Greetings, friends. I am now in the Minneapolis airport, where the outside air temp is -6 F. Glad I’m not outside! I’m on my way back from warm, sunny Florida having just completed another training of US pastors and leaders just outside Tampa. I was joined by my wonderful colleague and friend Mike Gunderson. We had a blast walking this group through the initial Pathways workshop in how to study and preach the Bible well. The focus was on the book of Jonah, and we saw much growth in the 11 participants who were a blending of pastors and lay leaders. One of the participants is a missionary working in the Peruvian jungles and plans to take the training to pastors of house churches in small villages up rarely-visited river tributaries. Another will be part of our Ethiopia training team.

In each workshop we emphasize the importance of studying the Word and learning to preach it well, but also being changed by the Spirit in the process. We want the growth not only to permeate our head but also our heart. One of the highlights of the training was near the end. One of the pastors present followed the promptings of the Spirit and the Word to confess sin and share the need for restoration of a relationship with another participant in the training who is a member of his church. It was a moment of true vulnerability and transparency as the confession was made and forgiveness was granted, and God was glorified.

After finishing the last day of training, our host invited Mike and me to jump in his kayaks and follow the river which went by his house. What a blast, and we even saw some small alligators!

As soon as I land, I have a quick turnaround to head to the Pacific Northwest EFCA district conference where I will be trying to connect with many pastors toward equipping some to join us in training globally. Please pray for positive reception. God is spreading and growing the pastor training work, creating more and more opportunities for us to train globally. I’m thankful to be in His service. Pressing on, Eric