tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27011551498320298092023-11-15T08:55:51.238-08:00larsen logthe field log of a world-wandering youth pastorEric Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02919563039317277548noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-37993803921109168022011-06-03T14:07:00.000-07:002011-06-03T14:08:30.748-07:00Larsen Log - June 2011 - On the Road Again<span style="font-weight:bold;">On the road (and in the air) with the Larsens this Summer!</span><br /><br />Dear praying friends and partners in mission,<br /><br />We rejoice in all that God is doing through the work of GYFM! There is a lot going on over the next 2 months and we need your prayers. In our experience, spiritual warfare seems to increase around these key opportunities for kingdom impact. We love the ministry we get to do, but know the stress and strain takes it's toll. Please pray that God protects, strengthens, and sanctifies us through the intensity of the next two months. Pray that many lives will be touched and God's world mission advanced. Thank you for partnering with us to reach the nations and the next generation with the gospel!<br /><br />June 7-9 in VA. Eric speaks, serves on a panel addressing the issue of next generation ministry, and meets with leaders at the PCA's General Assembly in VA. Pray for effective opportunities to encourage denominational leaders in reaching the nations and the next generation.<br /><br />June 6-10 in IL. Abby participates in the Zone Summer Camp. Pray for her spiritual growth and ministry with peers.<br /><br />June 12-17 in GA. The Larsens travel to Reformed Theological Seminary where Eric will offer a week of intensive GYFI training on next generation ministry. Pray for the Korean pastors and missionaries we'll have the privilege of encouraging and equipping.<br /><br />June 20-25 in Mexico. Eric travels with John Chung to launch a new GYFI site in partnership with San Pablo Seminary. Pray for the men and women from all over Latin America who will be attending this week of intensive training in youth ministry.<br /><br />June 20-24 in MO. Pray for Abby, Meghan, Natalie and Emma as they serve and participate in our church's VBS and Tween summer programs that week.<br /><br />June 29-July 3 in IL. The Larsens participate in Cornerstone Festival. Pray for our time with MKs there--for sweet fellowship and relational ministry that bears kingdom fruit.<br /><br />July 7-17 in NC. The Larsens lead a team and provide a program for MKs during MTW's Re-entry weekend, followed by Summer Conference . Pray for the mission kids and families to experience spiritual refreshment and renewal and practical help through this ministry.<br /><br />July 9-16 in TN. Pray for Abby as she goes to Chattanooga on an urban ministry team serving kids and families through work projects and backyard bible clubs.<br /><br />July 22-29 in NYC. Eric will be in New York with MTW's Cross Cultural Mission Internship: a pre-field training experience for new mission families preparing to go to the field. Pray for an effective time equipping these families to successfully navigate living and serving across cultures.<br /><br />August 1-5 in St. Louis. Collapse and recover as a family! :)<br /><br />Your prayers and financial support are deeply appreciated! We are trusting with you that God will bear fruit through our partnership together!<br /><br />In His Grip,<br /><br />Eric<br /><br />Global Youth & Family Ministry and Institute<br />Mission to the World<br />(support account #29256)<br /><br />cell: 314.397.1197<br />web: gyfm.org<br />blog: larsenlog.blogspot.com<br />facebook: facebook.com/thegyfm<br />twitter: twitter.com/gyfm<br /><br />"Reaching the Nations and the Next Generation"Ruthannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11561332891108416328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-82503218532436681872011-06-01T19:18:00.000-07:002011-06-01T19:19:45.355-07:00Larsen Log - May 2011<span style="font-style:italic;">written last week, May 2011</span><br /><br />I am writing you from Eger, Hungary where I have the privilege of gathering<br />with over 600 national leaders coming from 50 countries across Europe. GYFM<br />is partnering with the European Leadership Forum to provide a training track<br />for those ministering to adolescents and emerging adults. It is a busy time<br />teaching, training, leading small groups, networking, and one-on-one<br />consulting. But what a joy it is to build Kingdom friendships across<br />cultures around a shared heart for Christ and kids! Already, new strategic<br />partnerships are forming with nationals in countries like Romania, Serbia,<br />Norway, Scotland and even Nigeria (though Africa is a long way from<br />Europe)... Of course, the demands are greater than we have the capacity and<br />resources to meet and we need wisdom from God to know where to invest and<br />focus our energies. Please pray for wisdom and discernment in this. And<br />pray that the fruit of this time will have a multiplying impact in the lives<br />of the emerging generation across Europe and beyond. Thank you for<br />partnering with us to reach the nations and the next generation!<br /><br />In His Grip,<br />EricRuthannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11561332891108416328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-54814481102416673722011-02-03T12:51:00.000-08:002011-02-03T12:53:54.761-08:00Larsen Log - February 2011<meta charset="utf-8"><div style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><p>Larsen Log: February 2, 2011</p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Ready…Set…Go! 2011 is well underway! Can you believe we are in February already!?