Heart “processing”, teamwork, good books, training sessions and time with the All-Nations staff is what Phase 2 is all about.
We have been privileged to spend the last 4 weeks with our new Mixtec team members! Wow! God has been working in, tweaking, and guiding the Mixtec Team during our time together.
So, what ALL did we GET to do? Thanks for asking!
A key aspect of Phase 2 is just plain time, fellowship, worship and prayer together as a team. Every morning, we met for devotions and singing. That was truly a blessing. I count it a wonderful blessing to have such brothers and sisters to link arms with in Mexico!
Here are some other main aspects:
—Missionary Formation class was such a foundational course. We considered topics such as personal spiritual survival, crossing cultures, conflict resolution and missionary children (known as third culture kids)
—Teaching Creation to Christ was an impactful course taught by Bro. Mark Zook. Helping us understand the worldview of animistic peoples, he illustrated a powerful method for teaching the scriptures in a chronological format. This God-ordained order is effective in deconstructing the ungodly worldview, and constructing a proper one – causing hearts to be receptive to God’s truth in redemption. God’s Word Works!!
We couldn’t help but ponder how the Lord will guide and work with His Word in the Mixtec context…
—Church Planting Case Studies was a study of several indigenous church plants that were at various stages of development. Some were more fledgling. Others were mature and reproducing! This course provided much food for thought and example in the difficult indigenous church planting arena.
—All-Nations Translation Policy, etc. was a little more “dry”, but needful!
—Community Development was some time to process how to walk with needy people without creating problems and dependency. We heard a presentation on CAM’s SALT program as part of this class.
—Books and more books! We went through/discussed 7 books or so and several articles so there was plenty of reading to do in our spare time!
Some of the books were:
- Spiritual Survival Handbook – Miller
This one probably challenged me the most! - The Messenger, the Message, and the Community – Muller
- One Bible, Many versions – Brunn
- The Peacemaker – Sande
- The Other Side of the Wall – Miller
Definitely a favorite!
And then there is the prayer stone project. Up here on the hill is a prayer garden were several rough limestone slabs are jutting from the ground – as a memorial before the Lord. Many are unmarked, just waiting for a people to be inscribed there.
After much grinding, smoothing, painting and lettering, there now stands a memorial stone dedicated to the Mixtecs of Mexico! The inscription reads: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great Light”. This is the promise that was spoken by the prophet Isaiah! We believe it! Please join us in praying for them!
Next week, we plan to wrap up our time here and begin preparations for moving to Mexico! Our family and the Hege’s both plan to be there around New Year’s!
Thank you for your support and prayers!
May the Lord Bless you!
Sincerely,
J. Flory (for the Mixtec Team)
