After flying from Honduras to Houston on June 9, we drove to Kerrville (near San Antonio) for New Member Orientation with our organization, Commission to Every Nation (CTEN). Although we have been members for two years, we had not yet attended orientation because Fernando's visa was still in process. During the three days (June 11-13) we met those who work in the CTEN office, learned more about how CTEN started and the vision God has given those involved, and enjoyed meeting other new members, some just starting their journey in missions and others with years of experience.
All staff and participants
We greatly benefited from learning more about practical elements of ministry, such as taxes and financial records, handling interpersonal conflict on the field, and addressing security problems in our countries of service. A key part of orientation we found helpful was partnership development, or support raising, which is what we will be doing during our time in the Northwest in the coming months. Perhaps the best part of orientation was spending time with people who love the Lord, are committed to serving Him and others, and have blessed us in numerous ways since we have been members.
With Richard and Jana Malm (CTEN president)
and Stephen and Tammie Burger (Central America pastoral care couple)
We were happy to see Stephen and Tammie, our pastoral care couple, again (you can read about their visit to Honduras in November), and we are thankful to be a part of the CTEN family. We are particularly grateful for their faithful prayer support, encouragement, and patience as we have had to wait two years to attend orientation and do full-time partnership development; their flexibility has allowed us to serve in Honduras even receiving less than half of our needed monthly support! We also appreciate their integrity in receiving funds donated by ministry partners. What a blessing to a part of this organization.
No comments:
Post a Comment