Thursday, March 06, 2008

A New Season : Diversification


Moving across the face of the waters (Milford Sound)

Seasons of change are on the nearing horizon. Nearly 14 months have passed since I arrived in New Zealand. The role I stepped into upon last year’s arrival has not ceased vocalizing an ever-present hunger of desires. I will complete this role within a matter of weeks, moving into a position that will likely cause minor mental whiplash upon my initiation.

To attempt and summarize the previous months and the role for which I have invested much requires far more than a simple letter. Further reflection may breed more questions than answers. To say I’ve been involved as a Project Manager for the opening stages of a new building project is perhaps fair, but appended to such a title would be the certain inclusion of additional responsibilities: transportation manager, facilities maintenance, supervision & coordinator for weekly work crews, occasional teaching sessions, organizing & leading base prayer sessions, creating budgets for traveling teams, and generally trying to practically intervene where intervention is necessary.

Diversity.

What lies ahead extrapolates diversity from the context of my role at a missions center and plasters diversity across the canvas of my life.

On or around March 23 I will begin a 6-month journey as a School Staff member for the April 2008 Around the World in 80 Days Discipleship Training School (April AW80 DTS). This is an intense period that will focus on the 15 - 20 students who will come for a time in their lives to know God and make Him known. Myself and four other staff members will spend 3-months here in New Zealand with these students growing and walking a journey with them, followed by an additional 3-months out in the world at large. So, the next 6 months holds many unknowns!

What’s life without a bit of diversification?


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Recently my parents came through to visit for a bit over two weeks. I think they had a good time and it was grand to be able to share with this place where I live for a short time.

We covered a southern tour of the South Island together. After some confidence in their 'training', I sent them off on their own on a northern tour of the South Island.

We survived each other - I think - and lived to tell the stories. Here's a few pics.


Mom and I


Dad and I


Mom and Dad at Slope Point


Sheep from coast to coast

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

The Early Season : Prayer Requests

On or around March 23 I will begin a 6-month journey as a School Staff member for the April 2008 Around the World in 80 Days Discipleship Training School (April AW80 DTS). This is an intense period that will focus on the 15 - 20 students who will come for a time in their lives to know God and make Him known. Myself and four other staff members will spend 3-months here in New Zealand with these students growing and walking a journey with them, followed by an additional 3-months out in the world at large. So, the next 6 months holds many unknowns!

In Prayer
+ Listening for the rhythm of the Lord's heartbeat
+ Renewing of my heart, soul, and spirit for this new season ahead
+ Those 14 students now accepted and preparing to journey this direction
+ 5 school staff (including myself) preparing to come alongside and share our hearts and lives with these students

To Help Financially in 2008

I don't expect anyone to give money! However, I have made the option available to those who feel led to give. I do truly appreciate your generosity and am humbled by your donation. THANK YOU!
The budget I've created for the time period of April thru October 2008 is pasted below. Hopefully it makes cents.

There are two US tax-exempt methods and other "international" methods.

Preferred US Method:
Please send a check to:
YWAM
Accounting Department
PO Box 3000
Garden Valley, TX 75771-3000

The check should be made payable to YWAM, however, PLEASE DO NOT WRITE MY NAME ON THE CHECK. Include a separate piece of paper indicating the check is intended for Matthew A Wood of Eagle River, Alaska. The helpful folks at this address can also receive funds using automatic withdrawal from a bank account or with a credit card - please inquire of them if you should so wish (ph: 903.882.5591).


Secondary US Method (Anchorage, Alaska area):
Please send check to:
Skyline Family Fellowship
18239 N Eagle River Loop Rd
Eagle River, Alaska 99577

The check should be made payable to Skyline Family Fellowship. Please do write my name on the memo line of the check.


International Method(s):
A form of electronic monetary transfer may be made through www.ywamoxford.org or paper forms may be accepted at the postal address below:
YWAM Oxford
PO Box 47
Oxford, North Canterbury 7443
New Zealand

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Matt's YWAM Staff Budget




















Estimated Timeframe: April 2008 - September 2008







Estimated Duration: 6 Months






















Items
One-Time Costs Monthly Cost







1 Lecture Phase Costs $2,790.00 $465.00








includes room & board & transportation fee






















2 Outreach Phase Costs $5,400.00 $900.00








includes travel & accomodation & food










during the DTS 3-month outreach phase






















3 Personal Care

$20.00








i.e. shampoo, shave, clothing, etc
























4 Health Insurance $800.00 $133.33




















5
Miscellaneous

$40.00








entertainment, school shirts, etc



































Monthly DTS STAFFING Costs: $1,558.33







Total DTS STAFFING Costs:
$9,350.00