First day of Training

Well?  We made it through our first day of training!  We got to meet a lot of the people that we’ve been working with over the phone and through the internet……which was really nice!  It’s always good to connect faces with names. 

We started out the day with testimonies from each of the couples and individuals that will be serving in short term missions this year around the world.  It was fascinating to hear how God works differently in the lives of people but brings them each to a place of obedience and surrender.  It was encouraging.  We also met some of the people that we will be serving with in Santiago, Chile.  They were all friendly, and we enjoyed interacting with them.

We talked about transition stress when we initially arrive abroad, found out about ABWE’s history and founders, discussed language acquisition, different ways to communicate with people back home while we’re away, and how to invite people to couple with us on our journey.  Whew!  Did that sound like a lot?  It sure felt like a lot.  One other highlight of the day was at the end we got to ask some former AMPers (assistant missionaries) questions we had about their mission experience.  It was encouraging to hear how God worked in their lives and hearts too. 

One Scripture passage that challenged us today was Isaiah 41:10.  God is talking to His servant and says, “…….fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  That’s a promise for each of us to claim, and we hope it encourages you today too!