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Taking God's Healing Love to the Nations
September/October 2007 Missionary Training
October 21, 2007
Dearest Friends and Family,
How time flies! Meg and I returned recently from a month-long travel adventure.
The primary purpose of this trip was to participate in a three-week cross-cultural training program called SPLICE - Intercultural Life and Ministry Skills. The Missions Training International (MTI) center is located a few miles up the road from Colorado Springs, near the majestic Rocky Mountains. The variety of vistas all around were awesome, including a drive up Pike's Peak, the green Pine trees and, of course, the golden Aspens showing off their Fall splendor.
We were blessed, as well, with visits with some dear friends, the Bergs in the Phoenix area, and the Gomppers in Iowa City and seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time (for Meg).
So what did we learn at MTI? Moving to, and becoming a living part of a different culture may well be the hardest thing we've ever done, and potentially the most rewarding experience. The facilitators boldly and courageously addressed the significant realities of adaptation, including the tough stressors awaiting us. The statistics we heard show that the majority of missionaries experience varying degrees of "burnout". This is why this training: to help us become aware of the challenges, the hazards, etc., and to provide us with the tools and coping skills to survive in tact. One of the most important emphases, I believe, was the subject of "soul care". For all of us workaholics we must observe a sabbath-rest and keep our spiritual batteries charged and re-charged!
To give you a little more insight, here is what SPLICE stands for:
S Spiritual Resources
P Personal Growth
L Lifestyle Adaptation
I Interpersonal Skills
C Cultural Adjustments
E Endure/Enjoy
Just several of the important topics:
Apply God's grace to yourself and others while wrestling with cross-cultural stress.
Identify your personal values as they will impact others.
Make informed lifestyle decisions that honor God and your new culture.
Grow in conflict management skills - especially confronting when necessary so that "love one another" is clearly visible.
Find enjoyment in your calling despite the hardships.
The photo of the families, couples and individuals at the training session. We are at the upper right.
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And that brings us to where we are now - our faces "set like a flint" toward Bolivia. We've purchased our "one way" tickets for 28 December. I plan to continue assisting at St. James, Newport Beach until December. Meg is teaching a "Spanish for Missionaries" class at Saint Anne's for nine Wednesday nights. She has ten eager students, some of whom are planning to come to Bolivia next summer for a short term ministry trip.
Yes, we are excited! We know that the Lord is in control and His plans are unfolding. We thank Him on a regular basis for each one of you. Your prayer, and financial support, is what is enabling us to embark on the greatest adventure of all: impacting the peoples of the world with the life-changing power of His love, mercy, and grace. Be assured of our prayers for you. Your friendship is our most valued treasure, second only to the Friend of all friends, the Lord Jesus!
Every blessing,
Bob and Meg
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