First off, thank you to those who prayed for Selena and me as we ventured to Sierra Leone in August. We had an amazing trip, and probably the best training workshops we’ve done yet. Please let me share a few stories:
Pastors to Learn Community Development
Selena and I were delighted to visit the Every Nation College of Administration and Theology (ENCAT) while we were in Sierra Leone. The college trains almost 100 pastors in church-planting methods each session, with an additional three campuses graduating double that amount. One of the training needs these pastors highlighted is community development methods and practices. In this part of the world, the church MUST address community issues - they really have no choice given the depth of human need. I have heard pastors there say, “It is hard for a man to see Jesus while his belly is growling.” However, there is a considerable lack of training and education in this area. Selena and I plan on returning in early 2010 to train both the ENCAT professors and the pastors currently enrolled in the CDLS curriculum on basic community development methods and practices.
The BEST leadership workshops yet
While preparing our leadership curriculum for the fourth part in our six-part series, we decided to restructure the training so that the participants would learn more in group sessions and less through didactic methods. While this may sound simple, coordinating the participation of more than 15 groups was a challenge but it was well worth the facilitation! Feedback from participants showed that this was the best workshop series yet. One participant said, “I will not like to miss any other similar seminar that this group will come up with because it is really educative and empowering. I did not spend my three days with you in vain.”
On top of great stories, we have the personal side of our trip. Selena celebrated her birthday in true Sierra Leonean style, complete with a surprise party, “rich” cake and many friends. We were overwhelmed as each came forward with a gift. She now has traditional clothes to teach in next time she comes - and there will be a next time for sure as the Dean of ENCAT and others are already planning for her to teach community development methods.
Overall, we had a phenomenal trip and are both planning for a return trip in early 2010. I will focus on the large-group leadership and business management seminars as well as on continuing our conversation with business leaders regarding their needs. Selena will most likely be completely occupied training the pastors and ENCAT students in community development topics. If you are interested in going with us, let me know! There is always room for those with a passion to help lift people up.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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