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Shock to the System</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-772" href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/p1040282-2" mce_href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/p1040282-2"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-772" title="P1040282" src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/P10402821-300x225.jpg" mce_src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/P10402821-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="180" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; " /></a>The hardest transition most MKs make, is when they return to their passport culture (for most MTW missionaries, that’s the U.S.). Imagine growing up in another country—speaking a language other than English—your values, perspective and behavior shaped by a culture deeply different than the U.S. But your passport says you are an American. You look like an American—when you speak English you can pass as an American. Everyone assumes you are just like him or her, but you feel like an outsider. Your home, your friends, your life is on the other side of the world. But for any number of reasons you find yourself a hidden immigrant within the borders of your own citizenship: Your family has had to be evacuated from a dangerous situation… Your family’s support account is low and you must raise more funds… It’s time to report to your sending churches and partners all that God’s been doing on the field… Your parents are dropping you off at University before leaving you and returning to the field—worlds away. Are you feeling alone? Are you sad? Are you anxious? Feeling confused? Maybe excited? Maybe angry? Maybe even angry with God? It’s into that mix that GYFM tries to be an agent for healing and hope and help during the reentry transition for mission teens and their parents. During the month of January we provide a three-day Re-entry program for MKs in this very situation. Our team-mate, Ruthanne Burch, led this time with several girl TCKs: counseling and caring for them, debriefing and unpacking their stories and experiences, and encouraging them and offering some tools for navigating transition, not to mention just having fun and loving on the girls. Please pray for Madison, Caroline, Chloe, Ryan and Evan and for our team as we minister to them.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Recruiting, Training, Sending and Sustaining</span><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-771" href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/img_4812" mce_href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/img_4812"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-771" title="IMG_4812" src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4812-300x225.jpg" mce_src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4812-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="180" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; " /></a>Praise God with us for the 20 leaders who went through our GYFI (Global Youth and Family Institute) training last month in partnership with Covenant Seminary in St. Louis (our prime U.S. site). During 5 long days we helped participants develop a biblical & practical theology of next generation ministry—equipping them to lead the global church in engaging tweens, teens and twenty something’s with the gospel. This is the first of three successive courses in our GYFI certificate program. Through this partnership with Covenant Seminary, we are seeing God raise-up men & women with a heart for the emerging generation. In fact, we’ve identified and are actively recruiting 4 couples now at various stages in the process of joining our team as missionaries with GYFM! Also, thanks to you, we are developing international GYFI sites like this around the world where we are able to get this training to national leaders and indigenous churches desperately in need of resources. By God’s grace, we’ve already established sites in the U.S., Europe and Asia, and Lord willing, are on track to open our flagship site in Latin America this year!</p><p>Here are some of things participants are saying:</p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">“The meta-model you presented us gave us an excellent framework”</span></p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">“In this class I feel like God has been trying to get at my heart and get my attention”</span></p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">“I gained a richer, fuller understanding of the biblical grounds and goals for youth and family ministry”</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Getting the Word Out</span></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-770" href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/img_1129" mce_href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/img_1129"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-770" title="IMG_1129" src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1129-300x225.jpg" mce_src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1129-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="180" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; " /></a>We also hosted a booth and offered three seminars at the PCA’s 2020 Vision Conference in January. God blessed this opportunity to share our vision, offer some of our training to local church leaders and youth pastors here in the U.S., and to further our recruiting and fund raising efforts. In talking with many of the participants, we were reminded again of the great challenges facing the U.S. church in engaging the changing cultural landscape of North America. We try to impress on every leader the reality that youth ministry in any context is a cross-cultural enterprise: Adults must see themselves as cross-cultural missionaries to the kids and young adults in their own local communities!