Hello, everyone! Well, it has been just over a month since our last update, and so much has happened since then. So, I will do my best to lay out what went on and what is going on in as few words as possible.
First of all, let me take a few moments to thank all those who helped in so many different ways. Some of you helped financially, others helped physically with loading and/or unloading our possessions, and still others helped by praying for our safety and travelling mercies. And these are just the ways that I know of, and I'm sure that many of you helped in ways I'll never know. Suffice it to say that no matter how you chose to help us in our transition from California to Florida, your involvement was invaluable in what I have come to consider a completely smooth and uneventful trip. Even though it was a long trip, the fact that it went so smooth is a testimony to the greatness of our God and His faithfulness in answering our prayers. So, thank you all for all the myriad of ways that you helped us make this transition, and praise God for His faithfulness and provision.
We arrived in Homestead, FL, on July 3rd, at about 3pm. Thanks to Pastor Long and a number of members of South Dade Baptist Church, we were unloaded by about 4pm. Then, Pastor went to KFC and bought dinner for everyone. The next day was Sunday and the 4th. We had a great morning service, and in the evening we went to view the fireworks show down by the speedway. It's strange, but funny that we've not witnessed a fireworks display consecutively in the same place since we were in college. On Tuesday night, we went with Pastor and his wife to pick-up the Vasel family from the airport. While it wasn't quite the reunion we were expecting (we weren't able to meet them in the terminal because of traffic), it was still a great thing to see our long-time friends again.
I'm not going to bore you all with a daily play-by-play of all that has transpired since we've arrived...mainly because my memory isn't that good. It took us longer than usual to get our internet hooked back up and it turned out that the culprit was bad wiring in our phone jacks. So, an agent came out from AT&T, installed a new phone jack, and we were up and running. I started my "summer job" with a local lanscaping company on the 12th. At first, I was simply doing odd jobs around the school and church, but then I actually started going out with the regular crews down to the Florida Keys to a well-to-do community called Ocean Reef. Luckily (dripping with sarcasm), it's heavy pruning season, and the crew I go with is tasked with all the heavy pruning that we do. This is not a fun job...it is manual labor in it's truest sense. I guess I got that for which I asked. The work itself isn't really that difficult, but the heat is what takes it to the next level. For example, a couple days this week, the temperature made it to 105 degrees with heat index. While I am completely appreciative for the job, I will be VERY happy when my responsibilities at school begin. I have a brand new respect for the guys who do jobs like this day-in and day-out. It definitely takes a special breed.
The bureaucrats are alive and well in Florida. We have been trying to get Dulcy set-up with Medicaid since we arrived, and we're still in the process. It seems like every time we jump through one of their hoops we find another on the other side, and another, and another. It seems, though, that now we have all the necessary paperwork, and so on Monday we are planning to go down to the Medicaid office to get the ball rolling a bit more quickly. PLEASE PRAY that Monday will be a good experience at the Medicaid office. This has been a highly stressful and convoluted process, and we would definietly like to have a good, hope-filled session on Monday. Dulcy is doing fine with no further complications of which we are aware. Aedan Connall continues to move and make his presence known each day, and none of those things which her doctor in California told her to look out for have happened. So, we are trusting that everything is as okay as it can be. PLEASE PRAY that we we will be able to get her back to the doctor soon, though. It has been nearly two months since she has seen a doctor, and with a high-risk pregnancy, you all know just as well as we do that that isn't a good thing. We really have no recourse, though, besides patience and faith that God will protect her and Aedan. PLEASE PRAY.
Our new church is amazing! It has a number of resources at its disposal, not the least of which is a very strong group of committed members who are dedicated to growing the ministry. Our kids are also enjoying the large group of kids who are here, too. Just a couple of minutes ago, David, just out of the blue, remarked at how much he likes our new church. That's not to say anything against any previous churches to be sure. We most certainly miss all of our dear friends in California, and think of them on a daily basis. It just means a lot to them that there are so many kids their age here with which they can interact consistently. They are also excited about being reunited with the Vasel kids with whom they grew so close in Korea.
Concerning our ministry at the church, Dulcy and I have begun serving in the choir. We have also taken over the Senior High Sunday School class and Wednesday night Youth Group. A good-sized group of kids and teens just got back from The Wilds, a week-long Christian summer camp. Two teens reported salvation experiences, and they all expressed a desire for accountability. So, PLEASE PRAY that they will be able to stay true to their decisions, and that Dulcy and I will be able to come along beside them in this. We are already looking ahead to camp week next year, so please PRAY that the leaders of the church and school will have wisdom during the decision-making process.
Teacher orientation begins on August 11th, and classes begin on August 23rd. PLEASE PRAY that I will be able to get a firm grasp on all of my responsibilities quickly. Dulcy has been helping get my room prepared for the school year by painting the walls while I'm fulfilling my landscaping duties. She's been taking it very easy and the kids have been helping her, too. We plan on going in tomorrow to get some more done on it.
Well, that's about it for now. I'll continue to update everyone on at least a monthly basis from here on out. Thank you again to all of you who helped in your own various ways. I can't tell you all enough how much it means and meant to us.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and Aedan Healey.
Mark 10:45
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Another June Update...
It seems like just a few days ago that I posted the last update, but I see that it's been nearly two weeks!! Suffice it to say that time has certainly flown by in a very real way. This is our last week in California. We will be leaving after the morning service on Sunday, June 27th, to begin the LONG road trip to Florida. It looks as if we will be on the road at least 6 days, if not seven. We are going to be making a couple stops to visit shortly with some friends and family, but are not planning on staying long in any one place.
