teaching, teaching and more teaching...

Annie - 1st Corinthians:
My first Corinthians lecture was a success! Thank you to everyone who was praying for me. Thus far, this has been my most challenging lecture to prepare because of the controversial nature of some of the book's content, and its length. This was my first 3 day long lecture. (lectures in SBS generally range from 1 day to 3 days) up until 1 Corinthians, all of my lectures have been 1 day.

God gave me everything I needed to complete the task that he handed me and I am so thankful that I had you behind me in prayer. I definitely felt it!

Our class, looked at the context, historical background, authors intent and importance to the original reader of the book, as we tried to unpack some hot and often misunderstood topics found within its pages. Inductive teaching and study helped shed light on some passages that can often be confusing and misunderstood. It also opened the door for some healthy discussions, about some of the them. Some of the topics addressed in 1st Corinthians are: disunity in the church, women in ministry, head coverings, the trinity, the resurrection, spiritual gifts, orderly worship, laying down of rights, marriage, divorce, sexual immorality, church discipline and more...

After looking at the book inductively, students left with alot more clarity in many of these areas.

Our main focus however, was not the issues, but the solutions...what is at the core issue causing problems in the Corinthian church?...a lack of love. So then, the solution, would be to walk in love. What then, does that look like? This was our highlighted application point.

Woven throughout the book, are examples that help to answer the question, What does true love look like? My conclusion - Love is to take the focus off of ourselves. Throughout the book we see many ways that the 1st century church in Corinth was struggling with the concept of love. They were not walking in a way that was loving to one another. They had taken the focus off of Christ (which is the ultimate example and source of true love) and the result was pride and selfishness. This lack of love led to a selfishness and pride that was at the center of their misunderstandings with one another, and their faith.

Many of the things we see the Corinthian church was struggling with, are still things that the church today struggles with. How can we be a source of truth in those places of hurt in the church and other areas of the world? By walking in a genuine understanding of love. Love is not a feeling, but it is a choice to put someone else's highest and best interests before our own. Sometimes this means doing things that we don't like or even that person doesn't like, in order that they might benefit the most.

Throughout the week, students meditated on how this genuine love is walked out - one of the most powerful ways that we are learning to apply it, is to understand that our lives are not about us! They are about God - they are about sharing his love with the world. They are about glorifying him and being messengers of truth in a broken and hurting world. The minute we take the focus off of him, and start making it about us, we loose the kind of love for others that we are called to walk in.

There are many areas of life where we do this - I used the example in my lecture that for me one area I am learning this in right now is my marriage. My marriage is not about me, it is for Christ. It is for him to accomplish what he wants in and through it. Is it a blessing to me? Absolutely, but that can not be my main motivation in my marriage. The minute I start making it all about me: my needs, wants, desires etc; I loose sight of the truth, I loose sight of Christ and in turn I become selfish and unloving toward my husband.

Students were challenged to look at areas of their own lives where they have made it all about them. I charged them too take their focus off of themselves in that area and be reminded that it is for Christ.

On Monday, at the beginning of class, I asked students to write a personal definition of love on a piece of paper. On Friday, at the end of class, they were given some time to reflect on what they had written a few days prior. Had their definition changed at all after studying 1st Corinthians? If so how, and how can they walk in this new revelation of love? If it hadn't changed, then how has this book shown them a new and practical way to walk out their already correct definition of love? May the power of God continue to open their eyes that they may choose to love every day.

1st Corinthians is a book that I fell in love with two years ago during my SBS. Through the experience of teaching it, I fell in love all over again.

"Let all that you do be done in love" - 1 Corinthians 16:14


Thank you again to everyone who prayed for me. You helped to remind me, as did this amazing book, that it is not by me, but the power of God that I am able.... May it always be less of me and more of him.