</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">A Family in Mission</span></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-768" href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/img_0039-copy" mce_href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/img_0039-copy"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-768" title="IMG_0039 copy" src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0039-copy-300x225.jpg" mce_src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0039-copy-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="180" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; " /></a>We took a trip as a family in late December/ early January to visit with our dear friend and colleague, Ruth VanReken. Ruth co-wrote the book, ‘Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds’, which is the seminal work on the subject. She has been a real encouragement and mentor to us as we develop our TCK ministry. Then we went to Chicago to visit with Naphali and Alyssa Marshall—dear friends and GYFM Associates (key volunteers). Naph and Lys continue to help us with our website and communications, and minister to MKs through various media and face-to-face at Area Retreats. Later in January we celebrated Rebecca’s 40<span mce_name="sup" mce_style="vertical-align: super;" class="Apple-style-span" style="vertical-align: super; ">th</span> birthday… over 85 people packed into our home with hugs and expressions of love for her. Notes flooded in over email too. I was encouraged by the ways God uses Rebecca to touch the lives of so many. And I was reminded of the impact youth ministry makes in the lives of those we serve. Here is an excerpt from one of the many letters that poured in:</p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">My husband, my mom and I were watching a movie a few months ago about a troubled teen. We got to talking about it afterwards and my mom asked me "How did you miss all of the bad things that a teenage girl can go through?" I never struggled with anorexia/bulimia, guys, partying, lack of friends, self-esteem... I thought for a really long time and my answer was "Rebecca Larsen." Rebecca invested in my life in ways that I don't know she'll ever realize. She exampled how to laugh at yourself and be ok with that. She taught me to be comfortable in my skin. Most of all she was my friend. When I think back to Middle School and early High School, it's true, I didn't have many school friends at all, but that was totally fine… Rebecca would pick me up and we'd simply hang out and share life. I can remember laughing for hours. I remember going over to your itty bitty house right next to the church and watching movies, sharing a meal, or just hanging out and talking. I remember countless Bible studies, praying, crying and singing with Rebecca. She taught me how to laugh, she encouraged me in my faith, and most of all, she was my friend when I had no friends. She gave me inspiration to reach out to people who also had no friends. She gave me courage to be a Christian.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Prayer Requests</span></p><ol><li>Please pray for our College weekend coming up later this month (held at Covenant College). Pray for a fruitful time of ministry among our college age MKs.</li><li>Please pray for SLYnet (St. Louis Youth Network)—a network of over 30 area youth ministers we launched and lead. Pray God uses our monthly gatherings to encourage and equip those who pour out their lives in ministry to youth and families across the city.</li><li>Please pray for our Covenant Group of seminary students. We meet with these young leaders weekly to mentor them in life and ministry, as they pursue God’s call to next gen ministry across North America and around the world.</li><li>Please pray for our team. We praise God that he has fully funded Ruthanne’s support for one year, and we trust him to supply the ongoing funds needed for her support. Pray for the Chungs and Wilkins as they are raising their support to be fully deployed to join us. And pray for two other couples who are in the process of discerning a call to GYFM: that God will give clarity and direction.</li><li>Praise God with us for his faithfulness to our family. We rejoice in Rebecca’s 40<span mce_name="sup" mce_style="vertical-align: super;" class="Apple-style-span" style="vertical-align: super; ">th</span> birthday, and celebrate Abby as she turns 13 and Meghan as she turns 11 this month!</li></ol><p>Thank you for partnering with us in mission to reach the nations and the next generation!</p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "></span></p><p>In His Grip,</p><p>The Larsens</p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-774" href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/logo9c-mod5" mce_href="http://www.gyfm.org/larsen-log-february-2011/logo9c-mod5"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-774" title="Logo9C-mod5" src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/GYFM-LOGO-Medium-100x46.jpg" mce_src="http://www.gyfm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/GYFM-LOGO-Medium-100x46.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="46" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; " /></a></p></div>Ruthannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11561332891108416328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-35016924934341848022010-12-29T09:48:00.000-08:002010-12-29T09:48:29.493-08:00Year End Giving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TRtzjLFzgQI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uE6nHfJFaS0/s1600/GYFM+LOGO+-+Medium%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TRtzjLFzgQI/AAAAAAAAAKo/uE6nHfJFaS0/s320/GYFM+LOGO+-+Medium%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Let's be up-front:</span></b><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> There are a lot of voices crying out for your generosity at this time of year. You can't respond to them all. We want you to know we understand. And we are deeply grateful for the ways you have supported us. Because of you, we have seen the Lord impact the lives of youth and families around the world. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">By God's grace, we just received a<b>$10,000 CHALLENGE GRANT</b> to launch our ministry into 2011. Our prayer is that you and others like you will respond by helping us raise an additional $10,000 to meet this challenge. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><b><i>Will you consider a year end gift to help us meet our goal? </i></b> Think of it this way: any gift you give is in essence DOUBLED! Giving $25 is like giving $50, giving $100 is like $200, giving $1000 becomes $2000. Your year end gift is tax deductible and will help us launch new ministries, respond to needs, and create opportunities to touch the lives of young people around the world with the love of Jesus. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><b><i>Happy New Year!</i></b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">In His Grip, Eric & Rebecca</span><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 17.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 27pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25pt; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">How can I give?</span></b><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> The easiest way to give is by going to our website and clicking "donate", then click on the Larsen's at <a href="http://www.gyfm.org/"><span style="color: #71120f; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> http://www.gyfm.org</span></a></span><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 21.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Or you can send your check (with "Larsen support account #29256" on the memo line) to: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Mission to the World</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> PO Box 116284 Atlanta, GA 30368-6284 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">ph. 1-866-8373-6133 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">May God richly bless you in the New Year!</span><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">How can I keep in touch?</span></b><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"></span><span style="color: #0024f4; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">cell</span><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">: 314.397.1197 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: #0024f4; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">web</span><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">: <a href="http://www.gyfm.org/"><span style="color: #71120f; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.gyfm.org</span></a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: #0024f4; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">blog</span><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">:<a href="http://larsenlog.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #71120f; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://larsenlog.blogspot.com</span></a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: #0024f4; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">facebook</span><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">:<a href="http://facebook.com/thegyfm"><span style="color: #71120f; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://facebook.com/thegyfm</span></a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: #0024f4; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">twitter</span><span style="color: #5f4233; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">: <a href="http://twitter.com/gyfm"><span style="color: #71120f; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://twitter.com/gyfm</span></a></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-84241611174902688272010-12-15T08:01:00.000-08:002010-12-15T08:01:09.035-08:00Mary's Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TQjig3Ci9dI/AAAAAAAAAKc/JvfFon55YWk/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TQjig3Ci9dI/AAAAAAAAAKc/JvfFon55YWk/s400/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">from generation to generation</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary sings in response to the news that she will bear the Messiah: "the mighty</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">one has done great things for me--holy is his name. His mercy extends to those</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who fear him, from generation to generation." Luke 1:49-50</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is mighty! He has done great things! His mercy extends to the next</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">generation! Thank you for partnering with us in reaching the nations and the</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">next generation with the good news of our Savior's birth, life, death and</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">resurrection. Together we've seen him do great things this year...