Goodbye Daniel!!!

In October, Daniel, David, & Samuel went to Journey of the Heart (something I would highly recommend to any person who wants an even closer relationship with God..talk about an intense 10-day long Biblical discipleship!)  One thing with the "Journeys" is that you long to do it again (as I feel as well ;D)....and so this time was Daniel's 2nd Journey.

Best Brother....

2003 - BK: David, Rachel, Daniel, Sarah FRT: Esther, Rebekah, Samuel

2005 - Our Rite of Passage

FYI, Journey of the Heart is an offshoot of IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles), which was founded by Dr. Bill Gothard in 1961.

Last year, while at the Journey, Daniel had the opportunity to send in an application for different ministry opportunities, including serving at the IBLP Headquarters in Oakbrook, Illinois. Though he didn't apply at that time, God kept working in his heart about possibly doing so in the future. That next summer (2010), our family spent 2.5 months traveling around the country in 3 different trips (AK; CO; and TN, AR, MO, IL, OH, KY). A large part of the last trip was spent in Illinois with our dear friends the Hogans and then also at the IBLP HQ. At that time, Mr. Gothard brought up the possibility of Daniel serving at HQ, but our business needed him badly (he worked as a Paraplanner and Research Analyst), and so he declined the offer at that time as well. 

Graduation 2010

This time at Journey, God laid the desire even stronger on Daniel's heart about the possibility of serving at HQ, and after much prayer and consideration with our parents, he applied to IBLP for a year long stint, and was accepted, to begin serving there in the 2nd week of January '12.

A Man with a Vision

Papa and Daniel decided to drive his Audi back to Oakbrook in early December with everything he'd need (which wasn't very much) for a year in Chicago and possible mission trips to other countries as well. They drove through the Midwest on their way there, participated in the IBLP Christmas Party and then flew back home a few days later. 

In the Badlands! 

Since when do they mile mark every .1 of each mile???? (In the Midwest??)

The night before his departure, we had a going away party for him during our Wednesday night Bible Study, and then some of us as a group prayed for him as well. What a huge blessing prayer is!!

Me & My Brother (Photo by Alyssa Gaul)

(Photo by Alyssa Gaul)

Daniel actually left Thursday, January 12th, 2012. To start out with, he is staying at the Drake Hotel there in Oakbrook (which IBLP just purchased and is now renovating),  and will be helping with renovations there, as well as working as an IT and Research assistant and various things under the direction of Ken Krause. He is learning a lot of new skills, like being a cook and a song leader.  He will also probably work with Mr. Hogan in Springfield at times.

Leaving at 4am

We are really excited for Daniel as he serves God in a new capacity, and is discipled in a whole new way. Please keep him in your prayers though, as it will be challenging at times.

The Drake Hotel in Oakbrook which Daniel is currently helping to remodel

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

~ Matthew 28: 19-20 ~