God has once again provided for our needs in an unbelieveable (humanly speaking) manner. We heard from Pastor Long a few days ago that they have found us a 4bd/2ba house for $1275/mo., and it'll be ready for us to move in as soon as we get there. With family, friends, Bethany Baptist, and South Dade Baptist contributing, we have what is necessary to make the trip to Florida. We have actually recieved more than I originally projected we would need, which is a completely praiseworthy thing! We will have some set-up costs in Florida, and my school salary won't kick in until the end of August. So, there is still room to help...:) A businessman who is a member of SDBC and the Athletic Director of CCS has offered me a job with his landscaping company beginning Monday, July 12, and lasting until my responsibilities at the school begin. I've exchanged a few emails with him, and he has said that he will have plenty of work for me to make up at least 40 hours/wk. So, while we won't be striking it rich, we will have some funds coming in. But like I said, if you would still like to help in a financial way, I promise you it will not be wasted, and it will be a tremendous blessing.
A few items for prayer requests:
1. Our current health insurance will be terminated July 1st. This is weighing heavily on our hearts right now with how Dulcy's pregnancy has been diagnosed. She's had no further bad news or anything, and she is doing fine. But with our insurance going away in the middle of our trip, and us not being able to do anything about it, we are somewhat anxious. Please pray for God's hand of protection to be on all aspects of our trip, but most importantly upon Dulcy's health. We are going to be setting things up for her as soon as we arrive in Florida. It is our first order of business, to be sure.
2. Finishing up packing-up all our stuff. We are alomst done!! But we have a good bit left to do in the next few days. Our goal is to be done by Thursday night/Friday morning so that everything is packed-up by the time we start loading the truck. Pray that we will be able to get everything done, and that Dulcy would be able to take it as easy as possible. The kids have all been a real big help to us so far, too.
3. Packing up the truck. We are going to be packing up the truck on Friday and Saturday. We do have some people from church coming by to help, and my Dad will be here by then. So, I think we'll be covered for help. My main concern is safety for all those involved. Our house isn't the most mover-friendly place on the planet. There are a lot of steps...narrow steps, at that. So, please pray that there will be no injuries, and that the whole process will go smoothly and efficiently.
4. Travelling. This will be the first time I (we) have ever made a road trip this long. So, really, I have no idea for what to ask prayer requests. This is the one that you'll have to get creative on during your prayer time. The kids being able to stay sane in the car for so long should not be low on your prayer list in this area. They do have a few gadgets to help keep them occupied. But, to be sure, this is a 3100+ mile trip, and we're all rookies, except for my Dad. So, pray that we will stay safe, not miss any turn-offs, etc.
5. We still haven't heard anything back from the IRS about our returns this year. So, this is still a matter of prayer for us.
6. Pray that we will also be able to get our security deposit back from our current landlord on Saturday, before we leave. He has indicated that it shouldn't be a problem, but this should still be a matter of prayer for us, too. The extra funds will go far in helping us in Florida.
Well, I think that's about it. I'll probably send out one last update on Friday before we pack-up the wireless router and all. And then we'll be somewhat incognito for a week or so. But we'll do our best to stay in touch.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and (possibly...still not completely decided, yet) Aedan Connell Healey.
Mark 10:45
God has once again provided for our needs in an unbelieveable (humanly speaking) manner. We heard from Pastor Long a few days ago that they have found us a 4bd/2ba house for $1275/mo., and it'll be ready for us to move in as soon as we get there. With family, friends, Bethany Baptist, and South Dade Baptist contributing, we have what is necessary to make the trip to Florida. We have actually recieved more than I originally projected we would need, which is a completely praiseworthy thing! We will have some set-up costs in Florida, and my school salary won't kick in until the end of August. So, there is still room to help...:) A businessman who is a member of SDBC and the Athletic Director of CCS has offered me a job with his landscaping company beginning Monday, July 12, and lasting until my responsibilities at the school begin. I've exchanged a few emails with him, and he has said that he will have plenty of work for me to make up at least 40 hours/wk. So, while we won't be striking it rich, we will have some funds coming in. But like I said, if you would still like to help in a financial way, I promise you it will not be wasted, and it will be a tremendous blessing.
A few items for prayer requests:
1. Our current health insurance will be terminated July 1st. This is weighing heavily on our hearts right now with how Dulcy's pregnancy has been diagnosed. She's had no further bad news or anything, and she is doing fine. But with our insurance going away in the middle of our trip, and us not being able to do anything about it, we are somewhat anxious. Please pray for God's hand of protection to be on all aspects of our trip, but most importantly upon Dulcy's health. We are going to be setting things up for her as soon as we arrive in Florida. It is our first order of business, to be sure.
2. Finishing up packing-up all our stuff. We are alomst done!! But we have a good bit left to do in the next few days. Our goal is to be done by Thursday night/Friday morning so that everything is packed-up by the time we start loading the truck. Pray that we will be able to get everything done, and that Dulcy would be able to take it as easy as possible. The kids have all been a real big help to us so far, too.
3. Packing up the truck. We are going to be packing up the truck on Friday and Saturday. We do have some people from church coming by to help, and my Dad will be here by then. So, I think we'll be covered for help. My main concern is safety for all those involved. Our house isn't the most mover-friendly place on the planet. There are a lot of steps...narrow steps, at that. So, please pray that there will be no injuries, and that the whole process will go smoothly and efficiently.
4. Travelling. This will be the first time I (we) have ever made a road trip this long. So, really, I have no idea for what to ask prayer requests. This is the one that you'll have to get creative on during your prayer time. The kids being able to stay sane in the car for so long should not be low on your prayer list in this area. They do have a few gadgets to help keep them occupied. But, to be sure, this is a 3100+ mile trip, and we're all rookies, except for my Dad. So, pray that we will stay safe, not miss any turn-offs, etc.
5. We still haven't heard anything back from the IRS about our returns this year. So, this is still a matter of prayer for us.
6. Pray that we will also be able to get our security deposit back from our current landlord on Saturday, before we leave. He has indicated that it shouldn't be a problem, but this should still be a matter of prayer for us, too. The extra funds will go far in helping us in Florida.