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">great things he has done in 2010</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> * he has touched the lives of more than 100 MKs & mission families:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> providing counseling, small group discussion, spiritual renewal and</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> practical training through our programs and relational ministry</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> * he has equipped more than 100 national leaders around the world:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> providing training for next generation ministry through our GYF</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Institute sites in Asia, Europe, and the USA</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> * he has raised-up new missionaries: bringing Drew & Lindsey Wilkins to</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> join our team</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> * he has given many a heart for the work: raising-up brothers and sisters</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to join us in prayer, participation, and financial partnership</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We rejoice with you this Christmas: "the mighty one has done great</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> things--holy is his name"!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Thank you for faithfully partnering with us this year. Your prayers and</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> encouragement, love and support have fortified and sustained us as a family</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in mission. We are humbled and blessed to be sent by you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> May you find assurance and fresh hope this Christmas in Mary's song: "His</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> mercy extends to those who fear him--from generation to generation." His</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> mercy extends. His love cannot be thwarted. He will fulfill his promise:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to you, to me, and to all his people--our people--in every nation and each</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> generation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Merry Christmas!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Eric, Rebecca, Abby, Meghan, Natalie and Emma</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TQjiyLebhOI/AAAAAAAAAKg/t4ZuMnodyEE/s1600/Larsen+family+prayer+card+photo+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TQjiyLebhOI/AAAAAAAAAKg/t4ZuMnodyEE/s1600/Larsen+family+prayer+card+photo+2010.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Would you consider a year-end gift to the Larsen's work in Global Youth and Family Ministry?</i></span></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">give online by clicking "donate" at <a href="http://www.gyfm.org/">www.gyfm.org</a></span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OR</span></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">send checks to:</span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mission to the World</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.O. Box 116284 </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atlanta, GA, 30368-6284</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attention: Larsen support #29256</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-44278746961133661592010-10-19T09:02:00.000-07:002010-10-19T09:04:16.491-07:00Latin America Area Retreat NEWS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL3BAbmZTmI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/yvzqvEmveXQ/s1600/latin+AR+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL3BAbmZTmI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/yvzqvEmveXQ/s320/latin+AR+fun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL3BCEwR5gI/AAAAAAAAAKU/eDMUZqM7SAM/s1600/latin+AR+laughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL3BCEwR5gI/AAAAAAAAAKU/eDMUZqM7SAM/s320/latin+AR+laughter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL3BD7MJ0BI/AAAAAAAAAKY/U24BMFqQ5II/s1600/luchadores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL3BD7MJ0BI/AAAAAAAAAKY/U24BMFqQ5II/s320/luchadores.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL3AQMwA3tI/AAAAAAAAAKM/tCfed0kskGs/s1600/Latin+AR+group+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL3AQMwA3tI/AAAAAAAAAKM/tCfed0kskGs/s400/Latin+AR+group+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL2_rj1CQ8I/AAAAAAAAAKI/9J7bwieZMnE/s1600/Latin+AR+group+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/TL2_rj1CQ8I/AAAAAAAAAKI/9J7bwieZMnE/s400/Latin+AR+group+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We just got back from Mexico where we had the joy of leading a team of 26 youth pastors, ministering to 400 mission kids and their families from across Latin America. <br />
<br />
There are too many stories to share and much to praise God for:<br />
<br />
We saw kids connect with each other in the safety of small groups as fellow TCK's--sharing each other's burdens and celebrating joys... We saw redemptive relationships formed between youth leaders and MKs... We experienced sweet seasons of prayer and worship as believers connected across continents and countries... We saw kids grow through effective teaching and application of God's Word... We shared in the sorrows and struggles of those wounded in the line of fire... We saw God deliver his people from vehicle accidents, rip tides, and hurricanes... We counseled and encouraged many parents wrestling to love and lead their MKs through adolescence and the TCK experience... We saw new ministry avenues open up to speak into the lives of college and 20-something Mks and see them catch a kingdom vision...<br />
<br />
Thanks for praying for us and partnering with us in this ministry! <br />
<br />
Click here for more: www.gyfm.org<br />
<br />
With much love,<br />
<br />
