Day One

Yes, it's a little early to be writing about Day 1 of the next CEC school cycle, and indeed it as, as school only starts at the end of January.  But today was still an exciting Day 1, however, of the new Consiervos (Bondservants) Missionary Training Program (here's a link for some more information, in Spanish: https://www.facebook.com/programaconsiervos/) that is being hosted at CEC.  It is a year long program that begins with 2 months of training focussed on equipping deacon-missionaries in cross-cultural missions.  What is a deacon-missionary you might ask?  (Good question!)  Though perhaps not a technical term, it is the idea of those who make up the missionary team, in any form whatsoever, serving the end task of planting churches where the Gospel has not yet been preached.  When we think of missionaries (specifically church planters) we think of those pioneers who enter into new cultures and languages with the goal of making disciples.  The reality is, though, that this is accomplished by a team of people who serve in various roles (almost any profession can be employed in the service of missions...,) all with the same goal.  This program which began today, will look at the various challenges that come with cross-cultural missions and, built on a biblical foundation, equip the young men and women who have enrolled for those challenges on the missions field.

Day 1 Orientation

Six young men and women have joined us (four of whom are actually CEC alumni, and one who has been on staff with us).  The course is being run by two missionary couples who have dedicated their lives through Latin America to cross-cultural missions.  We as CEC are standing by and assisting in any way we can - we are very excited about the program because it is fulfilling part of the future vision that we had for the school in implementing part of the program focussing specifically on missions.  My role will include the areas of teaching, music, support in whatever way I can, as well as the occasional recreational outing (which just might include a hike up Tetakawi!)

I'm sure you will hear more about this over the course of the next months, but for now, join in prayer with us as we embark on something entirely new.  New means lots of uncertainty, but it also means lots of excitement, knowing that God has some awesome things in store for the coming weeks.  Pray for my part in this program, especially as I teach some classes including History of Missions, Spiritual Disciplines, Spiritual Gifts, and some other themes (I still have some prep work to do....)  Don't forget to pray for our students that are coming (and maybe don't even know it yet!) for the coming CEC school year that will begin in 2020 - that also includes the 2nd year program which is another new venture for CEC.

It would seem that this is the season of new things...we'll have to see what else new is around the corner!  Thanks for your prayers...as always they are deeply appreciated and valued.  ¡Dios les bendiga!