I would like to tell you about an
amazing opportunity that has come my way. I have recently been accepted into a
study abroad program in Germany for the Spring 2016 semester. The program is
AMBEX (www.ambex.org), and is a partner of Corban University.
This
past year has been an adventure—taking a leap of faith to study Creative
Writing and History at Corban. I absolutely love it there, and am growing so
much academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. However, I
believe God has more growth of these natures in store for me in Germany this
next year. I am incredibly excited about the prospect of this new adventure, and
truly believe that God will make it all possible.
Let
me tell you about AMBEX: AMBEX is dedicated to teaching students more about the
world around them while they learn about God's presence in their own lives.
Some
of the distinctives of the program are honoring the Biblical and cultural mandate
to go out into the world, becoming cross-culturally literate, and expressing
good stewardship of time, talents, and treasures.
The
values include a “greater understanding of the key issues of a Christian
worlview,” an appreciation for the reformation, and a greater knowledge of God
and the world He has created.
The
mission statement reads; “In fidelity to Scripture and to the glory of the
person and work of Jesus Christ our Savior, AMBEX exists to teach Christian
students the vital historical and theological foundations of the Protestant,
Evangelical Christian faith, through a personal, comprehensive, and
life-changing in-class and on-the-road academic experience, and through
involvement in the European missions activities of local churches in Regensburg,
Germany, and central Europe.”
About
20 students and a handful of professors embark on this journey together. We
will take two weeks to rigorously study one subject and earn three credits. Then
there is an independent travel week, and all students are allowed to go
wherever they want in Europe (with a small group of other students). This
pattern continues for the duration of the three months—earning students a total
of 15 credits and 3 independent travel weeks. The courses are these: Christian Worldview
and Apologetics; European Geography, History, and Culture; Theology of
Reformation; Art History of the Western World; and Modern European Literature.
I
hope the participation in this program will be invaluable to me, and that I
will gain cultural experience, new knowledge of the world I live in, an
enriched spiritual life, new friends from around the world, and new experience
and understanding of the global church.
I’m
asking for all of the prayer support I can get. I really believe this is something
God wants me to pursue, and I would appreciate your help in getting me there! I
ask that you be praying fervently for me as I search for funding, and as I
travel to Europe to study intensely for three months.
Also,
as incredible as this opportunity is, I am falling a little short on the
financial side of it. Unfortunately, my scholarships from Corban do not
transfer, and financial aid is limited. I am working very hard this summer at
Subway, but cannot make all of the money I need. My financial need is about $6,000,
which will go towards the tuition of the program.
If
you wish to make a financial contribution (please do not feel obligated), you
can donate here: www.gofundme.com/charlotteingermany, or send a check
to:
Charlotte
VanWerven
1537
Pine Street
Lynden,
WA 98264
My deadline for raising my full
support is September 1st. As I said above, I also need all the
prayer supporters I can get!
If
you are interested, you can follow my adventure on my blog: charlotteischangingtheworld.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for your
consideration and for being a part of my support team!
I hope you have an
excellent summer,
Sincerely,
Charlotte VanWerven
