Most of you know that since we left Australia in December we have been planning on doing the School of Biblical Studies with YWAM in Montana in September 09. We believed that was where God was leading us, and we were doing everything we could to get there.

One of our main objectives was to raise the funds we need for the course as well as pay off debt we have from the past few years. Our departure date came upon us very quickly and we had not raised all the funds we needed for our time in Montana, nor had we paid off our debt. We realized that by going to Montana we would just be adding to our debt each month bit by bit. That did not seem very wise or responsible to us.

So we spent some time praying and seeking counsel. Our prayer was that God would clearly guide us. We wanted to be where He wanted us, and we wanted to be responsible. Over the next couple of days, God again proved Himself faithful to us by speaking to us and leading us.

We are not going to do the School of Biblical Studies this year. There is disappointment because we had planned on doing the course for 15 months, but we have a peace and excitement in our hearts because God has been guiding us. We will take this year and work to pay off our debt and raise the necessary monthly support for YWAM. An example of how we have seen God moving in our lives during this process is that I (Josiah) got an incredible job offer out of the blue. It’s a really good opportunity to work for a great company. I will be able to learn lot, and it will create the income we need to meet our monthly goals. Crissa has also got an awesome job opportunity. She will be working as a secretary at Essential Elements, a counseling practice that her Mom works in. She will also be continuing to work at Ted’s Mexican Restaurant every so often.

When we came back in December we did not have much of a financial plan in place as we transitioned. Now we have a clear and realistic plan to meet our goals. We hate it took us so long to get our heads wrapped around it but are thankful we’re getting there. We will also use this time to build new relationships and continue to invest in current ones. (Please pray for Crissa’s grandfather who was diagnosed with esophageal cancer June 28 and has finished radiation but still in chemotherapy. We are very close with her grandparents and help out frequently, being with them is really strengthening relationships and offering a lot of “God-talk.” Please pray for the whole family).

Our goals are within a year’s reach; we really want to attend the School of Biblical Studies in Montana in September 2010. We just want to be in the middle of what God wants us to do, really.

God is in control. If you are willing to give everything to Him, He will guide you. He is Faithful!

We wanted to communicate again how thankful we are for your prayers, support, and friendship. We will update you throughout the next year on what God is doing in and through us.
Our plan is to do the course next year. We’re sorry this is so delayed; we’ve had quite a few life changes in the month of September. We love everyone very much. Love to hear from you.

The Ritners

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