Ministry Center Directors Gather for In-Person Workshops by

CHAD FIX

In May, LHM’s 12 ministry center directors from Asia and three of its directors from Europe gathered in Thailand for a two-day regional workshop. Rev. Dr. Tony Cook, LHM’s chief mission officer, led it along with LHM’s regional directors for Asia and Africa and the Middle East.

The ministry center directors appreciated Cook’s support, teaching, and encouragement through a devotion based on 1 Peter 3:8-22, “Jesus’ Witnesses in a Troubled World,” an informative presentation on “Gospel-Rich Environments: A New Perspective on Sharing the Gospel,” and details about LHM’s global expansion plans. The regional directors shared information about using social media for engagement in spiritual conversations, key policy and reporting updates, and best practices before each ministry center director had an opportunity to provide highlights of what they are doing in their own countries.

After completing the workshop, ministry leaders attended media outreach training organized by The Eurasia Media & Distribution Consultation. Since LHM ministry centers are directly involved in media content creation and distribution, the directors appreciated the variety and quality of the 16 sessions that helped expand their knowledge and skills to benefit ministry efforts moving forward.

Immediately following the workshop in Thailand, a similar workshop was held in Nairobi, Kenya, for the ministry center directors from the Africa and the Middle East region. The content taught by Cook in Thailand was shared by video and by the regional director for Africa and the Middle East in person. Strengthening ministry planning and administrative management and learning more about LHM’s global expansion plans and the new International Internship Program (IIP) were highlights. Spending time as a group in fellowship was also appreciated after many years without gathering as a group. Three and a half years after their last in-person workshop, ministry center directors from Latin America gathered this spring in Uruguay. They were joined by LHM CEO Kurt Buchholz, LHM Board member Linda Arnold, and Cook. The group enjoyed participating in devotions and Bible studies, hearing presentations, sharing experiences, and learning ways to increase the effectiveness of their ministries.

Each day’s agenda started with a devotion led by a Lutheran pastor from Uruguay, aligning each topic with the presentations that followed the devotion. In addition to Cook sharing information about IIP, Buchholz presented his vision on how LHM can reach the world with the Gospel in new and innovative ways. The creator of Project JOEL, Porfirio Franco from LHM–Panama, shared details on changes he is making to the program’s curriculum to maximize opportunities.

A fellowship celebration with Lutheran pastors and local staff (as well as their families) joining the directors provided a wonderful conclusion to the week in a spirit of joy, friendship, and thanksgiving for the blessings of joining LHM in Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. u