Well, I think that's about it. I'll probably send out one last update on Friday before we pack-up the wireless router and all. And then we'll be somewhat incognito for a week or so. But we'll do our best to stay in touch.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and (possibly...still not completely decided, yet) Aedan Connell Healey.
Mark 10:45
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
First June Update...
Hello, everyone! I trust that this new update finds you all in good spirits and health. It has certainly been a busy couple of weeks since our last update. We've been busy trying to keep all the current ministry/work balls in the air concerning church, home-schooling, and bus driving, while continuing the process of preparing for the move to Florida. It certainly has neither been, nor does it seem that it will get, easy in any way, shape, or form. But we are still pressing forward towards the mark.
Home-schooling is all but done for our family. Katherine has already finished all of her schooling, and the boys are close behind her. Dulcy allowed Katherine the joy of taunting her brothers by a somewhat ceremonial disposal of all her 1st grade books...at least the ones that were consumables. She got a real kick out of that! Dulcy just has to grade the remainder of her work to send in and all will be done. The boys only have a couple days more to do, and they will then be in the same boat. It has been a long haul for Dulcy and the kids, but I think it was good for them simply because now they know they can do it. They've all done very well, and I'm very proud of them.
Dulcy's pregnancy still continues to go well without any further complications. Her most recent doctor visit had some more news. The baby is still very healthy and in great shape, PTL! The doctor did say that she will have to have a C-section, and there's no doubt about it. I believe I shared that with you last time. But the news is that she may also need to have a hystorectomy (sp?) afterwards, because of the possiblity of the placenta growing into the cervix. So, that is a matter of prayer that we would ask that you bring before our Mighty God. She isn't on bed rest or anything, but has been given a short list of activities which should be considered taboo for her until the delivery.
Along these lines, I recieved a fax today from South Dade Baptist Church concerning the health insurance plan that will be offered for teachers and their families at Colonial Christian School. It looks like a very good plan, as it includes health, vision, dental, and maternity coverage. The deductible is the same, but the premiums are less than what we are currently paying, and the coverage is better. Now, we are just waiting to see if they will be able to enroll us in July instead of having to wait until August. This is another matter of prayer that we would ask you to join us in bringing before our Loving Father.
We have decided to go with renting a truck to move ourselves. We just haven't had any peace about the use of a moving company for various reasons. What it boils down to is this: even though moving ourselves will only save us a little comparatively, it still saves us something, and that's what's necessary. Renting the truck is going to cost us (including an approximation for fuel) $2962, which is about $500-600 less than the lowest moving company estimate. I have approximated that our food/lodging expenses will be in the neighborhood of $600 ($50/night for lodging and $50/day for food), and fuel for our car in the neighborhood of $600. So, that brings our total expenses for the actual move in around $4200. So far, two family members (two couples) have sent in a total of $1000 for the moving expenses, and we give God praise for their generosity! But we are still $3200 in the hole with just 16 days until the day for which I reserved the truck. I mention these approximations and amounts so that you have the details necessary to go before the throne of God in specificity and boldness.
Well, that's about all I have the time for right now. It's time for me to get back on my bus route for the afternoon. Please pray for those thing I've mentioned in this update, and ask God to continue to provide for our need during this transition.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Male 3.0" Healey
Mark 10:45
Home-schooling is all but done for our family. Katherine has already finished all of her schooling, and the boys are close behind her. Dulcy allowed Katherine the joy of taunting her brothers by a somewhat ceremonial disposal of all her 1st grade books...at least the ones that were consumables. She got a real kick out of that! Dulcy just has to grade the remainder of her work to send in and all will be done. The boys only have a couple days more to do, and they will then be in the same boat. It has been a long haul for Dulcy and the kids, but I think it was good for them simply because now they know they can do it. They've all done very well, and I'm very proud of them.
Dulcy's pregnancy still continues to go well without any further complications. Her most recent doctor visit had some more news. The baby is still very healthy and in great shape, PTL! The doctor did say that she will have to have a C-section, and there's no doubt about it. I believe I shared that with you last time. But the news is that she may also need to have a hystorectomy (sp?) afterwards, because of the possiblity of the placenta growing into the cervix. So, that is a matter of prayer that we would ask that you bring before our Mighty God. She isn't on bed rest or anything, but has been given a short list of activities which should be considered taboo for her until the delivery.
Along these lines, I recieved a fax today from South Dade Baptist Church concerning the health insurance plan that will be offered for teachers and their families at Colonial Christian School. It looks like a very good plan, as it includes health, vision, dental, and maternity coverage. The deductible is the same, but the premiums are less than what we are currently paying, and the coverage is better. Now, we are just waiting to see if they will be able to enroll us in July instead of having to wait until August. This is another matter of prayer that we would ask you to join us in bringing before our Loving Father.
We have decided to go with renting a truck to move ourselves. We just haven't had any peace about the use of a moving company for various reasons. What it boils down to is this: even though moving ourselves will only save us a little comparatively, it still saves us something, and that's what's necessary. Renting the truck is going to cost us (including an approximation for fuel) $2962, which is about $500-600 less than the lowest moving company estimate. I have approximated that our food/lodging expenses will be in the neighborhood of $600 ($50/night for lodging and $50/day for food), and fuel for our car in the neighborhood of $600. So, that brings our total expenses for the actual move in around $4200. So far, two family members (two couples) have sent in a total of $1000 for the moving expenses, and we give God praise for their generosity! But we are still $3200 in the hole with just 16 days until the day for which I reserved the truck. I mention these approximations and amounts so that you have the details necessary to go before the throne of God in specificity and boldness.
Well, that's about all I have the time for right now. It's time for me to get back on my bus route for the afternoon. Please pray for those thing I've mentioned in this update, and ask God to continue to provide for our need during this transition.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Male 3.0" Healey
Mark 10:45
Friday, May 28, 2010
Another May Update...
My apologies for it being longer than some of you (and I) expected between updates. Time flew this month, and not to our liking. We had a few ups and downs this month which will be the main course of this update. All in all, we are doing well, and while the progress we are making towads our move at the end of next month is slow, it is still progress.
