Small Group - Chapter 10

1. Describe exactly what you do when you have a problem to solve. How well does this procedure work for you?

When I have a problem to solve, I generally start by analyzing it and deciding on the nature of the problem, and who the best person would be consult. After I decide what type of problem it is and who I should consult, I try to contact that person. Usually most of my problems are divided up into work (Missy or Mrs. Brenda), spiritual (Josh, and/or various friends who are pastors), relationship (Mom or Ashley), and personal (Josh, Ashley, Mom, and/or Dad). After consulting my decided upon person, we discuss the issue and various solutions. We will then decide what the best solution is based on the facts for that particular situation. Finally, I begin taking the necessary steps toward the solution we agreed on.

This procedure tends to work fairly well for most problems I have. This is because I have a wide variety of people who are willing to help me, and are knowledgeable enough to help me make the best decision for each situation.

2. Analyze a problem you currently have according to its present situation, obstacles, and goal. What are ways that you could get around or go through the obstacles?

One problem that I currently have is trying to find enough money to both pay for my tuition for Winter Trimester, and also go to Haiti with my church over Thanksgiving break. Because both are very important to me, but also very expensive, I have found myself at a loss recently!

But I have been taking the necessary steps to analyze it and begin to solve these problems. The First step was to decide which was more important, and how I would divide my money according to that priority. Because my parents are very adamant that I finish my college education first and foremost, I obviously decided that paying for my tuition would be my first priority.

Because the end goal is for me to both pay for my tuition and participate in the Haiti trip without taking out any loans, it was then important for me to examine all of my personal resources, as well as any other possible resources that I may use to reach that goal. I started by calculating how much I receive each month from my pay checks, as well as from my Ministerial Board of Education checks. I then calculated how much of that must be used for my primary goal, and how much would be left over for my secondary goal. Unfortunately, I found that all of the money received from both of these resources would go to reaching my primary goal, with only a minimal amount left to put towards my secondary goal.

From there, I began to examine other possible resources to help me reach my secondary goal. I decided to send out letters to various family members and close friends, asking them to support me with my secondary goal. I also began babysitting for a friend in order add a small amount to the secondary goal each week, as well as take care of basic expenses such as gas and food. A third option I am now pursuing is cleaning another friend’s house to raise more money for my Haiti trip.

Finally, if I am still unable to reach my secondary goal, I will have to decide to cancel my trip and donate the money I have raised so far to the rest of the mission team.