Comm Lab 2018

My grief counselor friend is writing a book and told me he will be speaking more once his book comes out. One problem, he gets very nervous. He flew from Washington state to attend the Comm Lab. “It is really stretching me. It’s hard but good! This is just what I need.”

Mark was one of 21 trainees attending this year. Five Cru staff came from Ireland for the training and said it was transforming. They are hoping we can come and provide more training for staff in Europe.

Learning how to be an effective speaker builds leadership skills. Also learning how to address specific audiences gives a much better chance for   communication to actually transpire. I love equipping others!!!

The final day each trainee shared a 4-minute story from their own lives. The power of telling our stories and how God is impacted our life is a beautiful bridge to sharing Christ with those who want to hear.

AUSTRALIA      May 9-26

 We are sending an evangelistic band called Abilene to AUSTRALIA! You may recognize the girl in the middle of this photo; our daughter Jessica is the lead vocal for the band and will be sharing how Christ impacts her life daily. The audience? High School students in public schools!

Students can either go to a study hall or attend a spirituality class – in this instance, a concert with Abilene. What do you think they will choose?

Working with our Cru staff in Australia in past years, these concerts have seen hundreds of kids trusting Christ. Pray that more teens will come to know Him this month!!!

POLAND      May 16-30

Also this May, our band Stone will travel to Poland. We are partnering with Next Generation Mission and outreaches primarily in High Schools. Amazingly this mission is run by a Duke and Duchess who love Jesus and long to give every student an opportunity to hear his message.

Please pray for doors to open and for hearts to be responsive. Youth in Poland have no use for religious activities. We pray they will see that Christianity is not a religion but all about a relationship with the God who created them.

Please pray for the translator who will be traveling with the band, for accurate translation, and that her own heart will respond to Jesus’ offer of LIFE.

Grief Training Weekend, June 1-3, Nebraska
A pastor in Nebraska reached out to his district leaders for help with leading his small community through multiple losses. The request went up to the global headquarters. My name surfaced. Please pray as I share:  Friday night with those who are bereaved, “Living with Loss”; Saturday training, “Navigating Grief” with those who want to walk with others in grief; and Sunday morning I’ll speak to this pastor’s congregation.
Navigating Grief, June 14, Martinsville, IN
A seminar to equip those in ministry to better walk alongside those who are grieving.
I am honored to be invited back to REST Ministries / Shepherd’s Gate Inn to offer this important grief training. If you are interested in attending or know others who would benefit, please register online at www.rest-ministries.org for this event by June 7th.