We are currently in training with Missionary Ventures in Orlando. We knew God was calling us to go, but we really didn't have any idea how to go about it. The course lasts 10 days and we are learning so much. There were so many things I didn't know, for example: you have to deworm your children every 3-6 months, you need to wash the parasites off your veggies before you eat them, and you need to have a plan in case one of you is taken for ransom! We have also been encouraged and we are being officially ordained on Friday morning. We spent an entire day learning how to lead teams coming down for short-term trips. I am really excited for our church to bring teams down to work with us. We have met other missionaries and their stories are amazing. Some have been on the field for 35 years and are going back out. They have seen God work in amazing ways! I can only imagine what our story will be by the time we are at that stage.
The thing that impressed me most was Missionary Venture's philosophy. They do not believe in going in to "help" the people there, but in training and empowering the indigenous leaders of the local churches. Their philosophy of ministry is essentially the same as the Summit, "Love God, love people, serve the world".
We also got to visit with good friends of ours, the Vogels, who recently moved to Ft. Lauderdale. Considering that it's a lot cheaper to fly in and out of southern Florida, I don't think they've seen the last of us. We are going to see my brother, Chad, this weekend in St. Petersburg. Cory's cousin has also asked us to speak at his church, Orlando North, on Sunday. We feel very honored to be given this opportunity.
Thank you for all of your prayers this week.
No comments:
Post a Comment