Believe it or not I am still alive though it’s been since September since you last heard from me. This letter will be a little bit longer than my previous two just because so much has happened. To begin with, I was rotated into the shop with Nick and Sam. I was so excited to be working in the automotive shop because I love working on cars. Nick taught me some valuable lessons on replacing alternators and serpentine belts, and helped me relearn how to do brakes and rotors. I also had the privilege to scrap a vehicle and take a short road trip. Nick and Sam’s lighthearted nature and goofing off really helped me feel at home in the shop. 

Unfortunately for me, the roof project started relatively soon after so my time in the shop was cut short. Since the first day of the roof project I made it my mission to be on the roof, and after some talking with Joel, I was given the go ahead. I’m so grateful that I was able to be on the roof. I learned some incredible stuff while working up there and also had a blast. It took about three weeks but we finally got the roof done. During that time, I had the opportunity to visit Michigan for the weekend because Nolan had a conference up there. It was great to be home again temporarily, and I enjoyed my visit. 

After the roof project was finished, I started my vocation with Ray. Ray was really fun to work with because he had so many cool stories and experiences he shared with me. During those four weeks, we installed a WiFi antenna on the roof, fixed the shooting boom, and a skid steer, and helped work in one of the unoccupied trailers at the mission. I’m very excited to be working with Ray again soon. I’m currently located in the body shop with Doug as of right now. I’ve learned so much just from observing him as well as his teaching. He’s helping me learn to appreciate slow and controlled work to help achieve a beautiful finish no matter what we are working on. I’ve learned how to polish headlights and a car, as well as taken trips to the junkyard looking for parts.

Now for the spiritual aspect of learning, there is so much that’s been happening. Nolan has been taking time to sit down one on one with each of us students, and helping us work through questions about faith, sin issues, and personal struggles. Tricia’s class has helped reveal what it truly means to love Christ more than anything. I’ve also been challenged to do my devotions in the morning, and begin my day with prayer and scripture. God has been revealing so much to me, and it’s awesome to see Him working in my life and heart. We also had the privilege of participating in evangelism week. We students and Sandra took classes from Joel, Justin, and Nolan on what it looks like to be an effective evangelist. Then we were able to go and practice the skills we learned at a mall, where we talked and prayed with people. It was an amazing experience and even though I was uncomfortable, I am so glad that we did it. 

As well as class and vocations, we students have had lots of fun with each other. We enjoy watching tv shows and movies together, as well as going on crazy outings to town. We have hiked and swam a lot in the numerous nature trails and creeks on top of enjoying the outdoors areas by the mission campus. We had the privilege of attending a cider press that Hannah invited us to. I’ve never pressed cider by hand before and I enjoyed the experience thoroughly. We also took an adventure trip to Washington D.C. to tour the capitol. We had delish Chinese food in Chinatown, and enjoyed wandering the city observing the monuments and historical places. Ray and Debbie also gave us the opportunity to help pack shoe boxes with Operation Christmas Child. It was tons of fun, and I’m grateful that we have been given so many opportunities to serve and work.  

In closing, I want to say that God has blessed me with the opportunity to work and serve at CMTS during the Equip program. I’ve learned so many things, as well as grown spiritually and physically. I cannot stress this enough, but signing up for the Equip program is one of the best choices I have made. I truly believe God wants me here and is molding me into a man of God. That’s all I got for ya’ll. Aidan Doorn signing out.