Full-Time Training - Testimonies

Eternal Memorial, Myrna Penner

The Full-Time Training in Anaheim (FTTA) is a very positive experience. I've enjoyed my three terms so far and intend to get even more into it in my fourth term. One great spiritual benefit is the relationships I've made in the Lord with fellow trainees in my house, on my team, and in my classes. I'm with these people every day. We've been blended, harmonized, and made one in so many different ways (1 Corinthians 12:24; John 17:21-23). For example, I have been enjoying our house prayer time at 10:00 PM, singing and praising the Lord. It is these times that have helped me through hardships and offenses with housemates. By praying together and singing songs, we are being made one and being built up in love (Ephesians 4:16). “Love covers all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). I have begun to love corporate living. The sisters are all so sweet. If I do think there is something wrong with one of them, in reality it is actually me that is the problem. When I see this, I turn to the Lord, which results in my loving the sisters even more.

The times with my team are very much like being with my own brothers and sisters. We get to know each other very well and actually have fun together. But the most enjoyable times are those when we share each other's burdens, and pray concerning them. This has touched me to the point of tears many times. When I have a burden for a sibling, a relative or friend, and others join me to pray, this surely touches my heart. Times such as these have turned me to love the Lord more, praise Him, and love my teammates more. Prayer with others has become part of my life now through this training. Prayer is not something hard, like a chore or burden, but a joy to be able to talk to my beloved Lord who is a real and living person inside of me, who cares for me dearly and wants to hear all I have to say. Since we are so close in the team I can easily open my heart to them and receive help. Each of them has a special place in my heart.

The time spent with my classmates has been one of encouragement, knowing someone cares for me. In classes we encourage each other by singing together, proclaiming one to another or even encouraging each other to share something of the Lord. I need this often because if no one encourages me, I might never speak. On the other hand, if I miss class for some reason, then the next time my classmates see me they ask how I've been and if I'm all right and how they missed me. This lightens up my day. This is all the Lord's doing. He is so marvelous. I love the Christ being expressed through all my fellow trainees. This I will remember for eternity. Hallelujah for the Training.

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