I have finished my training for being qualified to drive the larger buses with dual air-brake systems. I took my driving test with CHP last week and passed. So, I am now a fully-qualified bus driver.
Dulcy recieved some unwelcome news after going to have an ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby (It's a Boy!, by the way). While we were at a friend's home for dinner the evening of, she got a call from the nurse practitioner that they found out that Dulcy has placenta previa. Now, before you all jump on the internet and find out how terribly bad this is, Dulcy is fine. They have given the baby a totally clean bill of health and Dulcy has just been told to "take it easy". She isn't on bed rest or anything like that. She has been told by this group of doctors that she will need to have the baby by C-section. But even that isn't completely for sure because Dulcy has talked to a few other ladies who had the same condition but the placenta moved and they were able to give birth naturally. So, please pray that Dulcy will be able to "take it easy", that the placenta will go back to where it's supposed to be, and that the condition won't worsen.
We received a letter from the IRS stating that instead of getting a refund of about $1200, we actually owe $800. The reason, according to the letter, was that we didn't qualify for Earned Income Credit. Upon recieving the letter, I jumped on the IRS website, and did a little research. I saw that one cannot claim EIC and the Foreign Income Exclusion at the same time (which is necessary because of the half-year we were still in Korea). So, I contacted the organization that prepared our taxes this year, and they told me to fax them the letter and they would look into it. Well, I recieved another letter back from this organization stating that the IRS was wrong because I lived in the US for at least 6 months in 2009, which qualifies us for EIC. They supplied me with a letter of explanation to send back to the IRS, and it looks like we will be getting a refund after all (PTL!). Now, if it would just come through before we leave...
We've had, in all, 4 moving companies come by and give visual estimates for how much it will cost to move our things to Florida. They have ranged from $3550 to just over $4100. There have been other email and phone estimates given by other companies that were much lower, but they can't or won't send any one out to the house for an estimate (red flag), which for me, isn't acceptable. We have one other company coming on Tuesday, and after that we will make the decision on what we're going to do. At this point, Mayflower is the lowest estimate, and if the estimate on Tuesday isn't lower, we'll probably be going with them. I say that, though, not having $3550 to pay for it.
We've had $600 come in from some family members to go towards our moving expenses! This is a great thing and worthy of our thanks and praising the Lord! We are still far away from our goal of at least $3500 (currently). I say $3500 because whether we go with a moving company or some other self-moving option, that's about what we're going to need. We've entertained the idea of trying to sell what we have and use the money to replace things once we arrive in Florida, but we don't see that as entirely feasible what with the lack of time. We're also thinking about lessening the number of things we move, in order to lower the weight and price. So, please rest assured that we are not trying make this decision arbitrarily. Would you prayerfully consider if God would have you help? God gives the provision, but He often chooses to do so through His people.
I have been in contact with those in Homestead about many of the concerns that we have, and I'd like to share with you part of the latest email I recieved from Pastor Long:
So, it would seem that God is indeed working in hearts and minds concerning not only our move, but also our ministry once we arrive. The local businessman that has offered a job owns a landscaping company. I mentioned that I would like to get a job during which I could also get some exercise. So, God has answered that prayer already, too.
Well, that's about it for now. I am going to begin doing these updates at least bi-weekly. But as new things develop, I will keep you all up-to-date.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Male 3.0" Healey.
I have finished my training for being qualified to drive the larger buses with dual air-brake systems. I took my driving test with CHP last week and passed. So, I am now a fully-qualified bus driver.
Dulcy recieved some unwelcome news after going to have an ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby (It's a Boy!, by the way). While we were at a friend's home for dinner the evening of, she got a call from the nurse practitioner that they found out that Dulcy has placenta previa. Now, before you all jump on the internet and find out how terribly bad this is, Dulcy is fine. They have given the baby a totally clean bill of health and Dulcy has just been told to "take it easy". She isn't on bed rest or anything like that. She has been told by this group of doctors that she will need to have the baby by C-section. But even that isn't completely for sure because Dulcy has talked to a few other ladies who had the same condition but the placenta moved and they were able to give birth naturally. So, please pray that Dulcy will be able to "take it easy", that the placenta will go back to where it's supposed to be, and that the condition won't worsen.
We received a letter from the IRS stating that instead of getting a refund of about $1200, we actually owe $800. The reason, according to the letter, was that we didn't qualify for Earned Income Credit. Upon recieving the letter, I jumped on the IRS website, and did a little research. I saw that one cannot claim EIC and the Foreign Income Exclusion at the same time (which is necessary because of the half-year we were still in Korea). So, I contacted the organization that prepared our taxes this year, and they told me to fax them the letter and they would look into it. Well, I recieved another letter back from this organization stating that the IRS was wrong because I lived in the US for at least 6 months in 2009, which qualifies us for EIC. They supplied me with a letter of explanation to send back to the IRS, and it looks like we will be getting a refund after all (PTL!). Now, if it would just come through before we leave...
We've had, in all, 4 moving companies come by and give visual estimates for how much it will cost to move our things to Florida. They have ranged from $3550 to just over $4100. There have been other email and phone estimates given by other companies that were much lower, but they can't or won't send any one out to the house for an estimate (red flag), which for me, isn't acceptable. We have one other company coming on Tuesday, and after that we will make the decision on what we're going to do. At this point, Mayflower is the lowest estimate, and if the estimate on Tuesday isn't lower, we'll probably be going with them. I say that, though, not having $3550 to pay for it.
We've had $600 come in from some family members to go towards our moving expenses! This is a great thing and worthy of our thanks and praising the Lord! We are still far away from our goal of at least $3500 (currently). I say $3500 because whether we go with a moving company or some other self-moving option, that's about what we're going to need. We've entertained the idea of trying to sell what we have and use the money to replace things once we arrive in Florida, but we don't see that as entirely feasible what with the lack of time. We're also thinking about lessening the number of things we move, in order to lower the weight and price. So, please rest assured that we are not trying make this decision arbitrarily. Would you prayerfully consider if God would have you help? God gives the provision, but He often chooses to do so through His people.
