Editor's Blog
Below you can find all the latest news from FAST. To get these blog posts sent right to your email (or via RSS), subscribe here. To browse our archives, click here.
Chicago Outpost
May 10, 2013
Chicago Outpost is coming soon!
Chicago Outpost is a cutting-edge evangelism school that is unique in two distinct ways. First, it is discipleship driven using the training tools and resources developed by FAST. And second, it is thoroughly integrated into the local church, giving students a chance to use these tools in a real life setting.
We ran our first session last year, and it was a great blessing. It changed the dynamic of our church, and the life of each person who participated. Two stayed on to do a twelve-month internship with us at FAST! God's hand was in it...
On June 5, our second session will begin with a new batch of students. Applications are coming in, and several have already expressed an interest in the internship program for the coming year. I have no doubt, God is going to bless us once again!
For more information, look for Chicago Outpost under the START menu, or go to www.chicagooutpost.com. We are accepting applications for just a few days more. If you would like to sponsor a student, or support an intern, please contact us at 1-800-501-4024 for more information. Your help can make a real difference in the life of a young person.
Please keep Chicago Outpost in your prayers...
New Site Design
April 30, 2013
If you are reading these words at our actual site, you probably notice things looks just a bit different. We didn't change too much content, just the layout and design of our site. We trust these changes will make our site easier to use.
First, we designed a new logo, created a bolder masthead, and moved the login information to the top of the page. This not only gives us a bit more screen space, but it brings the side menu right to the top of the main page.
Second we changed our navigation to make use of a START button, rather than tabs. Not only did the tabs add complexity to the page, we were limited to just 3 or 4. The START button now lists 9 site sections--and adding more is a snap.
Third, the navigation bar now gives just basic information about where you are in the site, rather than repeating all the menu options to the side. The goal is to keep people feeling grounded as they explore the site.
We've also changed the login form to bring you to the Community Area splash page each time you login--with all the latest news about FAST right at your fingertips.
The changes should take no time at all to get used to--and make it simpler than ever to get around our site. Let us know what you think!
 | Posted by Colette Guthrie on 04/30/13 The new layout is very attention grabbing. The latest news does jump at at you - effectively so. I am glad you pointed out the START button though. I had grown so accustomed to the tabs that on first glance I didn't realise that it was there. I like the play on words though ... FAST Start! Colette |
 | Posted by Dan Vis on 04/30/13 Hopefully people won't have trouble getting used to the start button. It is amazing how much it simplifies things. We'll see how it goes... |
 | Posted by Rebecca Centerwall on 04/30/13 Looks like you, Dan, (and others?) have been having fun here!  It will be interesting to see what effect it has - hopefully a very positive one.  Blessings to you and the rest of the gang.  |
 | Posted by Lillian E. Gonzalez on 04/30/13 Thank God for you and the FAST workers, Blessings! Lillie |
 | Posted by Christine Jones on 04/30/13 Also that, at the top, you define the mission of FAST Missions: 'Training a new breed of worker' (ie. The Moral Machinery) Also the FAST logo, it reminds me of the Domino effect, cool! A beautiful improvement Dan! |
 | Posted by Margaret Major on 04/30/13 A much "cleaner" easy to navigate site, thank you Dan. I do find though that it still doesn't change from one topic to another as quickly as most other sites I visit on my computer when I click on it. When I used to click on Login in the previous layout and even in this one there is a (comparably) long delay before it opens up. Would there be a reason for this? I have a very fast computer. I am aware that it does teach me patience but I was just wondering if there is a good reason for this. Thank you again. |
 | Posted by Dawn Marie Vanreal on 04/30/13 Dawn |
 | Posted by Val Smit on 05/01/13 I really like the change from overpowering black to varying shades of blue - it is much more friendly & welcoming. Well done! Keep it up!! |
| Posted by Val Smit on 05/01/13 How do I access the Online School?? |
| Posted by Val Smit on 05/01/13 OK. I just discovered it! |
 | Posted by Alfonso Orellana on 05/01/13 I'm experiencing problems with my smart phone though. I cannot see the login user name and password fields. I logged in early yesterday but could not log in this morning... Could it be related to these changes? |
