Pogson Family

B l a c k F o r e s t Ac a d e m y & Ja n z T e a m M is s ion s

K an d e r n , Ge r m an y

Hello , Where to begin…? There has been a lot of change in our lives lately. As you may be aware, the Pogson’s have been called to serve in Germany with Black Forest Academy and Janz Team Ministries. We have rented out our house in California in preparation for the move to Germany. God has been so faithful through this journey. He has provided: (A very talented photographer, Experienced and trustworthy property manageress, Responsible tenants for our home in Aptos with a 1 year lease, a place to store our vehicles and house hold goods for 2 years, Financial partnership gifts and pledges up to 30% of our budget)

Our most urgent prayer is to see God’s provision of 100% funding before school starts in late August. We are trusting in His perfect timing. It would be an honor if you would prayerfully consider financially partnering with God’s ministry at Black Forest Academy.

Background Information Two years ago Brian went on a short term mission trip to Black Forest Academy (BFA), which planted the seeds. While on that trip, God laid it on Brian’s heart that it would be ideal if he could use his 20 years of Information Technology (IT) experience in an environment that serves the Lord. For several years now; Brian has had the desire to use his technical gifts in a job more closely tied to ministry. When he got laid off, 1 week before Christmas 2008, we chose to use the opportunity to pursue such options. Shortly after that, Brian was praying for the Holy Spirit’s direction regarding his pursuit for employment. Literally, the next morning Jesse Frank called from BFA with information regarding a need to fill an open IT position at BFA.

Ministry Information Black Forest Academy (BFA) is a boarding school that caters to the children of missionaries. It is located in Kandern, Germany. The interesting thing about BFA is that all of the staff from the custodian to the Director do not take a salary but raise support externally for their pay to keep the costs down for the missionaries that send their kids to the school. The kids’ parents serve in about 65 countries throughout the world. They serve in some areas where it is dangerous to even be a Christian. The school enables the parents to serve where there is poor education or dangerous circumstances and still provide a quality education for their kids. Partnering with people that serve at BFA is much more than merely supporting the Christian education of missionary children. When one enables people that serve at BFA one is supporting the discipleship of next generation missionaries and ministry minded people. The Children of missionaries often choose ministry minded careers. Also, supporters of those that serve at BFA are indirectly providing support for their parents that work in the mission field. We have testimonies from the parents indicating that they would not be serving in the field if there was not a safe “Christian Environment” to send their children to get a quality education. Supporting those that serve at BFA really is like a mutual fund only with eternal return and isn’t susceptible to the whims of the market. On the next page is a map with the breakdown of where the parents of the children at BFA serve.

Listed below are the specifics of how Sheila and Brian will be serving at BFA 

Brian 

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Provide Information Technology Support – Black Forest Academy  Provide Desktop computer, Database and Network system management (School Campuses and Dorms)  Provide Care and Feeding of the School’s Admin Application (Sycamore)  Technical Support for School Staff and students  Email System Management Audio Support for the School (Sound board, recordings, etc.) Provide Computer, IT and Database technical Support for JTM German Offices and consult globally in the field as needed

Sheila  Library Assistant for Black Forest Academy Middle School and High School Library  Circulation Desk Assistant  Overdue Notice Administration  Administration and tracking of Library Resource usage (Computers and Library Equipment)  Library Equipment Technician  Assist with Library Supervision  Library Display and Bulletin Board Administration and Maintenance  Library Request and Usage Administration

If God has moved your heart to partner in this ministry, please fill out the enclosed form and envelope provided. Thank you, For prayerfully considering supporting God’s ministry with Black Forest Academy and Janz Team Ministries.

Brian, Sheila, Hannah, Jennifer & Heather Pogson PS: If you are interested there are some short videos available regarding BFA and our mission of particular interest are “Black Forest Academy Overview” and “In their own words (Black Forest Academy Student perspective)” at our blog http://pogsonplace.blogspot.com. Our home phone: 408-393-9471. Our email: [email protected]