Recruiting

To all my friends and supporters~

I sent out an email, but I'm going to use my blog for the same purpose, to attempt to recruit some of you (my supporters, my friends, or even supporters' friends and friends of friends) to consider and apply to teach overseas! I feel very strongly about this, that it is an opportunity not to be missed, to spend some time in a place and a culture that can be extremely uncomfortable (different and change are always uncomfortable), to stretch yourself and place yourself in God's hands to be used in ways you can't always see or understand, but you know just your presence in this place evokes questions and feelings in those around you that makes your life purposeful. To sacrifice so much to serve the Lord (and I now know the true meaning of Sacrifice) allows you to experience blessings you never imagined, because you are putting yourself completely in the trust of the Lord to provide for your needs. Before this I thought I had all I needed, but now I've seen just how much is really needed, and just how much God can provide when we give it up to Him. The paradox of giving till it hurts to gain more than you had before, to own nothing and everything, fills me with joy and surprise every day. It is an experience unlike any other, where God can use you, stretch you, and bless you in unimaginable ways.
Educational Services International (teachoverseas.org, the group I am here with) sends teachers to China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Vietnam. As you can see, none of these countries speak languages that are commonly taught in American schools. The reason for this is that ESI seeks to reach the unreached, to spread light into dark countries where the gospel isn't preached or isn't accessible (China is still under Communism, Morocco is mainly Muslim), or war torn countries. Half of these places were formly under the Soviet Union or were recently freed from Communism in the last 10-15 years. They are still trying to find their identity as people, and are more open to a message then they were before. These countries aren't all the nicest of places, but they are on the fringe, overlooked, and in need.
Hungarian has been rumored to be one of the hardest languages in the world, third only to Chinese and Japanese. It's true that just on my own, trying to pick up the language feels nearly impossible, but with the help of some Hungarian friends I have learned enough to get by. My feeling is that to further my ministry, learning more than enough to get by would be wonderful, so I started taking a class in Budapest, and thus far I have really enjoyed it! It isn't as hard as it sounds, learning any new language is difficult, but I actually find it fun. Conquering a new language is rewarding at best, and don't let the language be a barrier between you and Hungary, or any country where you are called to serve!
There is an American missionary couple here in Vác where I live that planted a church and have been here for 7 years. They originally wanted to go to a Spanish speaking country, but God pointed and opened all the doors for them to move to Budapest, and so they did. The church they've planted here is the one I attend, and without them I wouldn't have met such great Christian fellowship in this country!
Wherever you are called, you are needed, and I will be praying for all of you to listen and follow His leading, and I am excited for you and your futures and desire to serve! Let me know if you have any questions, or if you just want prayer for your future. I can do that!

Blessings to all of you,
Jo
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Greetings in Christ,

Have you considered serving God by teaching overseas? TeachOverseas needs to find between 18 – 22 more dedicated Christians to teach in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia for the 2006-07 school year. The deadline to apply and be accepted into> the program for most positions is March 10th. This is an awesome opportunity: You’ll go trained, you’ll go with a team, and God will transform your life and the lives of your students. One teacher wrote: “I never knew that giving up everything I had to be here would be so valuable.” If you would like to discuss this opportunity, please contact me SOON at (800) 895-7955 or cblazo@esimail.org You’ll learn more about the options and how to apply and get prepared to GO!

In Joyful Service,
Carice Blazo
Central Europe Regional Director
TeachOverseas.org (ESI)
Tel: 626.294.9400
Fax: 626.821.2022
800.895.7955