Springtime at the Honor Academy is always an exciting time that is jam packed full of activities! As a parent you more than likely know by now, the whole year is busy, but by the spring the "Honor Academy Train" is built up to full momentum! There is so much we want to impart to the interns before many of them are busy with Global Expedition Mission Trips and Extreme Camps this summer.

The four Life Transforming Events in the next two months are the Spring Fasting LTE, the Unreached People Group LTE, the World Awareness LTE, and the Celebration LTE. These are events that will truly transform their lives. The Fasting LTE is an opportunity for the interns to separate themselves from everyday life and seek the Lord like they never have before. They take three days to fast from food and talking, so they are free from any distractions. They attend outstanding praise and worship sessions and teachings that give them direction for their time alone with the Lord. It is during this weekend that many interns receive clear direction regarding their future. The Unreached People Group LTE gives interns a mission's experience. The internship is split into two groups: an actual unreached people a group and a missionary team. This allows the interns to get an idea of what it may be like for those in tribes who have never heard the gospel, and what it may be like to be a missionary trying to explain the good news of Jesus to someone with a different language, culture, and belief system. The World Awareness LTE is a weekend that helps develop the character to stand up for what is right in hard situations. For the whole weekend the "government" has taken control and banned any mention of "God". If you are a Christian you will be penalized and sent to "jail". Although it is not real, it gives interns the opportunity to see how they would react if they were ever put in similar situations. Lastly, the Celebration LTE is among the favorites of the interns and staff. It's a time for fellowship, fun, and celebration for all that has happened this year. Everyone is involved and each family core represents a country in different competitions, creating a "mini Olympics" environment. It is during this weekend that we commemorate all God has done in and through this year.

The interns have also been learning a lot in their classes. Worldview class, led by Mr. Hasz, has led to some good debates and discussions about contemporary issues that have been affecting our world. In Character Development with Ron Luce they have been learning about how to have Godly relationships. Other classes include Vision, Men's/ Women's class, Great Books, Missions, Growth Groups, and Apologetics. Our recent guest speakers have included Marilyn Lazlo, missionary to Papa New Guinea; Sujo John, survivor of the 911 World Trade Center attacks; Bill Wilson from Metro Ministries; Pastor Wally Magdangal, pastor of the largest underground church in the world, and survivor of intense persecution, just to name a few.

There are many August interns who are taking advantage of the opportunity to stay a second year as a Graduate Intern, and are going through the acceptance and training processes this month. If they feel God is calling them to continue to serve and be developed here, there are many options for them as a GI. The Core Advisors program mentors the first year interns in their cores. Management Associates lead and mentor in the Ministry Placements, and are trained in business skills. Ministry Team is the GI program who lives on the bus and travels all across the country to set up and run the ATF youth conferences. If they feel called to missions many consider the GI program through Bethany College of Missions. If they feel called to be trained to be a worship leader they may stay as a GI in School of Worship. Many who feel called to use their gift in the media consider becoming a GI in Center for Creative Media. Although we would love to have everyone stay multiple years, we really want them to be where God wants them to be. It is our desire that they fulfill what God is calling them to, whether here or elsewhere.

Other events on campus include the optional prayer meeting that takes place every Friday called "The Furnace". Campus Visit Weekend for prospective students will be taking place May 16-18th. Also we will be hosting our first Jr./Sr. Day for local schools and youth groups on Friday, May 2nd.

Thank you so much for entrusting your young person with us for this year. This time in their life will truly shape who they are and where they go. We are so proud of them, and are certain you must be too. Join us in praying for them as they continue to learn and grow this spring. Before we know it we will be seeing you on August 9th for their Graduation Ceremony!