FAQ

Here are a few frequently asked questions that come up when people hear about what we’re doing.  If we didn’t answer your question, leave it below as a comment.  We’ll post an answer!

HOW LONG WILL YOU BE SERVING IN GERMANY?

We feel led to commit to three or four years.  To make the sacrifices that are required of us, for a stay of less than two years would seem… well, not smart. It’s challenging to have a lasting impact in the life of a missionary kid if you’re there and gone soon after. We hope you’ll commit to supporting us for four years and that you’ll continue to see the fruit of your partnership with us.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHILE YOU’RE THERE?

Valerie works in the personnel office. She is a connection point between the kids, the staff, the missionary parents and the community.  Organization, hospitality, efficiency and humble leadership required; we think that her job is a “bull eye” for her gifts and talents. Her most important role is being a mom to Elijah who was born in May 2011.

Jonathan is working in the communications department to develop video tools for BFA. Even though this is a more than full-time job, he’s had a lot of experience and thrives when he can dive into the creative work that he loves. He also spends time discipling a few guys through weekly Bible study, prayer and accountability. Coaching – cross country, basketball and track – is another role that he assists with when time allows.

Together as a family, we are the hosts for the new director, Scott Jones and his family. We are their “go to” people who will help them transition to life in Germany. This is a very important role that will have a long-term impact on BFA. We are humbled to serve the Joneses and the mission community in this capacity.

We serve as dorm substitutes to help the resident life team when dorm staff need to have an occasional day off. This usually consists of helping serve the evening meal, doing any cleaning or preparing for the next day’s breakfast and/or lunch. We try to spend time hanging out or helping the dorm students with homework (as long as it’s not math related! ).

WHAT IS BLACK FOREST ACADEMY LIKE AND HOW MANY STUDENTS GO THERE?

BFA is wonderful place for “third culture kids” or missionary kids to get a high quality, safe,  North American education that will prepare them for college and further develop a biblical world view. The best way to learn more about Black Forest Academy is to visit their new improved website.  Just click here!

DO YOU LIVE IN A DORM?

We live in a rented home. Because BFA is like a boarding school, there is an entire group of qualified staff people on the resident life team who live side by side with the students.  While we don’t live with the students, we are their family in many ways, through small groups, teaching and tutoring, discipling and encouraging… we’re even be there in the stands at their games, and cheering for an encore at their performances.  Sharing life with these kids goes far beyond the classroom.

DO YOU EARN A SALARY WHILE YOU ARE WORKING AT BLACK FOREST ACADEMY?

No. That’s were you come in. We are trusting the Lord and working very hard to build a support team of prayer warriors, monthly givers and faithful encouragers to stand with us.  By not drawing a salary, we help keep the operating costs at BFA as low as possible so that missionary families can send their children there to best prepare them for the future.  Your gift to us is like the pebble tossed into the water… you can see the effects of your generosity ripple out far beyond one place.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED AND ENCOURAGE YOU IN YOUR MISSION WORK?

The easy way to begin is to subscribe to our eNewsletter that is delivered via email 8-10 times during the year. Just fill out the three blank fields in the right column. You can also commit to being a prayer supporter by filling out a Support Pledge Form and sending it in to TeachBeyond. That will also put you on our USPS mailing list so that you can receive our newsletter in July and January. We love to have you on our team as a monthly sponsor of our ministry too! Just visit our DONATE page to learn more.

CAN I SCHEDULE MY MONTHLY DONATION TO START LATER?

Yes. You have some options. If you aren’t able to start giving right away, you can still send in your support form and schedule your giving to begin later in the year. It’s easy, especially if you use the automatic funds transfer option. The hardest part is sending in the support form. Visit our DONATE page to get started today and to get an idea of what you can expect after you join our support team. Thank you!

CAN I GIVE A SPECIAL GIFT OR CONTRIBUTE ONCE A YEAR?

Absolutely!  Every gift makes a difference and has an impact in the lives of the missionary kids at Black Forest Academy and their families.  Your giving not only helps us serve dozens of missionary families who are sharing and living out the Gospel on the front lines of some of the toughest, most inhospitable areas.  So if the Lord blesses you with a bonus from your boss, maybe a special inheritance, or a tax refund, your special gift can have a huge impact at BFA but also globally.

WHAT IS THE ONLY MAMMAL WITH FOUR KNEES?

We get this question a lot no matter where we are.  No it’s not the dog, the cat or any domesticated animal.  It’s not a primate or an amphibian… No.  It’s not the giraffe.  Think big ears, circus, huge… yeah!  The elephant.  Congratulations!

If you have any additional questions, leave them below in “comments” and  we will respond here with an answer.