| Posted by Dan Vis on 05/01/13 I really want to thank the Lord for the inspiration for this change--which came in a real flash. I had been wrestling for weeks trying to figure out how to make room for Chicago Outpost, our upcoming Global Ministries section, and perhaps other sections--while simplifying the layout, and getting rid of so many links. The start button was the answer. With that, everything else fell in place. Rebecca, it was fun--but a lot of work. The most fun part was choosing the colors for the blocks logo. I wonder if anyone can figure out why those colors were chosen. I'd be surprized if anyone other than David Currier can figure it out... (That's a hint). |
| Posted by Rebecca Centerwall on 05/01/13 Nope, can't figure it out, Dan. |
I certainly would not have guessed that, that was the most fun part, or that the colors were chosen for a particular reason (except that they look nice)! :o Can you figure it out, | Posted by Christine Jones on 05/01/13 Do the colours point to the 4 seasons, the stages necessary to breed someone from spiritual babe, believer, disciple to worker? |
 | Posted by Kerrilyn Robinson on 05/09/13 What I have found frustrating is when I am auto logged out because of time, it goes back to the start page now and I have to find where I was up to again. Before I would just re-login and would be exactly where I left off. Does that make sense? |
 | Posted by David Currier on 05/19/13 Haha! I do recognize those colors. You should post a screenshot from the archives. |
FAST Works!
April 25, 2013
We receive frequent testimonies about the blessing FAST has been to people, but every so often we receive an exceptionally inspiring one worth passing on. A few weeks back, one of our students shared this note:
Dear Dan,
I completed the FAST Survival Kit in the summer of 2011. I was deeply moved and inspired by the course, and following the promptings of the Spirit, committed myself to scripture memorization according to the Ten Keys, which were so obviously divinely inspired!
For some time I used the Engine, and then began using apps on my cell phone. Today, I have over 300 memorized passages that I review systematically, and since many of them are two or three verses long, there's probably about 600 verses altogether!
I wanted to thank you for building such an excellent framework that has been so profitable for my spiritual life. I can easily say that moving into Scripture memorization (and all the related benefits) is the most important thing I've ever done in my life!
Thanks for the great approach! It's been so extremely valuable to me.
Sincerely,
Martha
May it be an encouragement to you that you really can learn to hide God's Word in your heart. And that it WILL change your life. Used by permission.
| Posted by Colette Guthrie on 04/25/13 I would also stress consistent daily review as the key to keeping this wonderful lifetime habit alive. Colette |
| Posted by Christine Jones on 04/27/13 Thank you Dan, and Martha for sharing this beautiful testimony, such an encouragement to everyone of us. Just like Martha, Colette and many others we are thankful to God for turning our life around through His Word laid up in our hearts, thanks to FAST Missions! |
The Bible's Toughest Questions
April 02, 2013
All last week we were busy doing a series in our church called The Bible's Toughest Questions. I like to think of these questions as the ones you aren't supposed to ask in church! But they are good questions, and they deserve good answers...
Some of the topics we covered include:
Why does God allow evil?
Why are there so many churches?
Isn't religion just a crutch?
What about all the heathen?
Isn't the Bible full of errors?
Do you really believe in miracles?
Why doesn't God make Himself more real?
Why is Christianity so hard?
If you or someone you love wrestles with one or more of these questions, why not check out the series? Audio's of all the meetings are available in our Media Center. Click "Series" and then choose "The Bible's Toughest Questions" for the complete list. Enjoy!
 | Posted by Della on 04/03/13 Thank you for sharing these messages. Great questions deserve to be pondered and thought about. God bless the sharing. |
New Conference Started
April 02, 2013
Just launched our Down to Business conference yesterday--and am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us in the weeks to come.
Down to Business is the first of several advanced discipleship courses we are hoping to launch over the next year or two. Each focuses on one spoke of the Disciples Wheel (from Basic Training). This one looks at how we can grow in personal obedience to Christ by learning to recognize spiritual promptings and respond to them quickly.
