Bible School in Austria
Top of Mt. Kufstein (I'm taking the Photo)
Hello friends and family,
It has already been 3 weeks since I set out to start my gap year, and it has started out really well! I flew into Salzburg, Austria on April 26th, and traveled by train with a few students I met at the airport to Schladming, Austria where I am attending Tauernhof Bible School. I have met so many new people from all around the world and it has been amazing to be in community with so many international believers!
Location
I am living at the Tauernhof base in Schladming, Austria. It sits right at the bottom of Planai Mountain, a very popular skiing location in the winter.
Lots of Hiking...
The first two days of Bible School started with two hikes in the mountains, getting to know each other and getting to see God’s creation in the incredible Austrian alps. Since then we have been on a few more and the views have been incredible! It has been a really good way to get to know people, and I have enjoyed taking photos with my camera I brought along.
My Family Group
Eating Döner Kebab
Weekly Schedule
Since then, our weekly schedule has included lectures in the morning until lunch, followed by time in the afternoons to read (going through the New Testament & another book), write reflection papers, and memorize scripture. We also have family group (small group) time, where we share testimonies and do a devotional Bible Study. Additionally, during this time we are required to hit a certain number of fitness units each week, which can include playing volleyball, spike ball, running, working out, hiking, etc. I am also part of our group planning for a mission trip to Serbia for two weeks after the end of Bible School, where we will be doing kids ministry in a Roma community.
Lectures
In some ways, being back in a classroom has been a little strange, but I have really enjoyed the lectures so far! These have included How to Study the Bible, Christianity & Culture, a Colossians Book Study, Our Identity in Christ, and a 1 Thessalonians Book Study. Personally, I have enjoyed how non-academic these have been, with more of focus on personal learning over graded assignments. The topics are quite relevant to the stage in life we are all at as young adults, and having a little bit more life experience and perspective under my belt, they have definitely been helpful and quite interesting for some of the bigger questions about life.
Base Life
Taurenhof’s slogan is Body, Soul, and Spirit. I have loved this combination of being active in all sorts of sports and activities, around international community, as well as being able to learn from very applicable lectures and wise speakers. The staff here are great and you can tell that they love what they do! They are real and authentic people, and it definitely shows through in how they are committed to getting to know you personally, even when there are over 90 students. There are also quite a few volunteer staff here that also get involved in activities with the students, as well as around five resident assistants (RA's), who support student life.
Football (Soccer) Match
A highlight since I've been here is getting to play a football match against a British mission organization named Sportsreach, who came to Schladming to play local teams and share the Gospel. It is a tradition here that every year they play the Bible School students in their first game to kinda get warmed up. We won 3-2, which is the first time in 10 years or so that Tauernhof has won! I almost scored the first goal with a header from a corner but just missed unfortunately. I really enjoyed the game and have enjoyed being in a place where football is the major sport again!
Prayer Requests
I have decided to go to Norway for my YWAM DTS beginning in September. However, because I am in Austria now, I need to apply for a visa for Norway. I would really appreciate your prayer for the process to go smoothly!
Also, as I am one of the only ones on my upcoming mission trip to Serbia that has experience driving manual, I have been asked to drive for part of it along with our trip leader. I will need to get an International Driver's Permit for this and so I would appreciate prayers again for a smooth process for this.
Please continue to pray for my financial support for my mission trip to Zambia as well as my DTS in Norway.
Wrapping up
I want to thank all of you very much that have been apart of my journey already, it really has meant a lot to me! Even reading this far in the newsletter :) I have already learned a lot about the Lord's faithfulness through the generous gifts received, and I am just over halfway to my support goal for all my trips.
Currently, I have a deadline of funds I need to raise for my mission trip to Zambia of June 15th. Right now I need to raise $1,080 more for this and I would really appreciate if you felt led to partner with me!
Thank you for your interest and support!