I have been in contact with those in Homestead about many of the concerns that we have, and I'd like to share with you part of the latest email I recieved from Pastor Long:
Here are some current events taking place here at SDBC. There is a mother of a teen here who is thrilled with the prospect of a Sr. youth pastor. She has taken it upon herself to rally several teens to begin attending the morning services here at SDBC. This past Sunday there were about 10 teens present in the morning service. This is a major event because 7 of them attend a local Christ Fellowship church that has its own youth worship service. She has been working on these young people by asking them to come in and 'give us a chance' by their presence, so that when other young adults show up to visit they will see others there of their own age. Some of these kids are entertaining the idea of transferring out of CCS to local 'magnet' school who specialize in an elective. She has seen the outcome of these false promises by the schools and also the environment they create and is acting as a parent advocate to convince the students to remain in the God centered milieu of Christian education.
This is very encouraging because we have never had this kind of promotion to youth since I have been here. A work of God only! This is your group we are talking about an already there is a groundswell building in preparation for a youth ministry. Be encouraged by what God is doing, especially when it happens in this way and at this level.
Concerning the moving expenses I am working with the deacons and the church family to help you make the transition. Along the same lines of thought there are 3 men who God has raised up (apart from any persuasion on my part) who are interested in purchasing homes to use as rentals for the new youth pastors. Another business owner has made a commitment to provide work for one of the newcomers. Brother, God is making things ready for your ministry here so keep praying, planning and trusting, He will provide as needed and in His time.
So, it would seem that God is indeed working in hearts and minds concerning not only our move, but also our ministry once we arrive. The local businessman that has offered a job owns a landscaping company. I mentioned that I would like to get a job during which I could also get some exercise. So, God has answered that prayer already, too.
Well, that's about it for now. I am going to begin doing these updates at least bi-weekly. But as new things develop, I will keep you all up-to-date.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Male 3.0" Healey.
Friday, April 30, 2010
May Update...(a couple days early)
This time last year we were looking forward to a new ministry at Bethany Baptist Church. As the school year was coming to a close at ICS-Uijongbu, we had a lot of 'what-if' questions in our minds, and God was continually answering each of those one right after the other. We were preparing to leave our lives and ministries in South Korea to begin anew in California. We were praying and asking God's provision and we were excited time and again as prayer after prayer was answered. Many of you joined with us in those prayers and some of you were led to help financially. God worked in a mighty way to get us back across the Pacific, and we were amazed. And now, after three months of looking for God's will for our family, we find ourselves in a very similiar position as last year.
In my last update, I asked everyone to pray that the congregation's vote on the financial package from South Dade Baptist Church would be indicative of what God would have us do concerning the future of our family. I asked you all to pray open-endedly on purpose, as we were desiring confirmation of God's will. The vote was unanimous to accept the financial package and commit to growing the ministry at SDBC. On Monday afternoon, I received a contract offer from Colonial Christian School. I went to Pastor Rushing to explain to him our feelings and belief that this was God's will for our family, and he advised me to sit on it for a couple days to simply see if any last-minute miracles occurred, which would allow us to stay in the area. On Wednesday morning, we met again, and I confirmed for him that this is still what we believed to be God's will for us. On Thursday morning, I signed the contract and faxed it back to the school, accepting the position with the school and church. So, God has called us to Homestead, FL, and I will be the HS Bible Teacher at CCS, and the HS Youth Pastor at SDBC.
Those are the facts. The decision to go to Florida has been made by faith that this is God's will for our family. Over the past few months, I have contacted, in various ways, no less than 20 schools in the area concerning employment for next year. Only three showed any interest, but one eventually said they wouldn't be able to hire me, and the other two haven't responded to any subsequent contacts. With the help of my Dad, I placed resumes in for 20 government jobs, two that were in the area and the rest nationwide. No positive responses came back from any of them. I also persued two pastoral positions, one in the area, and another in New Jersey; both of which have grown silent over the past few weeks. I also contacted 3 other schools outside the area, one in Arkansas, one in Hawaii, and the one in Florida. Our faith belief in all this is simply that if God wanted us to stay where we are, something would've surfaced in the area along the lines of the ministries to which He's called me (teaching and youth work). Scripture tells us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). By faith, neither I nor Dulcy believe that God has given me such a strong desire to teach to simply have it sit idle.
So, at the end of June, we will be moving to Homestead, Florida, to join ourselves to the ministries there. This time last year the decision to go had already been made for four months. We now stand in front of a timeframe half that long. We are confident that God will provide, but we have no idea how or from where. According to recent research, which I am going to be expanding upon as quickly as possible, we are going to need in the neighborhood of $5000 for the move. This is an educated estimate based on contacts I have already made to a few companies, and includes gas for the trip, a moving company and supplies, hotel/motel stays on the drive down, and what I percieve to be minor set-up costs in Homestead. I am hopeful that it is a high estimate, but I am fearful that it isn't. My first paycheck from the church will be ready for us when we arrive, but my first paycheck from the school will not be until August 27th. So, that has already been a topic of discussion with the pastor and director there, and they have said that they will begin looking for a job for me to fill in the gap until I begin work at the school. I'm trying to paint a picture here that will hopefully help you all understand our situation. We have been paycheck to paycheck since we have settled in here in California, and have very little savings (only about $500). So, in many ways, this leap of faith is much scarier than the one we made last year. Last year, I knew we would have the equivalent of about 1.5 months pay from the school when we left, and that was after airfare had been paid. I also knew that I was going to have a hefty pension paycheck arriving shorlty after we did from the Korean government. The exact opposite is true now. We believe that this is God's will for our family, and in order for it work, He has to provide just as He has before. We know He will, but we don't know how.
So, this brings us to the prayer request section.
