Greetings friends,

I just returned last night from a week of ministry in Iowa and North Dakota. The time was even busier than I anticipated, both in presentations and training sessions, and also in connections with pastors, ministry leaders, and church members. I was very encouraged by all God did, and although Holly was not able to make this trip, she was thought of frequently by our team and others.

Each year our Pathways team (now around 22 members) hosts a training event we call “Spring Training” with the focus of continuing the equipping process of those who have been through our three stateside workshops and who are actively using Pathways to train leaders globally. In all, about 60 experienced practitioners of Pathways showed up. With team meetings before and after Spring Training, it is a great time we all look forward to. This time I led or helped with leading several sessions, including rolling out our recently updated final two Pathways workshops (Habakkuk and Colossians), leading a devotional from Isaiah 41:8-10, guiding a time focused on prayer and discussions related to Pathways in Africa, and helping to lead a number of sessions tied with facilitation of trainings, the Whole Story of the Bible, and other topics.

During every break, I was able to connect with many pastors as we discussed specifics about the Pathways program and how it relates to Africa, Unreached People Groups, and our developing curriculum. I was blessed to draw near to pastors, pray for them, encourage them, worship with them, and enjoy our fellowship together. One of the highlights was talking with one recently retired pastor who will be joining our Pathways Africa team as a staff member. Praise God!

Following this time, I raced to the Minneapolis airport and caught a flight for North Dakota to help a supporting church, Faith EFC in Grand Forks, to clarify their missions vision, preach in their church Sunday morning, meet with and build relationships with their elders and mission team, and share about the exciting ways God is working to equip pastors around the world in their skills in handling the Word well. What I do and the mission of the church are in complete alignment, so it was a mutually edifying time. They are eager for me to return and take their leaders and other pastors from the community through our Pathways stateside trainings.

All of these opportunities are cherished as I draw near to godly men and women who are committed to seeing God’s kingdom grow locally and globally. If I can be of encouragement in your church, please let me know!