Other future courses will explore other spokes: prayer, the Word, and witnessing. Anyone wanting a deeper experience in discipleship will enjoy these practical study guides!
Even though the conference has already begun, it is not too late to signup. Enrollment closes soon however--so join in now if you want to participate. Go to our Online School and look for the link to the Leaders Conferences.
Down to Business
February 27, 2013
Exciting new news from FAST! We just got back from our printer a brand new set of Bible studies called Down to Business. Actually, those involved with FAST from the beginning may remember these lessons. But they have been out of print for more than a decade, and have only just now been revised and updated and made available for your use!
This challenging series of studies is one of several advanced discipleship courses we will be rolling out in 2013 focused on various aspects of the disciples wheel. This one digs deep into what it really means to live a life of obedience to Christ. Learn how to discern the Spirit's promptings and respond. Learn how to break the shackles of sin in our life, and build new habits of excellence. Plus, helpful tips on how to help others grow in obedience. Intense studies of great Bible hero's, powerful training content, weekly objectives with memory verses, and everything else you are used to from FAST.
We have also opened a brand new Leaders Conference based on the Down To Business lessons. If you want to be part of the very first group to work through these new lessons, sign up for the conference and then order your set today. Or just go straight to our online store.
Coming soon--Jump Start--an exciting new course designed to help believers plug into their local church and experience the fellowship, unity and love God intended. Stay tuned for details!
 | Posted by Kelly McCarthy on 02/28/13 This is great! I wish I could sign up for the Down to Business Conference...but have too much going on at the moment. Our group is beginning Team Tactics next week. |
| Posted by Christine Jones on 02/28/13 It's so exciting Dan! Thank you for making this available to help us in our practical walk with our God. We need it! I missed The Master Plan so I look forward to participating in the Down To Business conference. |
| Posted by Christine Jones on 02/28/13 Kelly, well done for the progress with your group. You will be blessed with Team Tactics. We'll miss you in the next conference. |
| Posted by Kelly McCarthy on 03/01/13 Thanks Christine, I'll be back... |
| Posted by Christine Jones on 04/16/13 How is Team Tactics going Kelly? You'd be near completion by now. I trust you all have been blessed so far! Ready to M-A-P and C-L-E-A-R! Down to Business started last week, and is still open for enrollment, if you're interested... |
| Posted by Kelly McCarthy on 04/18/13 Thanks Christine for the invite... We have 6 more weeks to go in Team Tactics...and it is going very well! |
| Posted by Christine Jones on 04/27/13 Kelly, your group must have started Team Tactics a bit later then. So glad it's going well. If some are interested they can also join online. We only have one student at the moment. You are welcome! The conference is going well too. God bless. |
Snow and Babies...
February 27, 2013
The last few weeks have been exceptionally busy and I haven't been able to be as active on the FAST site as I would like. Finally had a bit of a break today and decided to get caught up on a few things.
Most of the busyness has been ministry related, as usual--but yesterday was a nice change of pace.
Here is Steve and me trying desperately to shovel the snow off the driveway--but it felt like a losing battle as the snow was coming down as fast as we could shovel it! All in all we got somewhere between 6 and 8 inches. What a beautiful winter storm!
After shoveling for awhile we finally came back in for a nice hot drink and a chance to sit around the fireplace. I had the privilege of holding Steve and Deborah's brand new baby--just two weeks old, and already on the job at FAST!
Steve and Deborah are working with us at FAST as interns. We are praying God will open the way for them to stay on full time once their internship is complete. You can read more about that here. More news coming soon...
| Posted by Kelly McCarthy on 02/28/13 Congratualtions to Steve & Deborah on the arrival of their precious one |
| Posted by Christine Jones on 02/28/13 Thanks Dan for the lovely news. God bless the winter baby boy and their parents as they plan to keep supporting you in the ministry. |
| Posted by Rebecca Centerwall on 03/07/13 Congratulations to Steve and Deborah! Is this the first baby born in FAST? Wonderful - enjoy every minute. |
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