1. PRAY that Dulcy and the kids will finish their homeschooling on-time. They are scheduled to be done the second week in June, two weeks before we are planning to leave.
2. PRAY that I will finish strong in my ministry here at Bethany Baptist. We aren't leaving until the end of June, so I don't want to "check-out" until then.
3. PRAY and ask God to provide for our moving expenses. $5000 is a HUGE amount of money for us, but it's pocket change to God. Would you also prayerfully consider if God would have you help financially? Please also understand that I completely understand how tight today's economy is, and how strapped many people are these days, and not just ourselves. Just please ask God how He would have you help.
4. PRAY for Bethany Baptist Church, and the growth of the ministry here. Even though we will not be a part of it after June, we still desire to see God's family grow, and for a Bible-believing church like this to be a beacon of light in this community.
5. PRAY that we will have practical wisdom in deciding waht we take with us, and what we choose to try and replace once we get there. 'Things' can carry sentimental value and be difficult to let go, but we don't have the time or money for such things. Dulcy is much better at axing things than I, so pray that God will allow me to keep my mouth shut.
6. PRAY that Dulcy will continue to remain healthy during her pregnancy. Everything is going just fine with absolutely no hitches, by the way. Along with this, though, is the question of health insurance in Florida. Pray that God would have His hand upon those at SDBC who are looking into this for us. This has also been a point of discussion aleady, and they are working on it.
7. PRAY for those at SDBC who are looking into a housing arrangement for our family. Pray that God will lead them to the exact property He has for us, and that it would be as inexpensive as possible.
And I think that's it for now. I will be updating you all with new information as soon as I have it. We are in a peculiar place to be right now. On one hand we wonder why God didn't work things out for us here, and sorrowful with leaving our new friends behind; and on the other, we are excited by being led further into His will for our family.
More to come...
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Point-five" Healey.
Mark 10:45
In my last update, I asked everyone to pray that the congregation's vote on the financial package from South Dade Baptist Church would be indicative of what God would have us do concerning the future of our family. I asked you all to pray open-endedly on purpose, as we were desiring confirmation of God's will. The vote was unanimous to accept the financial package and commit to growing the ministry at SDBC. On Monday afternoon, I received a contract offer from Colonial Christian School. I went to Pastor Rushing to explain to him our feelings and belief that this was God's will for our family, and he advised me to sit on it for a couple days to simply see if any last-minute miracles occurred, which would allow us to stay in the area. On Wednesday morning, we met again, and I confirmed for him that this is still what we believed to be God's will for us. On Thursday morning, I signed the contract and faxed it back to the school, accepting the position with the school and church. So, God has called us to Homestead, FL, and I will be the HS Bible Teacher at CCS, and the HS Youth Pastor at SDBC.
Those are the facts. The decision to go to Florida has been made by faith that this is God's will for our family. Over the past few months, I have contacted, in various ways, no less than 20 schools in the area concerning employment for next year. Only three showed any interest, but one eventually said they wouldn't be able to hire me, and the other two haven't responded to any subsequent contacts. With the help of my Dad, I placed resumes in for 20 government jobs, two that were in the area and the rest nationwide. No positive responses came back from any of them. I also persued two pastoral positions, one in the area, and another in New Jersey; both of which have grown silent over the past few weeks. I also contacted 3 other schools outside the area, one in Arkansas, one in Hawaii, and the one in Florida. Our faith belief in all this is simply that if God wanted us to stay where we are, something would've surfaced in the area along the lines of the ministries to which He's called me (teaching and youth work). Scripture tells us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). By faith, neither I nor Dulcy believe that God has given me such a strong desire to teach to simply have it sit idle.
So, at the end of June, we will be moving to Homestead, Florida, to join ourselves to the ministries there. This time last year the decision to go had already been made for four months. We now stand in front of a timeframe half that long. We are confident that God will provide, but we have no idea how or from where. According to recent research, which I am going to be expanding upon as quickly as possible, we are going to need in the neighborhood of $5000 for the move. This is an educated estimate based on contacts I have already made to a few companies, and includes gas for the trip, a moving company and supplies, hotel/motel stays on the drive down, and what I percieve to be minor set-up costs in Homestead. I am hopeful that it is a high estimate, but I am fearful that it isn't. My first paycheck from the church will be ready for us when we arrive, but my first paycheck from the school will not be until August 27th. So, that has already been a topic of discussion with the pastor and director there, and they have said that they will begin looking for a job for me to fill in the gap until I begin work at the school. I'm trying to paint a picture here that will hopefully help you all understand our situation. We have been paycheck to paycheck since we have settled in here in California, and have very little savings (only about $500). So, in many ways, this leap of faith is much scarier than the one we made last year. Last year, I knew we would have the equivalent of about 1.5 months pay from the school when we left, and that was after airfare had been paid. I also knew that I was going to have a hefty pension paycheck arriving shorlty after we did from the Korean government. The exact opposite is true now. We believe that this is God's will for our family, and in order for it work, He has to provide just as He has before. We know He will, but we don't know how.
So, this brings us to the prayer request section.
1. PRAY that Dulcy and the kids will finish their homeschooling on-time. They are scheduled to be done the second week in June, two weeks before we are planning to leave.
2. PRAY that I will finish strong in my ministry here at Bethany Baptist. We aren't leaving until the end of June, so I don't want to "check-out" until then.
3. PRAY and ask God to provide for our moving expenses. $5000 is a HUGE amount of money for us, but it's pocket change to God. Would you also prayerfully consider if God would have you help financially? Please also understand that I completely understand how tight today's economy is, and how strapped many people are these days, and not just ourselves. Just please ask God how He would have you help.
4. PRAY for Bethany Baptist Church, and the growth of the ministry here. Even though we will not be a part of it after June, we still desire to see God's family grow, and for a Bible-believing church like this to be a beacon of light in this community.
