What about this new job?
That is my question too. Basically, our desire to make this change is to further both our church planting goals. We recognize how valuable human needs/community development projects are as we seek to "preach" the Good News of Jesus. Showing God's love goes a long way in terms of backing up what we "talk" about. Also, it is natural and healthy for those who "have" to work alongside those who don't have, so that we all have the basic necessities (like pure water, job opportunities, etc.) Secondly, we want to provide more opportunities for our SBC churches to come and work with us. One of our goals is to host over 100 teams a year! (Not this year though- I leave for Stateside assignment in August!)
I often hear from young people who want to come for a month and work with us. We have had a few come and spend a few weeks and it has been a blessing for both sides- our ministry here and in the lives of those who come. If you or someone you know is interested in this type of experience, please let me know. (I already have one young lady we are working with on this very issue.) I am thinking we may try to have a small group every year come for an extended time, learning more about missions as they do missions. Pastors and youth leaders, if you know of some folks, high school Seniors or College age, let me know ASAP so we can see if we can put together something for early June.
What does all this mean for my church planting work? That is a good question too. I can't imagine that I would ever leave that entirely. I will have to make adjustments in leadership because obviously I can't be all over the country and continue to teach and lead and visit in my 6 communities here in Santiago. I will continue to be involved with them- they are my church family now! Pray with me as I seek to find some people to help provide stable leadership for them so that my erratic schedule won't hurt their growth and development. It will be hard to make this transition, for me and for them, but I really believe in the long run it will be for their good- I believe they will grow and develop more now than ever before.
I often hear from young people who want to come for a month and work with us. We have had a few come and spend a few weeks and it has been a blessing for both sides- our ministry here and in the lives of those who come. If you or someone you know is interested in this type of experience, please let me know. (I already have one young lady we are working with on this very issue.) I am thinking we may try to have a small group every year come for an extended time, learning more about missions as they do missions. Pastors and youth leaders, if you know of some folks, high school Seniors or College age, let me know ASAP so we can see if we can put together something for early June.
What does all this mean for my church planting work? That is a good question too. I can't imagine that I would ever leave that entirely. I will have to make adjustments in leadership because obviously I can't be all over the country and continue to teach and lead and visit in my 6 communities here in Santiago. I will continue to be involved with them- they are my church family now! Pray with me as I seek to find some people to help provide stable leadership for them so that my erratic schedule won't hurt their growth and development. It will be hard to make this transition, for me and for them, but I really believe in the long run it will be for their good- I believe they will grow and develop more now than ever before.
