Page 16 - Cross Booklet Draft ver1

MANAGING DEBT

Student debt tuition price of a four- year private they naturally interact with you on a ond, try to get a brief introduction to
is the new institution in the United States is daily basis, observing your God- business, accounting, and finance
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normal? but $35,830 per year (2018- 19). By centered, Jesus-exalting life. (classes, or introduction from
how normal is contrast, the cost is only $3,660 at a They see you show the Spirit?s fruit someone in your church). Third, put
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it really? Con- public two- year institution. By in a challenging and pressured work
sider that 59% simply fulfilling your general edu- environment. They see your love for
of bachelor?s degree recipients cation requirements at the local God and others. Speaking the
graduate with an average of community college, you will be sav- gospel in words is, of course, nec-
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$28,500 in student debt.1 These ing an average of $64,340. What essary for Great Commission obe-
numbers are staggering, but they might you do with $64,340 less in dience. Sometimes, in some places,
only become worse for those who student debt? Answer: Whatever the clearest, most repeated procla-
attend a private university, pursue a God directs for you to do with your mation occurs in the context of es-
graduate degree, or marry someone life, without seeking the approval of tablished relationships that are
possible only with an income-
with student debt of their own. The your second master (Matthew
generating job.
pulpits of America and the pioneer 6:24).
regions of the unreached world de- We could say much more about all
2. Work while in college. Did you
serve our most qualified workers, this, but we must return to our orig-
know that students who work 20
but many of them choose a higher inal question about next steps for
hours or less while in college have a college students with regard to a
paying job due to their debt load.
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higher GPA than those who don? job. Unfortunately, there isn? one
t
With an issue this ubiquitous, we
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work at all? Not only does work answer that fits everyone. You need
must be sober and honest with
r
have a net positive effect on stud- to know what country you?e headed
ourselves. Something needs to to in order to answer this question,
change. Let us consider three ies, but it also allows students to
cash-flow a portion of their tuition, but the reality is, not many of us
strategies for the missionary can-
reducing their borrowing need. know that until later down the road.
didate who wants to avoid, or get
out of, student debt. Ponder the wisdom found in Acts All that said, here?s how we?d advise
24:16: ?So I always take pains to you moving forward. First, while in
1. Start with community college. have a clear conscience toward college, look for internships where down deep roots while still in your
No, it isn? the school you always both God and man.? Choose the you can gain business or profes- home country. Work hard at the job
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God gives you here prior to your
dreamed of, but recognize the cost short- term pain of working part- sional skills and credentials. Sec- departure.
differential. The average published time while in school to reduce the
risk of that debt hovering over you
years after graduating.
RESOURCES
3. Pursue outside assistance. Per-
haps you have already graduated,
and your student debt is keeping 1. Every Good Endeavor by: Tim Keller
you in bondage (Proverbs 22:7). 2. Business for the Glory of God by: Wayne
Fortunately for you, there are op- Grudem
tions. Should God lead you to pur- 3. Tentmaking by: Patrick Lai
sue long-term missions to an un-
Photo by Ryan Born on Unsplash reached people group, there is an