5. PRAY that we will have practical wisdom in deciding waht we take with us, and what we choose to try and replace once we get there. 'Things' can carry sentimental value and be difficult to let go, but we don't have the time or money for such things. Dulcy is much better at axing things than I, so pray that God will allow me to keep my mouth shut.
6. PRAY that Dulcy will continue to remain healthy during her pregnancy. Everything is going just fine with absolutely no hitches, by the way. Along with this, though, is the question of health insurance in Florida. Pray that God would have His hand upon those at SDBC who are looking into this for us. This has also been a point of discussion aleady, and they are working on it.
7. PRAY for those at SDBC who are looking into a housing arrangement for our family. Pray that God will lead them to the exact property He has for us, and that it would be as inexpensive as possible.
And I think that's it for now. I will be updating you all with new information as soon as I have it. We are in a peculiar place to be right now. On one hand we wonder why God didn't work things out for us here, and sorrowful with leaving our new friends behind; and on the other, we are excited by being led further into His will for our family.
More to come...
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and "Point-five" Healey.
Mark 10:45
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Prayer Request Update...
Hello, everyone! This is a special update, as it involves a specific prayer request. As most of you should know by now, I have been looking for a job for the last couple of months because the church where I am currently serving has fallen upon rough times financially, and will need to lower my pay to $1000/mo. beginning July 1st (a 2/3 reduction). I've placed many applications/resumes, both near and far, in the last couple of months and most of them have either come back negative or not at all. A few have requested further contact, and I have followed through.
Just to recap, those that have requested further contact are as follows: 1) Berkeley Chinese Baptist Church in Berkeley, CA. They are seeking a full-time pastor for their English-speaking congregation. 2) Cornerstone Christian School in Antioch, CA. I am still unsure what exact position they are trying to fill, as they haven't responded to my questions toward that end...but they asked me to send in my cover letter, resume, and application. 3) Calvary Christian School in Forrest City, AR. They are seeking a HS Bible teacher. 4) Maranatha Baptist Church in Bridgeton, NJ. They are seeking an associate pastor to come under the senior pastor in order to take over the pastorate when he retires in the near future. 5) Colonial Christian School and South Dade Baptist Church in Homestead, FL. They are looking for a HS Bible teacher and HS Youth Pastor.
So, these are the strongest prospects I have had in the past couple of months, and to be frank, they are all still on the table as none of them have come back with a negative response. The reason for this update, however, focuses on the fifth prospect above, Colonial Christian School and South Dade Baptist Church in Homestead, FL. As things have progressed in our conversations, a mutual desire to continue conversations has grown. Last Sunday evening, the pastor of the church and the director of the school took a financial package before the church congregation. This package is meant as a supplement from the church to two men (myself and another), hired by the school as teachers, to work in the youth ministry of the church. They have not brought our names before the congregation, as Pastor Long's vision is that this is a "statement of commitment from the congregation to be thoroughly engaged in duty to grow the work." This Sunday evening, the congregation is to vote on whether or not they will approve that commitment.
This is where the specific prayer request comes in. We are not asking you to pray that God would have us go there. We are asking you to pray that the congregation's vote would be indicative of what God desires for our family, whatever the vote may be. As I've said, the situation is what I've been looking for, but we sheep allow our enthusiasm and excitement to get in The Shepherd's way sometimes, and that's not what any of us want.
I have another Skype video chat scheduled with the Pastor and Director this afternoon, just to touch base, as they want to be as transparent as possible with what has transpired in meetings with the deacons and the congregation, and to give me the chance to ask any further questions that may have risen since our last conversation.
Ultimately, please PRAY that God would confirm to us His will for our family this weekend.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and ".5" Healey
Mark 10:45
Just to recap, those that have requested further contact are as follows: 1) Berkeley Chinese Baptist Church in Berkeley, CA. They are seeking a full-time pastor for their English-speaking congregation. 2) Cornerstone Christian School in Antioch, CA. I am still unsure what exact position they are trying to fill, as they haven't responded to my questions toward that end...but they asked me to send in my cover letter, resume, and application. 3) Calvary Christian School in Forrest City, AR. They are seeking a HS Bible teacher. 4) Maranatha Baptist Church in Bridgeton, NJ. They are seeking an associate pastor to come under the senior pastor in order to take over the pastorate when he retires in the near future. 5) Colonial Christian School and South Dade Baptist Church in Homestead, FL. They are looking for a HS Bible teacher and HS Youth Pastor.
So, these are the strongest prospects I have had in the past couple of months, and to be frank, they are all still on the table as none of them have come back with a negative response. The reason for this update, however, focuses on the fifth prospect above, Colonial Christian School and South Dade Baptist Church in Homestead, FL. As things have progressed in our conversations, a mutual desire to continue conversations has grown. Last Sunday evening, the pastor of the church and the director of the school took a financial package before the church congregation. This package is meant as a supplement from the church to two men (myself and another), hired by the school as teachers, to work in the youth ministry of the church. They have not brought our names before the congregation, as Pastor Long's vision is that this is a "statement of commitment from the congregation to be thoroughly engaged in duty to grow the work." This Sunday evening, the congregation is to vote on whether or not they will approve that commitment.
This is where the specific prayer request comes in. We are not asking you to pray that God would have us go there. We are asking you to pray that the congregation's vote would be indicative of what God desires for our family, whatever the vote may be. As I've said, the situation is what I've been looking for, but we sheep allow our enthusiasm and excitement to get in The Shepherd's way sometimes, and that's not what any of us want.
I have another Skype video chat scheduled with the Pastor and Director this afternoon, just to touch base, as they want to be as transparent as possible with what has transpired in meetings with the deacons and the congregation, and to give me the chance to ask any further questions that may have risen since our last conversation.
Ultimately, please PRAY that God would confirm to us His will for our family this weekend.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and ".5" Healey
Mark 10:45
Monday, April 12, 2010
April Update...
