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GodSent
GodSent GodSent
R E S H A P E Y O U R W O R L D THROUGH GLOBAL MISSION
It is often said that mission trips can be life-changing – a gateway to a whole new world, and the beginning of a journey with God to impact the world. CBM’s SENT program allows Canadian Baptists to answer the desire that God puts in their hearts to go out into the world – on a short-term basis. The global discipleship experience offers participants an overseas trip and opportunities to put their faith into action when they return home. Although trips usually run for about two weeks, a new version of the program called SENT Intensive provides participants with a more in-depth experience. Last summer, the first team was assigned to the Philippines for an unprecedented three-month trip. Six young adults – Ethan Phillips, Andrew Conrad, Jane Nickerson, Rodney Steeves, Taylor MacDonald and Kathryn Scott – embarked on a cross-cultural sojourn designed to give them a full experience of living and serving in a culture different from their own. Michael Waddell, CBM Field Staff based in the Philippines, helped launch the new program. “When we began to discuss and design SENT Intensive, from the onset, we knew we wanted participants to experience the highs and the lows of living and serving overseas. We intentionally didn’t fill their schedules with activities and events because we wanted them to have the opportunity – and the challenge – of ‘figuring out’ what cross-cultural life and ministry looked like for them.” For three months, the group participated in various activities with local Christians. They joined the Capiz Baptist Youth Fellowship Union’s annual summer camp, which was held in the middle of a rice field with over 400 children and youth participants. They also met with leaders of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. Through this experience, they learned about the various ministries of the denomination around the country, and they engaged in the convention’s camp and retreat ministry called Camp Higher Ground. The group also travelled to Baguio City, a mountainous area of the Philippines, to attend the Asia Pacific Baptist Youth Conference. At this event, they witnessed more than 1,000 youth and young adults coming together from across the region to learn more about discipleship. “It was our sincere hope that this experience would be a transformative event in the lives of each participant, as well as those they build relationships with in the Philippines,” says Michael. “We wondered how they would live out their faith in a different culture and in a language different than their own. How would they learn from the faith practices of another culture? And, most importantly, how would God use their experiences to shape and transform their lives in the months and years ahead?” Expressed in their own words, the following are reflections from a few SENT Intensive participants:
Ethan Phillips We grew together and experienced many things. At the Asia Pacific Baptist Youth Conference, I came to realize that in my walk with Christ, I need to put in the effort to follow him. Before SENT Intensive, my faith was just on the back burner, but now my routine has changed for the better. Before the trip, I knew that I had to put the effort in, but I never did. I am so glad that I went on this trip, as it changed me, and I will keep the Philippines in my heart now.
Rodney Steeves Dealing with an uncomfortable season in his life, Rodney felt lost when he got called to participate in the program. After a four-year undergraduate degree and not being active in a church, my faith had become stale. And although it was always there, I often was at a loss and angry with God for the situations I was finding myself in. I needed revival. I needed a purpose. I needed to rediscover my Christian identity. SENT Intensive was a life-altering, faithshaping, heart-stretching experience that came at the perfect time in my life. I had no idea what I was going to be doing with my life, but God clearly did as he directed my path to the Philippines. He knew that I was ready for what he had planned for me next – a call to ministry! This trip is just the first step in a long journey, and it has completely changed my life. I can’t wait to see where he will send me next!
Jane Nickerson I can honestly say the SENT Intensive experience was unique. Rather than having a predetermined schedule handed to us when we first arrived, we had a few big events that were set in stone and the rest was planned along the way. By being immersed in the community and culture, our team was able to network with the locals, creating everlasting friendships.
Kathryn Scott A sign outside of the childcare centre that CBM supports reads, “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8) God used that verse during my time in the Philippines. What does that look like for us today? How do we live in such a way that we love people enough not only to share the gospel, but to walk through the journey of life with people? Over the course of three months, these questions were answered as I witnessed how activities and actions such as counselling, teaching, pastoring, farming, opening your home, sharing a meal, going out for coffee, leading games and activities and simply spending time with people can make a huge impact for the kingdom. Sharing our lives may seem messy, and it certainly takes a lot of time and effort, but it is so worth it! I thought of the many faces of the different people I encountered and developed friendships with – the stories I heard of triumph and struggle, and the way that God is on the move in all of our lives. My experience with SENT Intensive gave me a greater appreciation for God’s intentionality and produced continued clarity that my heart is for the nations and to be a disciple who makes disciples. What an incredible thing it is to be able to learn from, fellowship with, encourage, and serve our brothers and sisters globally.
To learn more about the SENT program, visit besent.ca or contact Adrian Gardner, CBM’s Team Lead for Church Engagement, at agardner@cbmin.org.
BeSENT.ca
@readytobesent
What does it mean to be SENT?
CBM’s SENT program provides Canadians of all ages with a global discipleship experience, which includes an overseas trip and opportunities to put their faith into action when they return home. We are SENT as God’s people living up to and into the call to be disciples in a world of disparity and injustice. Be SENT out and challenge yourself to immerse, serve and learn in another culture. Be SENT back ready to become an advocate and put faith into action in your own community.
UPCOMING TRIPS FOR STUDENTS Brazil & Bolivia – July/August 2020 Through Praxis, CBM’s scholarship program for seminary students, participants will take part in the 2020 Baptist World Alliance Celebration in Brazil. They will also meet with local church leaders in Bolivia to learn practical examples of integral mission. Visit cbmin.org/applyforpraxis to sign up. Application deadline: March 31, 2020. Rwanda – August 2020 Canadian youth will partner with Rwandan youth to host Kamp Tumaini, a summer camp experience for children affected or infected by HIV and AIDS. Youth will gain valuable leadership skills as they serve alongside local youth. Application deadline: March 31, 2020.
UPCOMING TRIPS FOR CHURCH LEADERS Lebanon – June 2020 Join CBM Executive Director Terry Smith for this transformational experience. Participants will visit Syrian refugee relief projects, meet with local church partners, and take part in the Middle East Consultation at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary. Application deadline: February 15, 2020. India – October 2020 Learn and grow as you serve alongside CBM’s newest partner, Alempang Baptist Church in Nagaland. This trip includes ministry among the Mising tribe, which is the second largest indigenous group in the province of Assam. Application deadline: March 15, 2020.