The Life and Times of Curt Iles Part 4
In three earlier posts (found below in this blog) I shared about my growing up in Dry Creek. It’s now 1974 and time for college. I chose to attend Louisiana College, our state’s only Southern Baptist college. The next five years (I strategically crammed four years of college into five.) were a key time in my life. I found college coursework extremely challenging and enjoyed it. The small student-teacher ratio allowed good interaction with faculty, many of whom took a deep interest in me. I didn’t declare a major for my first three semesters but took my basics and prayerfully considered what God’s will was for my career. I made many friends through intramural sports, the Baptist Student Union, and dorm and campus life. Being ‘carless’, I didn’t date much but had plenty of friends of both genders. My parents were extremely supportive of my college attendance but didn’t have the finances to pay my tuition and board. Through working during summers and all holiday breaks plus several scholarships and a student loan, I paid for college. I declared secondary education as my major and due to the influence of a revered biology professor, sought a science certification as well as physical education. I felt called to teach and coach and have never doubted that assignment for the next stage of my life. I’ve never believed I was the sharpest axe in the shed but always worked hard and was organized. I was very fortunate to make good grades. My third year of college, my sister joined me at college and our parents bought us an old truck. Later that fall, I became interested in a transfer student named DeAnise “DeDe” Terry. DeDe, like my sister, was a piano major, and I liked how she looked and her sweet smile and winning personality. I tightened up my courage and asked her out. This led to more dates and as they say the rest is history. We continued dating and became more serious over the next three years. We were able to communicate well, had good sense of humors, and our diverse personalities and interests complemented our relationship. Our relationship had a strong physical dimension but with the help of the Lord and our commitments to purity, we were able to keep ourselves sexually pure. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done but one of the most fulfilling things. I became president of the Baptist Student Union and this opened many doors of service and leadership at Louisiana College. A new young college president and a great BSU leader made great influences in my life. I began to recognize that I had leadership qualities and others followed me. This didn’t inflate me ego but instead humbled me knowing the responsibilities leaders have. I graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1979 along with DeDe. We married shortly after and began our teaching careers in a small rural school near where I’d grown up. We moved into an old house where we’d have frozen to death if we hadn’t been so deeply in love.
FAQ on The Journey to Africa
So our friends and readers can know what’s going on, here are frequently asked questions concerning our upcoming journey to Africa as well as our writing, plans, and dreams. When are you going? DeDe and I will first go for two months of training in Virginia. (Oct. 15-Dec.15). We’ll return home for the holidays and leave for Uganda on January 2. Our term will end at the end of 2014. What in the world brought about this decision? Our life verse is Matthew 6:33: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. We are simply seeking to follow God’s direction as we feel it in our hearts. We have a precious peace that we’re going to the right place at the right time. We’ve prayerfully progressed through the lengthy application process with the International Mission Board for their Master’s Program. Masters is for couples/singles over 50 who wish to serve overseas using the unique talents and skills they already have. Our official designation will be Masters/International Service Corp. What will you be doing? DeDe will be working with schools, teachers, and homeschooled children as well as being part of the East Africa Embraced Team. I (Curt) will be an Embraced Team member. My responsibilities will include researching, finding, visiting, and reporting about Unreached Unengaged People Groups (UUPGs) in Eastern Africa. I will be writing, blogging, using social media, videoing, podcasting, etc. to share about the people and needs of this area. We will serve as a bridge where groups and individuals can “adopt” an unreached people group. This can range from faithful for this people group and/or making a vision trip to meet the tribe or village. Where will you live? We’ll live in or near Uganda’s capital of Kampala. It sits on Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. It will serve as a central location as we travel to specific areas. See this map of our area. What about your writing? My primary job will be writing stories about the people, groups, and tribes I encounters. I am a writer. It’s what I do. Concerning Creekbank Stories, our blog and website will continue on. My wonderful personal assistant Judi Reeves will handle all communication and book orders. What about leaving Dry Creek? We have peace about selling our home and most possessions. Honestly, it’s exciting to be launching out on a new adventure at age 56. We’re having The Journey Estate Sale on September 20-21-22. Please help us spread the word on this event. Items for sale as well as other information is at our The Journey web page. How can we be involved? 1. Pray for us. Pray for the precious people we’ll be working with. 2. Consider adopting an East African unreached people group and begin praying over them. Let us know what group you select. You can learn more at Joshua Project and IMB Embraced. 3. Pray that our house will sell at the right time and price. 4. Pray that we will keep focus during the exciting and chaotic weeks to come before we leave. Here are various ways to keep up with The Journey: website blog Social Media Pinterest email Subscribe to our newsletter.
The Journey Begins: Iles Estate Sale
HOME PAGE FOR THE JOURNEY ESTATE SALE It’s official. DeDe and I are leaving Dry Creek. Don’t feel sorry for us. We feel we’re following God’s leadership to at least two years in Africa. We plan to travel light and that’s where our Estate Sale comes in. We’re cleaning out our empty next before leaving. It will be a great opportunity to pick up good items at fair prices. This page will be updated with items for sale. Thursday, Sept. 20 1-6 PM Friday, Sept. 21 8-6 Saturday, Sept. 22 8-3 Prices on selected remaining items will be reduced throughout sale. Items may include: home furnishings, tools, dishes, rugs, lawn equipment, plants, appliances, electronics, books galore, sports equipment, sewing items, school items, and much more. Silent auction available on selected items: All sales are final and “as is.” Cash only No early bird sales! To learn more: http://www.creekbank.net See photos, descriptions, and other information the sale. Facebook: TheJourneySale Email curt@http://www.creekbank.net Phone 337 328 7215 or 337 396 5372 Location: 8030 HIGHWAY 394 DRY CREEK LA 70637 Map BOOKMARK this page so you can keep up with the items for sale, prices, and other tidbits. To facilitate, we’re planning The Journey Estate Sale on SEPTEMBER 20-22 Home furnishings Lamps, frames, armoir Tools and Outdoor Equipment Mantis tiller, wrenches, jacks, vises, and much more. Dishes and appliances China set, arm And much more! All items work unless noted. 4 Cylce Mantis Tiller “Grasshopper” model Price:
