Proposal Defense Report

Hi All, Thank you for praying for Dan's proposal defense yesterday. We are grateful that Dan passed his defense with minor revisions, and also some substantive changes required in the theoretical section. The defense meeting was intense and exhausting, yet helpful. Some very good guidance was provided to help the dissertation take more shape and clarify some fuzzy issues. Of particular importance for our ministry is that it became obvious to Dan and his entire committee that there is no way he can finish in June. The new projected date for graduation is December. This impacts us in a ripple-effect way. It will be more difficult for Dan to get a teaching job beginning next Fall without his degree, should God continue to lead us in that direction (we're still praying about that!). Some schools will hire faculty as ABD (All But Dissertation), but not all will. If he doesn't find a teaching job, we'll need to discern from the Spirit what to do regarding the balance between the need to focus on finishing the dissertation and the need to earn living expenses. If possible, we'd prefer to live on support until finishing the dissertation so Dan can focus on "gettin' 'er done." But this may not be feasible financially. The good news is that God is in control and has a wonderful plan. We just need help discerning that plan and being obedient thereto. Hence, please continue praying for us. Many Blessings, Dan and Nancy