Hello!
I missed sending out an update last month so I'll do my best to update you on what's happening in my life. I'm still in Orlando working mostly on the renovation of our new campus; it definitely is progressing! We are in the middle of a volunteer boom with over 40 people coming to do construction work since the beginning of the year and are looking forward to another 60+ coming until the end of March. Many have been Amish or conservative Mennonite in their beliefs so it has really been fun to talk to them about their lives. Some wear very different clothes and they usually all have the same hair cuts, while some, surprisingly, even have a cell-phone or enjoy wake-boarding. It has been a learning experience to say the least. Well, now for some details:

YWAM Orlando Schools -
It has been a good start this year as two schools are now running on the new campus: the School of Missions (SOM) & the School of Ministry Development. The SOM is planning on leaving Orlando in April and going to Turkey to start a work there, with many of the students having committed to spending one or more years to get up and running. I have some close friends who are a part of that team so it will be sad to see them go but it's also the point of our work so it's awesome to see them talk their faith to the field. The SOMD is our staff training school and it has been fun getting to know the new people who plan on joining our staff family for the next few years. The Fall Discipleship Training School's are well and still on outreach in India, Jordan, and South Africa. If you want to see pictures of their adventures visit http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=57588427474
On a personally sad note, in my last update I told you that my girlfriend Danielle was helping to lead the DTS team in Jordan, but before she left she ended our relationship for personal reasons. I was surprised but I know God is in control and has both of our best interests in mind. We still are friends so please pray for both of us as we move forward with our lives.

What's exciting & new -
The new year has brought me some different roles here at YWAM Orlando. Along with my campus work, I am now leading worship on Monday mornings for the schools at our new campus. I love it! I find it very funny that God has equipped me to lead worship but there is no better place then in His presence. It has been a great time for me personally to help people draw closer in intimacy with Jesus. Something else that I'm excited about is that I have been asked to lead another short trip overseas, this time to Israel. I was in Israel last May and it was very eye-opening! The trip will be this summer sometime and the admissions department told me that people are calling all the time to find out how they can come on this trip. If you or someone you know would be interested in going, check out our web page: http://www.ywamorlando.com/short_term_go_teams.aspx
I also have applied to attend a Missions seminar with YWAM Mendocino Coast in northern California that starts at the end of this March. It is primarily focused on using the power of God in your personal life to share the Gospel with others. It also focuses on 24 hour prayer and worship as a tool to evangelize. For a better explanation, here's their website: http://ywammendocino.org/ignite And lastly, my birthday is February 27 so this is my favorite month. Send cookies if you would like!

Pray for...

• The DTS teams in India, Jordan, and South Africa for good health and divine moments from the Lord to share the Gospel.
• Planning this trip to Israel. I will need to determine where we visit, ministry opportunities, and the dates for the trip very soon.
• Our new campus and the safety of all our volunteers and that God would provide materials and money for us to keep moving forward.
• The SOM team preparing to go to Turkey long-term this April.
• God's wisdom as I pursue training with YWAM Mendocino Coast
• My faith and trust in the Lord to grow as He takes me new places.

Thanks so much for reading!
Be blessed,
SAM BLOMMEL