The Larsen familyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-4104187703497323262010-08-24T13:23:00.001-07:002010-08-27T14:25:41.889-07:00One Crazy Summer!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">It’s been a full Summer, to say the least!</div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At the tail end of May, Eric travelled to London where he spent time developing a partnership with a local church there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The church is seeking to reach out to the European youth and growing population of immigrant young people in London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He also spent time working with MTW missionaries on a strategy to better minister to our MKs across Europe.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQrGJ6IQPI/AAAAAAAAAIo/P2l5G_HQ514/s320/IMG_0478.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509075628919898354" /> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">After London, Eric traveled to Hungary to participate in the European Leadership Forum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The ELF is a grass-roots gathering of 500 conservative evangelical leaders from 50 countries across eastern and western Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The GYFM seeks to partner with the ELF in providing our Institute training to European leaders struggling to engage the emerging generation in their countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Many participants expressed leaving encouraged and better equipped through what we had to offer.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQr3MI581I/AAAAAAAAAIw/pMmKM8mUNts/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509076471332336466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">In June, we travelled as a family to Harvey Cedars Bible Conference in NJ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Eric was invited to speak at Victory Jam summer camp, sharing the gospel with over 400 students from all walks of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God also provided many opportunities for us to encourage youth pastors and their wives, and to share the vision of the GYFM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We saw the spirit work in many lives during the week and came away encouraged as a family in ministry.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ6s-Ut6AI/AAAAAAAAAJg/rxpoFLtgx1w/s1600/IMG_0213.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ6s-Ut6AI/AAAAAAAAAJg/rxpoFLtgx1w/s320/IMG_0213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509092788499507202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ3fCn6QOI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/WXs4ZUkP3c8/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ3fCn6QOI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/WXs4ZUkP3c8/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509089250600698082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ7OM-uMrI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Lv-KrzI0At0/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ7OM-uMrI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Lv-KrzI0At0/s320/IMG_0067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509093359369466546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal">In July, we travelled to Ridgehaven in NC to serve during MTW’s Re-entry conference, followed by MTW’s Summer Conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>During Re-entry, Eric and Rebecca lead the mission kids in a time of debriefing and processing through their time on the field—helping them to wrestle through cultural, emotional, and spiritual issues of transition and adjustment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then, together with the Ridghaven staff, the GYFM lead a weeklong summer camp experience for TCK’s –involving hiking, rafting, ropes course, and swimming, as we spent time in Bible Study, singing, one-on-one counseling with the youth, and offering seminars and consulting with mission parents.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ1ilVDf-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/i21bD8zZ9F8/s1600/DSC_0132.jpeg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ1ilVDf-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/i21bD8zZ9F8/s320/DSC_0132.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509087112433205218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Later in July, Eric travelled to New York to serve during MTW’s Cross Cultural Mission Internship program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This time is focused on preparing new missionary families to serve cross culturally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Eric spent his time training, leading an event for new MKs, counseling mission parents, and building relationships with new missionary families in an effort to set them up for success as they go to the field.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ1CaiggGI/AAAAAAAAAI4/1dF2Wraxet4/s320/DSC_0048.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509086559781027938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ11ySJKTI/AAAAAAAAAJI/RoPxoDRLs-Y/s1600/DSC_0026.jpeg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ11ySJKTI/AAAAAAAAAJI/RoPxoDRLs-Y/s320/DSC_0026.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509087442328168754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then in August, our Global Youth and Family Institute offered it’s third foundations training module in STL in partnership with Covenant Seminary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Through this course, leaders receive training in a variety of models and methods for engaging the emerging generation with the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In fact, our GYFI is about to graduate it’s first class of 8 candidates in our certificate program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some are headed to Africa and Europe, while others are serving in culturally diverse and unique ethnic groups within the US.