• We covet your prayers as Justin prepares to teach 1 Timothy next week (December 11) and I prepare to teach 2 Timothy on December 14th

• An update on Justin's recent 2nd Thessalonians teaching will be posted shortly...stay tuned

We love and appreciate you all, more than we can express,


- Justin & Annie

Tenacious Tammi

Recently one of our SBS students shared a touching testimony with our class. Hope it blesses you as it blessed us:

Tammi is one of our students from right here in Montana. Being a mom of teenagers, a wife, and now an SBS student, Tammi definitely has her hands full. She explained to us that on one particular day a couple of weeks ago, she had a doctor appointment with a very prestigious spinal doctor in the area. In the business of her school work, and family, she rushed to her doctor appointment, barely making it in time, with her hair in a mop on top of her head, clothes all a mess...you get the picture (we've all been there ;-)

Embarrassed about her self presentation, and tardiness, Tammi explained to the doctor apologetically why she was late and dressed the way she was. Tammi explained, "I am so sorry! I am doing this bible school..." As she continued Tammi expected the smug attitude that she is used to receiving from people when she tells them about what she is doing, but to her surprise he was not smug at all, but very curious. He told her that he has been searching for God his whole life! He has read books and researched every religion he could...in search of truth.

Tammi proceeded to talk to him about God for the entire appointment. The doctor was so curious about what she was telling him, that he allowed the appointment to go past the scheduled time, while other patients waited. Tammi shared with him the things she was learning about God in SBS, and was able to share the gospel with this man.

What is so unique about this story you might ask? As Tammi shared this testimony with our class, she explained that before SBS she never would have had the courage to share with this man with the boldness that she had. But after being in SBS and being confronted with the truth of Gods word; the life of Christ and the bold acts of the apostles, Tammi was so challenged, that she could not cower in fear! She told our class with excitement that after only 5 weeks of SBS she had answers to his questions that she never would have had before, nor had the guts to talk about! That is amazing! Go God!

It was one of those moments, where as SBS staff you go, "this is why I do what I do." We were so proud of Tammi, but more so grateful to God for using what we are doing here in SBS to move in peoples' lives; not only on the mission field overseas, but right here in Montana.

We can all learn from Tammi's story no matter where we we are in our walk with God; by being challenged to walk in greater boldness and conviction of truth where ever we go. God is always ready to use us, even in the midst of the mundane things of life.

Let this be an encouragement to those of you who support us through prayer and finances that what you are doing is making a difference in lives all over the world, and right here at home.


"These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.." Acts 17:6

Prayer Requests:

Justin is teaching 2 Thessalonians tomorrow (Wed Nov 4th)
Annie is teaching 1 Corinthians the week of November 16 through the 2oth

Please pray for both of us as we prepare. Planning a lecture takes lots of time, in depth study and creativity. Pray that our preparation as well as our lectures will be fruitful, inspiring and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Please also pray for the students: that God will use our lectures to speak to them in a powerful way. That their hearts would be open and teachable.

In loving service,

Justin & Annie

Fall Update: Overcoming the Odds...

We are nearly one month into the o9/10 School of Biblical Studies! What an AMAZING group of students we have!!!! We are so excited to impart into the lives of these people who are zealous for the Lord, and hungry to learn more about him and his word! Each year, the schools that come to us, seem to take on their own unique personality. The personality of the 09/10 school is one that seems eager, kind, servant hearted, fun, and ready to learn! Wow, what powerhouses they are going to be once God is done taking them through 9 months of intense bible study!

After only a few weeks, students seem to have picked up our 12 steps of Inductive Bible Study very quickly, and are now charting away, full speed ahead! This week students are studying the book of Acts. This is the largest work load they have had yet, so please be praying for them.

Today, as part of application for the book of Acts, we had some time of worship; simply just inviting the Holy Spirit to come and move amongst our class. It was a very special time where God brought healing and freedom to many hearts. As we, the school staff prayed for the students before they arrived, we felt that "healing" was going to be a significant part of this year's school. We believe that today was only the beginning of a theme of "healing" that will be continued in their hearts throughout the year. As the students study God's word, they will be healed, transformed and set free- particularly from past hurts. You can be praying for this as well.

