An Optical Solution!
April 5th, 2011
April 5, 2011
An Optical Solution!
Dear Friend,
The following story demonstrates God’s blessing upon the ministry of the International ALERT Academy.
Since last October, our IT\Telecom department has been seeking a solution to various fiber optics problems that we are having on campus. Training has been somewhat out of reach, while the cost of having someone come in to take care of the problems has been prohibitive. About four weeks ago we came to a point that something had to be done. In the midst of existing problems some of our facilities crew were working on a water line repair and accidentally cut through one of our fiber trunk lines. Chris began checking on training options to bring he and Nathan up to speed on outdoor fiber repair and testing. While researching prices for a separate project, Chris contacted a company in Dallas and was given a pressure pitch to purchase. Because of the pressure to purchase, Chris was reluctant to deal with this company. He called a friend of the ALERT Academy in Tyler, Texas who had helped him with the alarm systems and through him was able to contact a man in Tyler who could help with the repair for a price. Upon contacting this man, he recommended contacting a woman that he knew in Longview who could possibly help. Chris discovered that the woman worked for the same company that he had rejected out of Dallas. He put her name on his desk and was reluctant to call her because of the previous dealings with this company.
Three days later, after unsuccessful attempts at other options, he received a call from the woman in Longview. She said that the man in Tyler had suggested that she give Chris a call to see what might be needed. As Chris explained our situation the woman was very eager to help. Chris later discovered that she was a Christian and that she had been looking for a way to donate expertise and resources to help a ministry in need. She also mentioned that she lives in a nearby community and passes our campus everyday on her way to work, but was not sure what The ALERT Academy was all about. She was supportive of our ministry and told Chris that she believed she had found the ministry she would like to help. She offered to take a look at our fiber optics problem. The very next week, she and a man from Tyler met together with Chris.
When they arrived, they brought a Fusion Splicer and other equipment that would permanently repair the broken fiber. After a day of training at no cost, Chris and Nathan were able to repair the break in the fiber trunk. To rent the Fusion Splicer usually costs $250 or more per day, not including labor charges. They told Chris they would like to leave the splicer at ALERT until they needed it again so that Chris and Nathan could become proficient in its use and repair another break in the fiber. Both of these individuals brought other equipment that they donated to ALERT. They also promised to return and give further training to Chris and Nathan in fiber troubleshooting to fix the other problems that we have. These people gave, and continue to give, of their time and resources in answer to a long awaited prayer that Chris and Nathan had been asking of the Lord. We can surely see the Hand of the Lord in these events. Chris and Nathan now have the training and the equipment at no cost, essentially for as long as they need it!
We praise God for His answer to this problem and for the fulfilling of His Scripture: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20,21
New Birth on a Parking Lot!
A group of our single staff and battalion men went to a well known retail store recently and instead of just shopping, they decided to share the gospel on the parking lot. Many seeds were planted and one young man (worked in the store) received Christ as Savior. Sharing the gospel of Christ and seeing a new life born into the Kingdom is of greater value than any training we can give. It is much sweeter than the “icing on the cake.” I am greatly encouraged that these men are putting their focus on the most important responsibility of the Christian life.
If you are not already, please join our team in prayer and financial support of the many activities that allow us to share the good news of Christ and serve others. Your gift will allow us to continue the work that God has called us to do!
Colonel John Tanner, Director
International ALERT Academy
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Or, mail us at: International ALERT Academy, Faithful Endeavors, One Academy Blvd., Big Sandy, TX 75755