but lacked the conviction to pursue. I didn't want to go just because it could be next thing to do after graduating from college; I needed a clear reason- a clear call. I had spent most of my life already building up my Christian knowledge; I was ready to get out in the world and live it out! But now, with more experiences and a clearer direction, I do see how seminary can be an asset in finding a job in this field. So- after looking at different school options, I applied and have been accepted to the Master of Arts in Global Studies program at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary- and I start my online classes in just a few days!

I'm not sure all that lies ahead for me these next few years, but we've committed it to the Lord and look forward to what He will do through it. New chapters in life are definitely exciting but full of challenges and unknowns; we'd definitely appreciate your prayers!

"Trust in the Lord will all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6