Gladys' Story: During today's time of worship, one of our students, a young woman from Kenya, Africa (named Gladys) shared with our class. Gladys explained that she had felt God lay a call to missions on her heart when she was just a little girl. However, as she has tried to pursue this calling over the years, it has been very difficult for her because in Africa women are seen as less than men. For her to be a missionary seemed impossible. She has been turned away from many bible schools on grounds that she is a woman. NO ONE WOULD TEACH HER GOD'S WORD BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN! Wherever Gladys explained her desire, people were consistent in discouraging her from it, based on her sex. She explained to us that though she felt discouraged, she refused to give up on the call that she knew God had laid on her heart all those years ago. Gladys went on to say that she is so grateful to God for finally bringing her here to our school, where she can study his word.

I (Annie) was so touched by the fact that Gladys was not willing to give up what she knew God had called her to, even though circumstances that were out of her control made it seem impossible. Her commitment to God was so strong that Gladys was willing to leave her friends, family, culture, and everything she knew, in order to follow God's call for her to prepare for missions. Now that is what I call gumption!

God was faithful to bring about his promise to Gladys; even though the odds were stacked against her. Now here she is, just like God said she would be: studying his word and preparing for missions. And in small town Montana of all places! God is AMAZING!!!

It is so encouraging for us to be a part of the answer to Gladys' prayers. A couple of years ago, I (Annie) felt God spoke to me that he wanted to use me to "set women free from bondage through the power of the gospel." - This can take form in many ways, but Justin and I both feel that a significant part of this calling is to see women set free to walk in the fullness of what God has for them. We believe that he has called us to teach his word as a tool that will speak out this very freedom. Today Gladys' testimony gave us a glimpse of this calling being brought to fulfillment. I (Annie) was reminded once again of why I believe so much in this ministry that we are a part of.

I (Annie) am thinking now about the 50 plus SBS's all over the world; the 5 or so that are in Africa, the ones in Asia, and other "unmentionable" parts of the world. I am filled with Zeal when I think about how many other women, with a similar story to Gladys' will be welcomed to study in one of these 50 SBS's; regardless of their sex or economic situation. Women, and men in 50 places all over the world will be radically built up in the word! It gives me a thrill of excitement for what God is doing in the world through the ministry of SBS. SBS truly changes lives, and this change, in turn affects families, communities, and nations.

THANK YOU GOD FOR THE LIVES THAT ARE BEING IMPACTED BY SBS! WE FEEL INDESCRIBABLY HUMBLED TO BE A PART OF IT!!! Those of you who are standing with us in prayer or financial support ARE A PART OF IT TOO! It is because of YOU that women like Gladys are able to go against the odds. THANK YOU for aiding us to do what we do: pushing others toward the calling that God has placed on them to be messengers of the gospel to the nations

In Love,

Justin & Annie

We need your help

We recently posted a prayer request, asking for prayers for a laptop for Justin. Now that you have had a chance to pray, we ask that you would please consider whether or not God would want to use you to help towards this. If you have a laptop you would be willing to donate, or if you would be willing to donate money so that he can get one, that would be an incredible blessing to us! We are asking for donations in any amount towards Justin's laptop fund. Please see the "how you can help" column to the left of our blog to see how you can donate towards this and please specify if it is for his laptop fund. Thanks you so much. We love you and appreciate you!!! Fell free to contact us with any questions or comments that you may have about this.

with love,

Justin & Annie

J & A 's Fall Quarter Teaching Schedule

You can be praying for us as we prepare for our lectures this coming quarter:

Justin is teaching:
2nd Thessalonians on Nov 4
1 Timothy on December 11

Annie is teaching:
1 Corinthians on Nov 16 - 20
2 Timothy on December 14

Prayer Request:

Justin needs a new laptop. For each person on SBS staff here in Montana, to have a functioning personal laptop, is a MUST in order for us to do what we do here. Please pray that God will provide this for Justin. He is borrowing one now (God story!!!) but has to give it back in October. So, please pray that God provides one, or the money for one by then. Thanks for you're prayers!!! We appreciate you!!!!

