One Church

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)

The beginning part of this week myself, Jorge a fellow coworker in the school as well as a local pastor headed out on a road trip to connect with some churches in a city called Agua Prieta, about 5 hours northeast from here.  The pastor, Pastor Efren, had a number of connections out there and was our tour guide and bridge builder in that area.  Along the way we picked up a couple of past students, Benny from the rehab center in Arizpe as well as pastor Abelardo, who studied with us this past term.  The goal was to share with pastors in that area the vision of the school.

As is so often the case, our plans quickly fell apart as our first scheduled appointment fell through.  Our plan was to arrive Monday afternoon to speak to the alliance of pastors in Agua Prieta that evening, anticipating 40 to 50 people.  Sure enough as we arrive we find out that the meeting had been postponed till Saturday, more time than we had to stick around.  Not to fear, though, as Proverbs says, "a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." (Prov. 16:9)  As the following days unfolded, perhaps we did not meet with the quantity of pastors that we had hoped for but God lead us to make some awesome connections, people who were excited about the vision and the possibility of sending leaders to be prepared by the school.

There was one overwhelming theme that arose in all of our conversations with the different pastors: we are one body.  One of the obstacles we face as a school at times is the barrier set up by different denominations.  Being a nondenominational school, we sense at times these barriers that exist between different bodies of believers.  Its not to say that correct doctrine and teaching are not important, but unfortunately, the doctrinal points that often separate us as believers represent perhaps a mere 5% of our beliefs, and more often than not, that 5% represents things that are not essential to our salvation.  Please here me out here because there is a rising belief in the world today that says that there are many ways to God as long as we believe it wholeheartedly.  This couldn't be further from the Truth!  But what I am getting at is seeing the Church as God sees it, not as a bunch of different groups separated by often minute differences in their beliefs but as one church, one body.  Over these past couple of days we had the pleasure of meeting pastors who shared this same vision for the Church.

Ok, please hear me out one more time!  What's on my heart is not anti-denominational.  In fact, different denominations have through the years been powerful organizations that have accomplished much through global missions, have brought much needed corrections or realignments to poor teachings, things like that.  But if these things define us before our relationship with Christ defines us, and we can't see our brothers and sisters in Christ for who they are, let along work together with them, then I don't think our vision of the Church lines up with how God sees it.

What was encouraging to see over the past days were pastors who were in fact working together, doing things together, reaching out in evangelism together, some being a part of a denomination, others not, but all working together as one body.  And as we shared with these pastors our desire to buildup and equip leaders regardless of their denominational affiliation, they too were excited.

Despite the change of plans, we believe that God accomplished what He wanted to in this journey.  We are anticipating a call shortly as the leaders of the alliance of churches in Agua Prieta are wanting to have us come back and share with all of the churches in the alliance what the school is about.  We made connections with other potential students and pastors in other communities as well and may even have an opportunity to return to the area to do a shorter, two week mini-course in the area for people who perhaps cannot commit to the full 14 week course we have in San Carlos.  We trust that God truly did determine our steps according to His perfect plan.

Thanks to those who were praying and continue to pray for us and especially for those whom God would send our way for the coming school term in January.  Meanwhile we continue in preparation, planning for the coming year, and praying about an expansion to the facilities to accommodate more students as well as a second school term.  Thanks to all you prayer warriors!

New Opportunities

Though it's only been just about a month since the students have left, everything is moving full speed ahead as we look forward to what the rest of this year brings and even next year already. This past week was especially neat as we had the chance to get to know some wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ from the mountains, actually from some rather remote indigenous villages, a people group called the Guarijillo. They live about a six hour drive from here in a town call Guajarai. Though a number came from this village, others came from villages relatively close by. Guajarai has access by road, though the last hour or so is rather rough. The other villages however have access on foot only (or mule if you're carrying a lot of stuff!) A previous team made the journey out to these villages to reach out to the people and encourage those who are believers there. Out of that journey, the idea for this past week was born and there ended up being about 45 men, women and children who came out to San Carlos for a getaway and a spiritual retreat. The believers in these villages had expressed an earnest desire to grow in Christ but the leaders in particular expressed their desire (and had been praying for) some type of encouragement spiritually. This trip came together with the help of a number of ministries and local churches.

The group on the bus on the way to San Carlos

The group spent seven days at Casa de Esperanza in San Carlos and for a number of those who came, this was the first time being any further than Guajarai. For many seeing the ocean was a new experience. God put it on someone's heart to find a way to take this group out on the ocean in a couple of boats, also a first for many. God put the cherry on top by giving them their own personal dolphin show as they were out there, and a number of dolphins made an appearance. By far though the highlight was just getting to know these brothers and sisters, spending time with them and seeing their desire to grow in their relationship with the Lord.

One of the first believers in the communities, as the group is out on the boats

The women treating us to fresh made corn tortillas

How do we as a school fit into this you might be asking? Each morning different people were brought in to share with this group whatever God put on their heart, a time of teaching. As the school we took the first morning and myself along with Jorge, one of our main teachers at CEC, shared on Galatians 2:20, on crucifying our SELF so that Christ can pour his life into us and through us. During the rest of the week, different pastors from different churches in the area shared whatever God laid on their hearts. The people where so open and receptive to all that was shared.

Jorge and myself during the teaching time

What is particularly exciting about their time here was that the church leaders who came, representing three different commmunities in the area expressed interest in some extended training time. As we met with those leaders, they were excited at the prospect of receiving some more extended training and teaching. As great as it would to have them come to study at CEC, it just isn't feasable for many of them. So, the idea was proposed to spend a couple of weeks in Guajarai, where the leadership in the different churches would meet and we would come out with several different teachers to give some foundational teaching, highlighting some of the topics we cover in our first year. Honestly, the idea of an "on the road" school has been something that has been on our minds over the past while. God seems to be bring this together and we are excited at the opportunity and to be whatever encouragement we can to this group of believers! Our plan is to head out there sometime in June to make some more arrangement, meet with the leaders, and put plans into place to hopefully see it happen sometime in October. It's exciting to see new opportunities like these! Pray with us as we plan and prepare to be a blessing to these wonderful brothers and sisters!

A couple of the men singing a song at the church in Fatima.  Each one of the local churches involved put together gifts of clothing and food to help out their Guarijillo brothers and sisters.  They ended up taking back two truckloads of stuff to blessing the churches and also their communities!

Spring Update

Spring is in the air! For many that means the end of the cold, white fluffy stuff. For us that means empty school halls and the heat waiting just around the corner! I've put together an update highlighting many of the awesome things that took place over the course of the past few months. Indeed the school halls are empty but it has been a blessing to see God work in the lives of these students. Read below or click here to view the update.