Willy Wonka
Annalei (pictured above) sang and performed as “Mike TV” in the Christian Youth Theater production of Willy Wonka last month. It’s been awesome to see Annalei’s talent bloom. Our new coworker from East Asia, Arya, came to see the show. We are very thankful to work alongside her!
EveryInternational
We shared last time how I (Zack) was working new content for our ministry training website, everyinternational.com. Phase Two is now complete! Twelve new teaching videos join the existing twenty, and we’ve added several new vision-casting and storytelling short videos. My teammates filmed the content in Toronto (pictured below), and I just finished editing them.
Over 800 people have registered for this site to get training in reaching internationals for Christ. Rich Mendola, a leader of one of our partnering organizations, IFI, said:
“This has been a wonderful picture of an ‘all in’ mentality toward the completion of the Great Commission.”
Although designed for equipping believers in North America, I was blown away to learn that the training content has been viewed in 72 countries!
The new content has led to re-organizing the material into three main courses: Getting Started in / Growing in / Multiplying in International Student Ministry. Some of the new lessons include: Hosting Students for the Holidays, Preparing Your Disciples to Return Home, and Engaging in Spiritual Warfare.
One of the new and amazing stories you will find on everyinternational.com is that of Kesavan, a refugee who became a pastor. His family fled to Canada after a civil war in their native country of Sri Lanka. While struggling to find his place in Toronto, he wound up in a street gang.
A violent encounter between his gang and another left someone dead. Kesavan wasn’t the shooter but was still involved. Instead of graduating from college, he found himself in a maximum security prison.
Through the faithful witness of a fellow inmate and local church volunteers, Kesavan committed his life to Christ. After his release, he signed up for classes at a Toronto Bible college. Today, he pastors a church with people from 20 nations. You can watch his whole story on everyinternational.com
Vision Conference
The Bridges Vision Conference is about life change. Christian students learn to share their faith. Non-Christian students hear truth about Jesus for the first time, and some place their faith in Him. Americans gain a heart for the world and get trained in ministry.
This year I (Naomi) will attend Vision Conference, in Atlanta. Zack will stay home with all four of our kids. His usual job of Videographer has required a lot of pre-work. He has not had a Christmas break since we started with Bridges in 2005. With a change in office location he does not get to see the kids as much as he used to. For my part, I have a growing desire to have more direct contact with students. I think Vision is the best thing that Bridges does all year. And I’m very happy that my mom will be attending Vision as well to receive cross-cultural ministry training!
Upcoming
Zack is editing videos for Cru Summer Connect (pictured above in the header). Naomi will head to Atlanta on December 27 to January 1 for Vision.
Praise Reports
- Worldwide impact of the EveryInternational training.
- God provided the exact amount of support that Naomi’s mom, Linda, needed to attend Vision.
Prayer Requests
- Seekers would come with open hearts and recognize Jesus as the Messiah
- Christian students who are learning to share their faith would become lifelong laborers for the kingdom
- Christian student leaders to take the next step of faith
- God’s hand over all logistics and tech details for Vision
- Naomi, Linda, and other Americans lovingly share the gospel with internationals.