Hello, everyone! It's that time again for an update from the Healey family. April found us all in good health, and doing well. Dulcy is doing quite well with the pregnancy, and the baby is healthy, too. She has had her first ultrasound, heard the baby's heartbeat, and all that good stuff. I think I was more happy, though, to see that there was only one baby in there...:)
I have begun training to upgrade to the larger buses. If we stay in the area, this upgrade will give me more driving time during the summer months doing charter trips and such, when my regular school route won't be running. It also makes my license a bit more "marketable" as it will now include vehicles with air brake systems. The training has already come in handy financially, as they had me training for about 4 hours a day during Spring Break when I wouldn't have been getting any hours at all. So, God is good, and is continuing to provide.
Dulcy and the kids are still clipping along quite well in their homeschooling endeavors. The boys have started a California State notebook project for their Social Studies class. They are learning quite a bit more about California than I know. Katherine is becoming quite the little reader, now, too. Everything must be read, now...no word or group of words are too mundane. She reads them all! We're happy that she loves reading so much.
Concerning the hunt for a job...Leads are still very slim in the area. Frankly, they're slim everywhere. Presently, there are 5 leads that I am currently running down that are all decent prospects. One is in Homestead, FL, a church/school is looking for a youth worker/Bible teacher. Out of all the prospects currently on the table, this one is the most appealing to Dulcy and I. If God desires for us to leave the area, this is the one that seems to best fit our family. It also carries with it a possible reunion with some friends of ours that we've known since college and their family. Another prospect is in Forrest City, Arkansas, a school looking for a Bible teacher. The third is Berkeley Chinese Baptist Church, in Berkeley, CA. They are looking for an English Pastor to oversee their English-speaking congregation. A fourth is another school in Antioch, CA, who just contacted me this morning asking if I would fill-out an application and send in my resume. And the fifth is a church in New Jersey that is looking for an assistant pastor to take over when the senior pastor retires in the near future. Those contacts that I've made to this area's Christian schools have either come back negative, or haven't come back at all, with the exception of the one this morning. And of the 15 or 16 applications I've made to government positions, I've heard back from just 3. Two of the positions have been cancelled, and the third said that I was qualified, but that other applicants were more qualified.
Honestly, we don't know where God is leading us. We will go where He leads. That is our main concern. It would grieve us to have to leave the wonderful people at Bethany Baptist, but if that is God's will, so shall it be done. Offerings are actually lower than last year, now. Pastor Rushing doesn't understand it, either, because we haven't lost any people over last year. The only explanation we can figure is that the economy's effects have finally trickled down to where the church finances are feeling it.
Suffice it to say, though, that we have pretty much entered "crunch time". Our lease is up at the end of June, and while the lease agreement does allow for a month-to-month stipulation after the first year, we'd much rather have things figured out before then. If God is leading us away from here, there are so many preparations that would need to be made. We are not forgetting what God did to get us here, mind you. These things are simply on our minds.
Our requests this month are simple:
1. Pray that the pregnancy goes well, and that Dulcy and the baby stay healthy.
2. Pray that God would guide and direct us to His will for our family.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us. We are looking forward to seeing how God works all this out.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and .5 Healey
Mark 10:45
I have begun training to upgrade to the larger buses. If we stay in the area, this upgrade will give me more driving time during the summer months doing charter trips and such, when my regular school route won't be running. It also makes my license a bit more "marketable" as it will now include vehicles with air brake systems. The training has already come in handy financially, as they had me training for about 4 hours a day during Spring Break when I wouldn't have been getting any hours at all. So, God is good, and is continuing to provide.
Dulcy and the kids are still clipping along quite well in their homeschooling endeavors. The boys have started a California State notebook project for their Social Studies class. They are learning quite a bit more about California than I know. Katherine is becoming quite the little reader, now, too. Everything must be read, now...no word or group of words are too mundane. She reads them all! We're happy that she loves reading so much.
Concerning the hunt for a job...Leads are still very slim in the area. Frankly, they're slim everywhere. Presently, there are 5 leads that I am currently running down that are all decent prospects. One is in Homestead, FL, a church/school is looking for a youth worker/Bible teacher. Out of all the prospects currently on the table, this one is the most appealing to Dulcy and I. If God desires for us to leave the area, this is the one that seems to best fit our family. It also carries with it a possible reunion with some friends of ours that we've known since college and their family. Another prospect is in Forrest City, Arkansas, a school looking for a Bible teacher. The third is Berkeley Chinese Baptist Church, in Berkeley, CA. They are looking for an English Pastor to oversee their English-speaking congregation. A fourth is another school in Antioch, CA, who just contacted me this morning asking if I would fill-out an application and send in my resume. And the fifth is a church in New Jersey that is looking for an assistant pastor to take over when the senior pastor retires in the near future. Those contacts that I've made to this area's Christian schools have either come back negative, or haven't come back at all, with the exception of the one this morning. And of the 15 or 16 applications I've made to government positions, I've heard back from just 3. Two of the positions have been cancelled, and the third said that I was qualified, but that other applicants were more qualified.
Honestly, we don't know where God is leading us. We will go where He leads. That is our main concern. It would grieve us to have to leave the wonderful people at Bethany Baptist, but if that is God's will, so shall it be done. Offerings are actually lower than last year, now. Pastor Rushing doesn't understand it, either, because we haven't lost any people over last year. The only explanation we can figure is that the economy's effects have finally trickled down to where the church finances are feeling it.
Suffice it to say, though, that we have pretty much entered "crunch time". Our lease is up at the end of June, and while the lease agreement does allow for a month-to-month stipulation after the first year, we'd much rather have things figured out before then. If God is leading us away from here, there are so many preparations that would need to be made. We are not forgetting what God did to get us here, mind you. These things are simply on our minds.
Our requests this month are simple:
1. Pray that the pregnancy goes well, and that Dulcy and the baby stay healthy.
2. Pray that God would guide and direct us to His will for our family.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us. We are looking forward to seeing how God works all this out.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, Katherine, and .5 Healey
Mark 10:45
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