This past fall, Alan was trained to be a presenter for the National Center for Biblical Parenting. NCBP has over 100 trained presenters that lead seminars nationwide titled, "Cooperation, Consequences, and Keeping Your Sanity". This ministry helps encourage parents to examine the way we give instructions, and how to have a significant impact on our children's hearts. Alan and I appreciate the wisdom shared from NCBP and the resources they provide to parents. (Obviously being the parents of four young sons ourselves, we are still learning and growing too!) Some of the books written by the founders, Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, include Parenting is Heart Work, Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character...in You and Your Kids, and Home Improvement: The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids.
Most of the presenters have full-time jobs and just speak on the side a few times a year. Alan is working toward speaking 3-4 times a month! So- obviously, this is a leap of faith for us. Alan has been working since last December contacting churches to hold these seminars. While we were in Orlando, we did have the chance to help out at the resource table during a seminar led by the NCBP founders. It was good practice for all of us. As we have prayed for God's direction for our family, this ministry has been an answer to our prayers. We have been very encouraged to see the response from churches so far. Alan currently has 7 seminars lined up over the next couple of months! God is faithful! It has been so neat to see the many ways God is working in our family. He has affirmed this decision to be a full-time family on the road in many ways. However, it has NOT always been easy. Sure, this first part of our trip has in many ways been an extended vacation. To be honest, we needed that time together. But, obviously we still need to earn a living! And - we want to serve in the ministry God has called us to. There are days we just love being together on the road, exploring God's creation, seeing new places and meeting all kinds of new & interesting people, etc. Then, there are days where we are homesick (especially me). I miss my extended family, my friends, my old bed, and just not having to leave my home to do laundry. Oh- what I would give to have a washer and dyer in my RV...ha! I guess I am stretching my faith in the little things as well as the big things:)
As we travel throughout the country, we hope we can be an encouragement to families, churches, and their communities. So- how can you help? There are two main ways. First of all, pray! Please pray that we would be in good health, especially now! We have been battling colds/viruses on and off the past couple of weeks. Please pray Alan is healthy, rested, and ready to speak this Saturday. Pray for churches as Alan contacts them for seminars. Secondly, you can let us know if your church or another church you know would be interested in holding a parenting seminar. We are traveling up the east coast this year, so please contact us if you are interested!
Thank you again for your prayers and encouragement for our family ministry and adventure on the road! We appreciate you very much!
Blessings to you and yours,
Jill and the boys:)
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