What’s the take away from Miami School of Missions January 2013 session?
“Great biblical teaching.”
“Refreshing fellowship.”
“Meaningful connections between South American churches!”
What’s the bottom line? Greater vision for reaching the lost here and in South America.
Last week, 35 South American church leaders from nine countries representing 15 cities traveled to South Florida for a week of ministry training and relationship building. Many attended last year’s session and returned, encouraging other church leaders to invest in this unifying spiritual venture.
Dr. Douglas Jacoby and Dr. Joey Harris taught on “The Holy Spirit” and “Apologetics.” “What a treat it has been for me to be at the feet of one of my favorite authors for one week!” exclaimed Renee Uribe, from the Bogota, Columbia church. “This past week has inspired and challenged me to continue seeking to love God with all my heart and mind.”
Classes, translated in Spanish and Portuguese, met academic and relational needs. Jorge Bittencourt of Brasilia, Brazil, appreciated “digging deeper into apologetics. This is a way to reach my family and friends,” he said.
The South American church leaders maximized this precious time with their South Florida counterparts. Staying in disciples’ homes, sharing a paella banquet with the South Florida ministry staff, and swapping stories of home and family builds bonds and renews friendships. “The fellowship is very important,” said Josue Ortega, who leads the church in San Salvador, Salvador. “I am impressed by how the School of Missions has organized this time together. We get knowledge and truth from the school, and a deeper connection between the South American leaders and the church in South Florida.”
Focusing on future growth, South American leaders discussed their “2020 Vision,” strategizing and planning to build stronger communities of disciples in their cities. Miami School of Missions Directors John and Barbara Porter, along with Miami ministry leaders John and Silvia Reus, continue to facilitate the growing unity of our South American sister congregations.
For more on how the Miami School of Missions aims to train future missionaries, go to http://www.miamischoolofmissions.com