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ8UQWEgXI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Nk6x2Lh_JZs/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/THQ8UQWEgXI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Nk6x2Lh_JZs/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509094562863546738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Support update:</b><b> 81%</b> Praise the Lord!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We still need $1,600 per month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is our prayer that God would raise up…</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li>25 people to partner with us at $25/month </li><li>10 people to partner with us at $50/ month<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Cambria, serif;"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></li><li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore"><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""></span></span></span>5 people to partner with us at $100/ month</li></ul><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Would you consider increasing your giving by one of these amounts and letting us know by email?</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>If you have not been able to give or give regularly, would you be willing to join us at one of these amounts?</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How?</b> Go to www.gyfm.org OR </p><p class="MsoNormal">Send checks to: Mission to the World, PO Box 116284, Atlanta, GA 30368 (MEMO: Larsen Support Account 29256)</p><p class="MsoNormal">Above all, your prayers are what we need most!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> There is no way we could sustain without the love and prayers of God’s people surrounding us and going with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you for sending us and partnering with us as together we work toward <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Reaching the Nations and the Next Generation!</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-50400080308015714252010-08-04T12:27:00.000-07:002010-08-04T12:28:51.545-07:00Check-out my interview in InVision e-magazine<p><em><span style="font-style: normal; display: inline; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Why Next Generation Ministry Matters<br /></span></em><span style="font-style: italic; display: inline; color: rgb(153, 153, 255); font-weight: bold;color:#9999ff;" >by Melissa Kelley<br /><br /></span><img src="http://www2.mtw.org/home/site/templates/mtw_invision07.asp?resolutionfile=pxpath%7Cimages/Invision/images2010/Next_generation2.jpg" align="left" /> <em>“Reaching the nations and the next generation.” That’s the mission of Global Youth and Family Ministry (GYFM), led by MTW missionaries Eric and Rebecca Larsen. GYFM provides support and care for MTW missionaries and their children—often referred to as Third Culture Kids—and ongoing training for those seeking to influence global youth culture. Following is an interview with GYFM director Eric Larsen.<br /></em></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">Your path to youth ministry is personal. Can you talk about your own experience as a Third Culture Kid (TCK)?</p> <p>I was a military brat, missionary kid, and PCA pastor’s kid. And by eighth grade, I was on my 12th move, eighth school, and third continent.</p> <p>I had a really difficult transition from Australia to the U.S. after graduating from high school and moving to Covenant College. I remember sealing up my Australian belongings in a box and shoving it in the back of my closet; I stopped reading letters from my Australian friends; I changed my accent. I remember thinking, “I can’t continue to straddle multiple worlds when others can’t do that with me.”</p> <p>Many years later I finally learned to make peace with that part of who I was. God helped me unpack the box again, helped me become integrated in who I am. My father always said, “You minister out of who you are.” I think that getting in touch with our own stories, as well as spiritual gifts and temperament and giftedness ... all of those things are woven together, and God’s uses those to uniquely express Himself and reveal His gospel through us.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">Why are you compelled to work with Third Culture Kids? Why is it a priority for MTW?</p> <p>TCKs are uniquely equipped to impact a globalizing world. We hope that as the church invests in TCK ministry, we will see an emerging generation of missional leaders raised up. Also, we want to help them learn how God has hardwired them for crossing cultures—it may be that God is weaving this into His calling on their life.</p> <p>But beyond that, we think it’s important to undergird mission families by surrounding them with a web of support. Adolescence is tough enough to navigate without the compounding effects of mission service: isolation, spiritual warfare, the intensity of frontline ministry, and the challenges of growing up cross-culturally.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">You’ve said that ministry to youth is more critical now than at any other time in history. Why is that so?</p> <p>Reaching the next generation is a must for the church—and the church should always have that orientation. We see in the Bible that God is always reconciling generations to one another, and that the burden is on the older to reach out to the younger—not the other way around.