Kids Spring 2012 Update from Chris Thompson on Vimeo.
We are a family of 5 striving to live a missional life following our Savior wherever that may take us.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Hello and Goodbye
I knew that entering this new line of work would mean saying a lot of goodbyes. We aren't planning to leave for Haiti until July so I figured that goodbyes wouldn't really have to start yet. What I wasn't ready for was the Hellos and Goodbyes. I'll explain..
As part of ReachGlobal we attend many conferences and trainings with other cross cultural ministry workers. We spent 8 days in January with fellow workers from Latin American and the Carribean at a conference in Orlando. And just last week we spent 9 days with other ReachGlobal candidates going to all parts of the world. During these intense training/conference weeks we get to know each other extremely well. Our weeks are spent in 12 hour days together, working on projects, discussing theology and missiology, delving into the Word, and forming bonds with one another.
And then we say goodbye.
Sure, we will see some of these individuals again at future conferences. But many we won't see again. All 5 members of our family deal with these goodbyes differently. I sleep, Eloise gets angry, Luke cries, Kate creates imaginary scenarios where we can still be together, and Chris busies himself with household tasks (I'm not complaining about that).
These hellos and goodbyes are just a reality of our lives now. In Haiti many teams will come through, we will attach, and they will leave. But it is worth it! Over the past 9 days I was able to see the image of God uniquely reflected in 20+ individuals. I was able to learn from the wisdom of others and see the body of Christ at work in the world. It was priceless.
Just hoping it gets easier.....
As part of ReachGlobal we attend many conferences and trainings with other cross cultural ministry workers. We spent 8 days in January with fellow workers from Latin American and the Carribean at a conference in Orlando. And just last week we spent 9 days with other ReachGlobal candidates going to all parts of the world. During these intense training/conference weeks we get to know each other extremely well. Our weeks are spent in 12 hour days together, working on projects, discussing theology and missiology, delving into the Word, and forming bonds with one another.
And then we say goodbye.
Sure, we will see some of these individuals again at future conferences. But many we won't see again. All 5 members of our family deal with these goodbyes differently. I sleep, Eloise gets angry, Luke cries, Kate creates imaginary scenarios where we can still be together, and Chris busies himself with household tasks (I'm not complaining about that).
These hellos and goodbyes are just a reality of our lives now. In Haiti many teams will come through, we will attach, and they will leave. But it is worth it! Over the past 9 days I was able to see the image of God uniquely reflected in 20+ individuals. I was able to learn from the wisdom of others and see the body of Christ at work in the world. It was priceless.
Just hoping it gets easier.....
Monday, February 20, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
not-so-random connections
In our now over a year time since we have been support raising and actively seeking people and churches out to partner with us, I have continually been amazed at how God has brought a wide variety of people in our path whom we never would have expected. Today was one of those days when a parent of one of my students randomly connected me with a Haitian pastor near our area. From the parent, I heard a little about what he was doing with helping his community grow better crops in what seemed like a sustainable way. This pastor then called me earlier this evening and while I only understood part of the conversation due to his poor cell connection and Haitian accent, he repeatedly encouraged me personally and told me that he would be praying for me and my family. I have no idea where this relationship will end up, but I certainly was uplifted in our brief talk together.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Rethinking Jesus Trinkets
Inflammatory title maybe, but far catchier than – Rethinking Vacation Bible School Methods for Short Term Teams Serving in the Majority World towards a Sustainable Model. That title doesn’t even make sense.
I am a fan of Vacation Bible School programs, I see the importance for short term mission trips, and I am one of the few nerds who sees the world through an economic development lens. Many short term missionary teams go to the majority world bringing in tons of supplies, or as I fondly call Jesus trinkets, for a VBS program.
Here I propose a new model of VBS by short term mission groups in developing countries. I understand that this model is not the most inexpensive nor the most time efficient. I also know that each of these things is difficult – thus the name “challenges”. And, I recognize that I am not an expert – so arguments welcome.
Preparation Phase (still stateside)
Challenge 1 – Schedule a 2-week mission trip as opposed to a one-week trip.
Challenge 2 – Plan as little as possible! I don’t mean not to prepare your team. I mean that team preparation should focus 95% on team building, Bible studies, skills profiles, and prayer. Save only 5% of the time for logistics.
