"Learning how to be good stewards of what God gave us."

Ben and Nathalie Klopfenstein agreed to eliminate their credit card debt before their wedding, but still brought thousands of dollars in student loan debt into their marriage. Ben works in IT for an accounting firm and is a full time student. Nathalie is a biologist for a biotech company. They enrolled in the 13-week Financial Peace University course designed by Dave Ramsey. In the 12 months since entering the program they have eliminated all of Nathalie’s student loans.

What surprised them about the FPU program? “The power of compound interest,” says Ben. “The cash envelope system and the process for eliminating debt,” observed Nathalie.

How are they better off for getting involved in a formal financial program?

“Financial management is now the strongest part of our marriage. Sticking to a budget has made us a team. The security of having an emergency fund is both a game changer and an attitude changer. We paid off college loans much quicker.”

It’s been a tough year for many families. What do you say to families who believe they are too “broke” to have anything to manage?

Ben: “Most people have some kind of resources. When we manage a little bit well, it usually brings more and that can turn the tide. The principles Dave Ramsey teaches will help people in crisis. It takes being willing to give something up to get something better.”

So why are they going through the program a second time?

“We wanted a refresher. It also gave us a chance to help facilitate. This is a matter of learning how to be good stewards of what God gave us”

Ben and Nathalie will be attending the Financial Peace University Simulcast on March 13 from 1-6 at the Aspen Creek School 5500 Aspen Creek Drive, hosted by the Discovery Christian Church. The cost is $10. Information: discovery-church.org or 303-885-2781.

Adiel & Laura Brasov

The Romanian communist government was no match for Adiel Brasov’s mother who found it impossible to feed her 11 children. She knew that bureaucracies give in to power – unyielding persistence – and they eventually granted the family permission to immigrate to California.

Laura was born in Baltimore Maryland and moved with her parents and one sister to Southern California when her father began teaching at USC.

Romania and Southern Cal. How did you two meet?

We were both freshmen at USC and active in Campus Crusade for Christ. We didn’t start dating until we were seniors.

When did you decide to follow Jesus Christ?

Adiel: I was six. We worshipped in an evangelical church in Romania. On a family trip to another church, I heard the invitation to trust Jesus as meant especially for me. I gave my life to Christ that Sunday, July 1977. It absorbed me entirely.

Laura: I grew up in a very conservative Lutheran church. I made a commitment to Jesus when I was 14. I had no clue what this meant for daily living.

Significance of college years?

Adiel: I studied under Dallas Willard who was a great influence in my life. Campus Crusade was the right environment to help me mature.

Laura: Campus Crusade was an atmosphere of faith for my early adult years. When we started dating, we decided to go on a mission trip with CCC. I went to Lithuania and Adiel went to Albania.

Adiel: That’s where I met Ylli and Nikki Doci. I became Ylli’s mentor and we’ve continued a life-long friendship. Ylli is the National Director for Campus Crusade for Christ in Albania.

Life got tough soon after college. What happened?

Laura: We were married in ‘95 and moved to St. Louis in ‘96 so Adiel could teach at the University and pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy.

Adiel: I became disenchanted with university politics and decided that teaching at a university was not my calling.

Laura: I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2001. Four surgeries and two rounds of radiation launched us on a two-year emotional/spiritual roller coaster. It was hard to have hope.

Adiel: We came to Denver for mountain encouragement.

What refreshes your spirit?

Laura: Godly people pouring themselves into me, relational ministry, Bible studies, transparent people who share what God is teaching them. Oh, yes, trials.

Adiel: Reading, time alone (I’m reflective), the mountains, breaking the spell of business, good conversation with lots of laughter.

You are leading 31 adults and children on a two-week mission trip to Albania. Describe your hopes.

Adiel: I want the people to get connected with Ylli, Nikki and their work there. I still think I can influence people in Albania. We’d like to influence political and business domains for the Kingdom of God. I pray that Albanians will influence other nations in the same way.

Laura: We want our children to experience mission trips.

Adiel: We want to hear the faith stories of first generation Christians