Student Testimonials

"SBS has been SO significant in my life! It has taught me that the Bible was not written to us, but for us. It has changed the way I think about the Bible and given me better understanding through historical background. I plan on going into youth ministry after SBS, so it is a solid beginning for me to understand passages in the Bible for what it says as opposed to how others interpret it."
- Hannah Derosier, Colorado Springs, CO


"SBS has changed my life. It has allowed me to actually take the time to sit down and read God's word, and read it in a way where I can understand what the author was saying, and I can apply it to my life, because I can see the heart of Paul and John and all the authors of this book, and it just makes me want to have a walk with God that was like theirs. SBS has challenged me to strive more and more for a deeper relationship with God and never be satisfied. It has grown my passion for Jesus in a way that I never thought possible, and it has challenged me to look at all the areas where I have become too comfortable, just deal with them andand focus on Christ and what He has done for me in a whole new way. SBS has been a life changing experience that is one of the most difficult things I've ever done, but also the best decision I've made so far. I have learned more than I ever thought possible, and I know that this is only the beginning. I have a passion for God's word and I want to tell the world. I want to be a nation changer, and I know that with the tools I've been given in this course, I can. This has been a stepping stone for me that will help me with my calling in life. After SBS I plan to teach God's word to as many people as possible. I only hope that I can be an example like the staff here have been to me. I want people to look at me and see Jesus in me and want that with all their hearts. GO GOD!!!" -Shara Green Alberta, Canada.
"SBS has challenged me in ways I have never imagined. It has Biblically grounded my faith, and stretched me spiritually as well as academically. Through SBS, God has completely change my life. During the book of Exodus, God gave me a calling to serve him in full time, frontier missions. SBS has prepared me to live out my faith no matter what challenges I face on the mission filed, to take the Gospel to unreached people, and helped me to fall more in love with Jesus."

-Hanna Blackford

St. Cloud, Florida

"SBS in short without filling out 15 pages or more has shown such an eye opening way of how to study the Bible. With new ways of looking having a biblical view on everything now. Its hard for me not to say something about the Bible while I am in simple conversation now. Shows me how shallow I was at reading the Word of God before till now. Now I have much more of a grasp of how God sees people, how he sees me, His heart of love is what I have to have toward everyone. Its changed the future of evening being excited about teaching instead of running away from that challenge. But I now see so much more with my eyes opened to God's view of us. It has fully impacted the foundation in my life how I see people, ideas, cultures, everything is affected now by what God has shown me. My life is completely ruined from reading God's word, ruined in an awesome way where I can't go back to a place of complacency. Spiritually I have an foundation that from today till I die will be the place where I can look back remember God's word andand His sweet words to us." - Josh Huffman Montana "For me, SBS has been an experience where God has proven me wrong about what I can do. Whenever someone would tell me about this school, tell me that I should go or at least think about it, I automatically said no. I refused to give it a second thought because in my mind I wasn't smart enough to study the Bible! But what a lie that was -- because once God changed my heart and brought me here, it has been nothing but blessings. Yes, it's still a trial every now and then, but God has constantly been proving me wrong about myself -- in good ways, showing me things I never really knew about myself, and the fact that anyone can study the Bible, you don't have to be a genius! But on an even grandeur scale, it's the fact that he is the one that is giving me the power and grace to do it. He's opening my eyes to the truths in his Word, showing me things that have affected me in mighty ways, and showing me that I can affect others lives by teaching them the tools that I've learned. I never wanted to be a teacher either, but through this school God has begun to stir up a passion inside me that will not be quenched unless I teach others God's word. It's been an amazing experience." -- tori, california

"The Bible has opened my eyes to the reality of the living vibrant grace, power and love of God.

The Bible has shown me more of the reality of what Jesus did on the cross and the fact that eternity is on its way.

I want to start a school for the impoverished and poor kids of India. Studying the Bible has ripped open blinds, given me a passion to go out with the love of God. The school for the kids will be founded on the word of God."

-Anmol, India

"Karen and I have been in YWAM for over 10 years now, most of that in Russia We really realized our knowledge of the bible was extremely limited and it impacted the type of teaching we could to on the mission field. Because of the SBS program, its given us the tools to not only study the bibie in debth, but also teach it with confidence. This is important for our future work in missions in Asia where God is calling us full-time, where the needs are great and the workers are so few. SBS is definitly a tool we can and will use for the rest of our life!"

-Ed Jensen, USA