Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 2
Marvin emphasized that “God has been having us on a journey” for six years involving Bible school in Asia, an Anabaptist college, Greek/Hebrew, and linguistics at SIL; what does this transcript suggest about God’s normal way of preparing people—slow formation, community input, skill-building—and how does that confront the modern desire for instant clarity and quick deployment?
Another way to ask: Marvin described six years of slow training, schooling, and learning skills. What does this say about how God usually prepares people, and how does it challenge our wish for quick answers and fast action?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests God often prepares people through slow, multi-year formation that blends practical training with community shaping, which challenges the modern expectation of fast clarity and immediate impact.
- Marvin calls it “a journey” and says “it’s been six years now,” emphasizing gradual preparation rather than instant readiness.
- His preparation included varied steps: “four months” at a Bible college in Asia, “Mennonite Anabaptist two-year college,” finishing an “undergraduate degree,” and “some Greek and Hebrew.”
- He also did “our second summer at SIL… doing linguistics training,” indicating skill-building is part of faithfulness.
- He stresses relationships were “as helpful as… formal training,” pointing to formation through community, not just courses.
- He mentions mentors who bring “a realistic perspective” from overseas, confronting idealistic or rushed plans.