The End of the Apprenticeship!

It's Over?!?!

Okay, hold up a second! Has it been ten months already? Did time just fly by?! It's so crazy to me. It feels like just yesterday as I was going through the orientation in August. Wow... This apprenticeship program has helped me grow to be a better disciple, pastor, and friend. Throughout the
past ten months, my brain was stretch with new information about God and ministry, and there was only so much I could only consume. Here's a gif that describes my apprenticeship year as a whole:

There are so many things I and take away from the apprenticeship that I can't list them all. The top two I can say were. First, the classes I took. When I was applying for the apprenticeship, I doubted if I could go through it and learn anything because of my learning disabilities. I was afraid of not meeting up to the staff's expectations and feeling left behind. I talked to Brandon Worsham over the phone about it, and he gave me enough encouragement to not feel insecure or intimidated about the classes. All the apprentices come from different learning backgrounds, and we all learned from each other through discussions, not exams or essays. Second is the relationships I developed this year. Shout outs go to the Collin staff team, Sunday night core guys, my cofa Stian Valnes, my supervisor Pedro Paz, my roommate Mark Merola (plus Harrison, Tyler, Stephen, Caleb, and Tony), my peer team, and the apprentices. I love working and learning from my fellow apprentices. They have shown me a lot what it means to fear God with love and admiration by their love for Him. Thank you FOCUS for teaching me since I first started college. Not only you became my family but you genuinely show Jesus. To Mark, Hanna, Josh, Maria, I will miss seeing you as you move on to the work field, and I pray the people you meet will see the light of the Lord through you.

What's Next?!

In case I forgot to mention from my previous blogs, I am staying on staff with FOCUS for 3 years!! WOOHOO!! Next year I will continue to work at Collin College as a staff member, and I can't wait what God has in store. 
 I can’t wait for what God has in store. People have been asking me,"What are the plans going to look like for next year for FOCUS?" We are patiently waiting to hear from our state and local governments to speak on when it's safe to start meeting again in large groups. Collin College is moving toward more normal operations for the fall semester but will be offering expanded online sections. Further information will be forthcoming (http://www.collincollegenews.com/2020/05/29/coronavirus-covid-19-faqs/).

The Apprentice Sermons & Photos

This was an excellent experience to close the apprenticeship. We got to live stream our sermons on YouTube Live and invite close friends and family to see our sermons. Every single apprentice gave a great final piece about their experience of the apprenticeship, and I'm so glad I got to witness it, and they all did a great job!

Our staff end of the year dinner! We had it outside and 6ft apart... 

.....except for this... 

....and this... BUT we're all healthy!!

My good friend Collin and I just finished Focus On Jesus (FOJ) together, and I've witnessed so much growth in him. He truly sees the story of God and understands where he fits into God's account.

Our last Sunday night core fellowship. Love these guys!! 

End of the year banquet for our students over Zoom. Funny slide shows, awkward zoom dance parties, and lots of mobile games together. 

I'll leave with this photo right here. This was our very last class with Ronnie Worsham. Such a wise, funny, kind, and loving guy I've ever met. Ronnie, if you read this, I hope I didn't inflate your ego ;). Thank you Ronnie for being an inspiration to our church body and being obedient to God's call in your life.