The challenge of reaching the Unreached

http://www.asialink.org.uk/
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Unapproachable, inaccessible in location or situation, untouched, untouchable, disconnected, unable to be met or out of touch. These are all words and descriptions given for yet another word: Unreached.

Leadership Matters Course at Kilchzimmer

The team of instructors at the 'Leadership Matters Course' in Kilchzimmer. (From back left) David Cummings (former International Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators), Chris Lorimer (OM France), Susana Turnbough (FWBIM), Carlos Diaz (Guatemala), Edward David (OM and LMC coordinator), (front) Rachel Johnson (OM), me and Jeff Turnbough (Director of Field Operations at Free Will Baptist International Missions).

I count it a tremendous privilege to have been able to serve as a trainer at the LMC course for 23 participants who are leaders working with various agencies across the world. I have been able to sharpen my own skills as well as investing in the coaching of other leaders from USA, GB, Ireland, Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia, Austria, Spain, France, Barbados, Czech Republic, Malaysia and several other nations.

Instructor of Teachers Course in Kilchzimmer

Students, instructors, helpers and translators at the IOT 1+2 in Kilchzimmer.

In February the IOT2 and IOT1 were held in Kilchzimmer, Switzerland. We are thankful for the instructors (from Denmark, Finland, Austria, N. Ireland & Germany) and the students who came (from N. Ireland, Germany, Switzerland and Holland).

Bootcamp for CMLC teachers

25 people joined us in Kilchzimmer for the CMLC Teachers Boot Camp. Together we looked at how to improve the CMLC which is our main 12-week training course for children's workers. During the five days together we looked at the themes: 'How does it all fit together', 'CMLC Curriculum', 'Student Culture', 'Developing Effective Assignments', 'Self-evaluation', 'Trends to be Aware Of', 'Evaluating and Grading', and 'Life-long Learning'.

Bible Teaching from Czeslaw Bassara

The challenges of getting European missionaries connected!

Those who went for a walk up to the Belchen enjoyed a wonderful view of the Alps.

Serge Varga from the FES school shared with us about 'Kid Culture' and gave us a fresh perspective and new ideas.

Giving in 2013

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20, ESV)

The above chart shows the total giving to our ministry in 2013. Each segment represents a donor (individuals or churches). If you are one of those people - THANK YOU!

What does the chart tell us? 

Well about half of the gifts we receive come from 5 or 6 larger donors. However the other half is made up of about 60 individuals/couples who pledge a monthly, quarterly or annual donation. The average gift from this group is around 30 GBP (50$) per month.

What's the message?

In missions, we need both the larger and the smaller donors. Everyone is important and everyone has a part to play – as the supermarket slogan says "every little helps". If you would like to find out more about joining our support team* click here.

We also need people who will support us in prayer. There are 600 people who receive our quarterly prayer letter or monthly update. To join these people in praying for us and the ministry of CEF click here and complete the short form.

*we do need new regular supporters

Mission-net Congress Attracts Almost 3,000 Young Europeans

Italians who attended the CMLC in Kilchzimmer last year were helping us promote "the next" course.

The CEF stand looked very professional and attracted a lot of interest. 

Over 100 mission agencies were represented at 3 main locations.

There was an amazing atmosphere at the New Years Eve party.

A group of Italians came and asked me about CEF. At the same time, Gary (same name but originally from Bolivia and living in Italy) was walking past. I grabbed him and said, "you did the course 2012/13, tell these people all about it - in their own language."

Comfort in the midst of sorrow

Photo: Gavin Fordham

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, 

“therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24, ESV)

Jesus: Wahr und Besser

Das Video von Tim Keller, das bei der letzten E21 Konferenz auf Englisch eingespielt wurde, ist nun auch in deutscher Übersetzung erschienen. In wenigen Worten zeigt Keller uns, dass es in der ganzen Bibel vor allem um Jesus geht!

When leaders need a break - 4 articles for those exploring the possibility and practicalities of taking an extended sabbatical

Burnout is often understood to affect people who have spent too many hours in the office, but more often it occurs because of a frustration with the status quo and a growing conviction that in your current role, you are no longer able to make a significant contribution. Many large companies and increasingly churches and Christian organisations are coming to realise the benefits of encouraging their people in leadership positions to take a sabbatical. 
So how do I know if a sabbatical is right for me? How do I go about requesting it and how can I most effectively use the time? 

The four articles below are the the result of a sabbatical I took myself in the summer of 2013. As the posts are listed in chronological order with the latest at the top, I recommend you scroll down to part 1 and begin there. 
I trust this will be a help to those who strongly sense the need for some time out.

• A Sabbatical #1: How to request it (especially for those in full-time Christian ministry)
• A Sabbatical #2: What to do with the time
• A Sabbatical #3: Dos & Don'ts
• A Sabbatical #4: Books that I read and things I listened to

A Sabbatical #4: Books that I read and things I listened to

In preparation for the Sabbatical, I scanned my shelves and took down books that I really wanted to read during the summer. Others I ordered online from my Amazon wishlist. Slowly the little pile of books on my table grew and grew. I did read almost everything I wanted to, but strangly enough the pile is still as high :)

I also read or listened to:

• 2007 CEF European Leadership Conference, Member Care notes
• Culture Craft - leadership for organizational health, by Rick Sessoms, Colin Buckland
• "Aufwärts" (draft) Geoff Holder 
• 100's of blog posts via the excellent feedly app
• Many (Christian) magazine and newspaper articles, in publications such as Evangelicals Now
• MP3 all messages from the Evangelical Ministers Assembly  
• MP3 The Gospel Coalition 2013
• MP3 2013 CEF European Conference seminars
• John G. Paton by John Piper
• The Bible - together with Tabletalk magazine for iPad 

Many of the above books were read on my kindle, others I bought (on real paper). Some were leant to me, read in a library or listened too as audio-books.
When listening to audio-books / MP3 sermons/seminars I was driving, running, cycling, in public-transport, waiting... Anywhere and everywhere I was either deliberately using the time to learn, listen to others, or enjoy the silence.

If you are planning on taking a Sabbatical, see it as an opportunity to read and study subjects that really interest you and for which you have questions in your own mind and ministry. For one, it is highly motivational reading and secondly you will benefit greatly yourself from the insights gained.

I trust you have enjoyed this little series of posts. If you would like me to write about some other aspect, you can suggest that in the comment box below. 
If you have not already done so, you can read the other posts in the 4-part series here: 

1. A Sabbatical #1: How to request it (especially for those in full-time Christian ministry) 
2. A Sabbatical #2: What to do with the time 
3. A Sabbatical #3: Dos & Don'ts