Workshops, Seminars, Donuts...Oh My!!

Wanted to check in with ya'll since we haven't posted anything in a couple days. I guess you could say that we have been BUSY!! On Thursday, Chris and the team hosted the first part of a 2-day workshop for the NTM missionaries. He spoke about team dynamics (specifically "The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team") as well as conflict styles/management. Who couldn't use some of that, right? The response from the people was fantastic. Not a single one complained that the material was irrelevant or unnecessary. As you may recall from our stories before we left, NTM as an organization is experiencing many changes these days...and, needless to say, when there's change, there's potential for conflict. It has been a blessing for the team to be able to support, interact, and encourage those who are serving here day in and day out with the common vision to reach people for Christ. We just have to say, these folks are the "real deal." But, please pray for them as they continue to move through the transition - it is hard work and requires a lot of patience and communication.

Thursday afternoon, the team went back to the NTMA hangar to continue painting and building the shelving unit for the storage loft. We've made some great progress and are looking forward to going back next week to finish it up!

Today was another day of incredible ministry opportunity. The team held the conflict workshop in the morning here at the Mission House. They went through the rest of the "Dysfunctions" material and discussed the results of the "Conflict Styles" survey they each took (this is the same survey our team did in preparation for the trip). The comments made by the NTM staff as well as our own team were profound and challenging, to say the least. I think all of us have learned a thing or two about ourselves, our team, and the healthiest ways of dealing with conflict. Now, of course, we'll probably have many opportunities to apply what we've learned given that we have been entrusted with this knowledge. Groovy! Oh, by the way, we handed out the first batch of coffee and books today...they were a hit! Thanks to all of you who donated those!

On a side note, while Chris was leading the workshop, the rest of the team was caring for and hanging out with the MKs. Let me tell you, these are amazing kids! But will you please pray for them? Being an MK can be hard. Like the rest of us, they have questions about life and situations to navigate as they grown up and, a lot of times, those things can be more difficult to deal with while on the mission field. Pray for solid support, counsel, and encouragement for them.

This afternoon, we headed downtown to do a little shopping. And, that's all I'm going to say about that...I don't want to spoil any surprises!!

Tonight, the team hosted a children's ministry seminar for about 65 local CM leaders in Cochabamba (and surrounding areas). Crista taught the folks about ways of sharing the gospel, creating friendly and welcoming classrooms, and keeping our ministries "R.E.A.L" (a concept that we, at Harvest, hold near and dear to our hearts!). It was a fantastic opportunity to interact with folks who share a love for kids and a passion to influence the next generation. One thing you have to know about Bolivian culture is that people just LOVE being together. So, the team worked together not only to bring the teaching material, but also to provide some time to fellowship and network during our "ice cream social." If you feed them, they will come!

As you can tell, we have been actively working to encourage, equip, and empower those around us. We would ask that you continue to pray for us as a team - for unity and understanding and that we would be a positive testimony to those around us of God's love, grace, and mercy.

In the morning, we head for a long hike up Mt. Tunari...um, all I can say is 17,000 feet and an oxygen tank. Hopefully we'll talk again tomorrow! We love you all!