Hello dear freinds and family!
The past couple of weeks have been really busy for me. I usually post every monday afternoon, but it was difficult last week. I passed the Philipians 1 test after a few attempts to recite it and I turned in my 8 page paper for our inductive bible study class. We have been learning so much, that it is diffcult to process; so that could be one thing to pray for: that I can use my time well to study what I have been learning.
We had a pumpkin carving contest a few days before Halloween. The girls won, but I still think the zombie pumpkin was the best.



Halloween night we had a small party for one of the guys leaving Hume, A birthday party for one of the Joshua students, and a halloween themed pinata. A girl got hit in the face with the pinata stick and looks like she got in a really bad fight, she could harly open her eye. She was really tough about it though, and even started laughing when she saw it.
Oh yeah! we had our first snow on the 30th. But its been sunny since then. Oh! scratch that, It just started snowing and everyone is going bonkers.

This week:

Monday-
After having our first Israel Prep test, we had our speaker come in and teach us our Ministry skills class. Our speaker for the week was Matt Lantz, he is the director of a program similar to Joshua called the Forge. The forge is based out of a camp called Pine Tree located in Texas. Matt brought three guys up with him to hang out with us, and to also learn about Joshua. Matt was a great speaker and introduced many great ideas; during ministry skills he had us become an elder board of a church and think of ways to fix the problem of not having enough volunteers for the churches ministries. We came up with many great ideas, however heart of the problem is in peoples fear of commitment, they don't want to sign up to volunteer because they would have to follow through and actually do something that might inconvenience them. It all demonstrates the selfishness of human nature and lack of desire to do the wok God calls us to. During our evening discussion Matt divulged the importance of obedience in our faith and how “God desires obedience that comes from faith, instead of a show of self-righteous religion.” This was Matt’s thesis for all of our talks, every night giving a different problem with our obedience as Christians.

Tuesday-
Our morning class was Old Testament with Mark from the Well. (A church partnered with Hume) He is teaching the book of Exodus over the next few weeks; I love his passion for the word of God and his ability to paint a clear picture in my head that makes the Bible come to life, and creates a hunger to know more. Tuesday afternoon I worked down in main camp with the activities people. While cleaning up one of the sets used for the summer themes I accidentally sanded my arm with an electric sander- probably one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done. (dont worry mom! its just a little scratch.)
Tuesday evening discussion was similarly themed. However we discussed the problem of obedience and how many Christians believe that obedience to religion comes first, and then you will receive faith. Yet, it is quite the opposite; “Obedience is not the source of righteousness, it is the course of righteousness.” –D. Willard. As Christians, our faith and love of Christ should compel us to be obedient to God’s commands.

Wednesday-

During breakfast I was able to talk to Matt for a while about one of my biggest fears: that the ones I love will not go to Heaven, but will suffer forever in Hell. Matt gave me many ways to minister to those close to me that wouldn't be offensive and push them further away. During the Grill Matt gave us excellent advice on dating, and his theory of the 7th date DTR(dating should just be casual and respectful, and every seven dates you define the relationship; overall a really great insight. Lately I have been feeling really annoyed with people here not respecting the staff and others by not being on time, immature comments, and overall disrepect. So to clear my head I went for a run around the lake, which helped initially, but I quickly fell back into the funk. It wasn't until I spoke with Josh Coffie (the guys RD) that he helped me realize I was being selfish and prideful, thinking that my standards were the best, and that I was better then everyone because I was the only one who could meet my standards. Yet, when I decided to give control to God and only live on his standards, it affected how I interacted with those around me. I was able to enjoy being around people I usually was annoyed with, and I could have the uplifted carefree attitude that I prefer.

Thursday-

Because we have been so busy, and bogged down by school and Joshua life, the staff took all 56 of us down to Fresno to drop Matt and the Forge guys off at the airport. Afterward we toured Fresno Pacific; it was an interesting tour, but I don't think that will be on my list of schools to apply to. Following the tour we were given 4 hours of free time to shop, relax and look for a Christmas present for our designated child in Mexico. We were told to bring 80’s themed clothes for some surprise activity; after a short drive, we ended up at a bowling alley for some awesome 80’s night bowling!


The weekend was fairly uneventful. I worked in the Cedar hall kitchen and got to spend time with my freind Jacob Wieland before he leaves. Sunday afternoon I was asked to go shooting with one of the Pause family dads and a couple guys, it was a cool time to hang out and do manly things. After church we had a "family meeting" where Rich told us that Falynne and Chelsea are in isolation for three days to determine there position and whether or not they really desire to be at Joshua. They had been struggling with turning stuff in on time and being on time places, and the consequences werent severe enough, so the were sent away from the rest of the Joshua family. Afterward we all came together as brothers and sisters and prayed for the girls that they would be used however God wants them, but that God would want them here. It was an amazing feeling seeing just how connected we have all become over 2 months, and realizeing how awesome the community is here.

This next Sunday we are leaving to go to mexico! And after mexico I will be coming home for thanksgiving. I look foreward to hearing from you!

-Eric Dean.