Challenge 3 – Pack as little as possible. Possibly try to get all of your belongings in a carry-on. (Checked bags could be saved for furniture and goodies for my family, just kidding, kind of)
Planning Phase (in country, week one)
Challenge 4 – Meet with key leaders (elders, children’s ministers) of the local church and brainstorm with them to identify an area that the congregation's children are currently struggling with or could use encouragement in (ex. Fear, slavery, pride, jealousy, etc).
Challenge 5 – Have team members work with local church members to create a curriculum for the week. Simple, Bible-based, culturally appropriate curriculum.
Challenge 6 – Have musical team members collaborate with gifted musicians in the local church to create heart-language, culturally meaningful, simple, original children’s songs.
Challenge 7 – Attempt to purchase ALL necessary supplies for the VBS program from the local markets. This could include decorations, snacks, paper, pencils, art supplies.
Challenge 8 – Employ local artisans to make simple prizes for the children. This could be simple sewn rag dolls or carved wooden toys. It may mean having an idea in mind and helping church members learn a new creative skill.
Program Phase (in country, week two)
Challenge 9 – As much as is feasible, share responsibility of the program with the local church. Encourage leadership of church members while playing a side role of crowd control, games, and building relationships.
Challenge 10 – Ask the church body for feedback.
Benefits for the Team
-learning to be flexible and rely on the local church
-knowing the feeling of scarcity
Benefits for the Local Church
-leadership development!
-a model of VBS that they can reproduce without a team
-boosted local economy
I am a fan of Vacation Bible School programs, I see the importance for short term mission trips, and I am one of the few nerds who sees the world through an economic development lens. Many short term missionary teams go to the majority world bringing in tons of supplies, or as I fondly call Jesus trinkets, for a VBS program.
Here I propose a new model of VBS by short term mission groups in developing countries. I understand that this model is not the most inexpensive nor the most time efficient. I also know that each of these things is difficult – thus the name “challenges”. And, I recognize that I am not an expert – so arguments welcome.
Preparation Phase (still stateside)
Challenge 1 – Schedule a 2-week mission trip as opposed to a one-week trip.
Challenge 2 – Plan as little as possible! I don’t mean not to prepare your team. I mean that team preparation should focus 95% on team building, Bible studies, skills profiles, and prayer. Save only 5% of the time for logistics.
Challenge 3 – Pack as little as possible. Possibly try to get all of your belongings in a carry-on. (Checked bags could be saved for furniture and goodies for my family, just kidding, kind of)
Planning Phase (in country, week one)
Challenge 4 – Meet with key leaders (elders, children’s ministers) of the local church and brainstorm with them to identify an area that the congregation's children are currently struggling with or could use encouragement in (ex. Fear, slavery, pride, jealousy, etc).
Challenge 5 – Have team members work with local church members to create a curriculum for the week. Simple, Bible-based, culturally appropriate curriculum.
Challenge 6 – Have musical team members collaborate with gifted musicians in the local church to create heart-language, culturally meaningful, simple, original children’s songs.
Challenge 7 – Attempt to purchase ALL necessary supplies for the VBS program from the local markets. This could include decorations, snacks, paper, pencils, art supplies.
Challenge 8 – Employ local artisans to make simple prizes for the children. This could be simple sewn rag dolls or carved wooden toys. It may mean having an idea in mind and helping church members learn a new creative skill.
Program Phase (in country, week two)
Challenge 9 – As much as is feasible, share responsibility of the program with the local church. Encourage leadership of church members while playing a side role of crowd control, games, and building relationships.
Challenge 10 – Ask the church body for feedback.
Benefits for the Team
-learning to be flexible and rely on the local church
-knowing the feeling of scarcity
Benefits for the Local Church
-leadership development!
-a model of VBS that they can reproduce without a team
-boosted local economy
These challenges wouldn’t all have to go together. I would encourage your next group to just try one or two if you can. And truly if you can only try one – I’d really encourage you to leave the Jesus trinkets with Oriental Trading Company and buy prizes locally.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Answers
Well, I was pretty convinced that all my health issues were not simply stress related. Sure I have stress in my life right now. But what joyous stress it is - preparing to fulfil a calling on my life I've had for 15+ years.
This week I received a clinical diagnosis of Chronic Lyme Disease. The rode to recovery could be a long one that will involve plenty of antibiotics, dietary changes, and rest. But I am hoping and praying for full healing and that soon, very soon, my hands will be healed enough to sew again. After all, Easter is only a few months away and dress ideas are brewing.
Thank you to all those who have stood by me in this difficult time. Thank you for all your prayers. I would appreciate continued prayers as I continue to heal.
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