</p> <p>But several things are unique at this point in history. More and more, the church is emptying of young people. There is an exploding global youth population (by the end of this year, 50 percent of the world’s population will be under the age of 25—that’s three billion people). Also, there’s the phenomenon of the extension of adolescence around the world. Kids are thrust into adolescence earlier and earlier and are extending it later and later. Now, it’s common for that period to stretch from 10 to 30 years old.</p> <p>We’re also seeing a global youth culture where kids have more in common with one another than with the adults around them. Some of the key factors causing that include media, technology, and the common experience of abandonment.<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">How would you like to see the church engage with youth?</p> <p>One big problem is the systemic adult abandonment of kids. Adults are not engaging young people. We have to raise up an army of folks who will engage young people together, as a church. We need a community of faith to rally around kids and care for them. It’s a great opportunity for the gospel, for a church to say, “We’re going to go after these kids.” We want to equip leaders to mobilize the adult community of faith to do that, to be catalysts, to become champions of the cause, to become a resource for their local area. And we want to ground them biblically and theologically to do that work.</p> <p><span style="display: inline; font-weight: bold;">How does your partnership with Covenant Seminary help accomplish your goal of training others to do youth ministry?</span></p> <p>It’s important to see youth ministry movements as integral to our church-planting efforts around the world. So we’re involved in training cross-cultural youth ministers sent as missionaries with MTW, as well as equipping and encouraging field leadership, national leaders, and indigenous churches in engaging the emerging generations in their context.</p> <p>Our Global Youth and Family Institute (GYFI) is based out of Covenant Theological Seminary, which has adopted GYFI’s training modules as its curriculum for a master of arts or master of divinity concentration in global youth ministry. So, training is a key piece of our vision. We also provide training all over the world—in Nagoya, Japan, several times a year, for example, and also at an annual European leadership forum. </p> <p>It’s good to see Covenant Seminary and MTW—two PCA agencies—partnering together in this effort. It results in a theologically robust program where training is grounded in practice and kingdom mission.<br /><br /></p> <p></p> <hr /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">To learn more about Global Youth and Family Ministry, visit </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.gyfm.org">www.gyfm.org</a></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-51687308224260125212010-07-21T07:34:00.000-07:002010-07-21T08:47:18.166-07:00Go Global! New website for engaging the emerging generation in world mission<span style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br />Missionaries know that in order to reach people with the gospel, we must be willing and able to speak their language.<br /><br />The upcoming generation in our culture speaks a different “language” too, a language shaped by media sound bites, dynamic video, action-oriented extreme sports, and fast-moving technology like social networking, mobile web surfing, or texting.<br /><br />We believe it is our responsibility to speak to this generation, to help them catch a vision for the world around them and begin to focus outside themselves.<br /><br />In an effort to connect with them by speaking their language, MTW has created a new micro website, “<b>Go Global,”</b> showcasing young people who are engaging in missions. Read their comments about what God has taught them. Hear and see their stories in videos about missions and missionaries. You’ll even find a little humor if you look for it.<br /><br />But, we need your help to spread the word: share it with leaders in your church’s youth ministry, post a link on Facebook, and mention it to your friends. Feel free to use your imagination.</span></span></span> <!--EndFragment--><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;">Here's the link:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><a href="http://go.netatlantic.com/t/23505550/50462411/160290/0/">http://GoGlobal.MTW.org</a></span></span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-76694048493758790582010-06-16T05:49:00.000-07:002010-06-16T12:13:49.832-07:00Voices from Hungary<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwdb2teqyYERBRBNnJoy9KYoL12ITznwPrSRC-ABxXgYsC7tdfZX8A8ZJOe4QRfK74Pg4cOTnMxnpxobbdITQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Eric just recently returned from training a group of leaders at the European Leadership Forum in Hungary. Please take a minute to watch this short video of testimonies from participants.<div><br /></div><div>The ELF brings together conservative evangelical leaders from 50 countries across Eastern and Western Europe who come together to pray and strategize in reaching their continent for Christ. Our Global Youth and Family Institute partners with the ELF by providing training, mentoring, and consulting as we seek to equip and encourage European leaders in reaching the youth in their communities. Thank you for partnering with us in reaching the nations and the next generation.</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-74721096446655944142010-05-17T14:36:00.000-07:002010-05-17T14:49:53.779-07:00To Europe or bust!Please pray for us over the next two weeks: I'll be in London this week working to establish a flagship GYFM work in partnership with the International Presbyterian Church of West Ealing (Francis Schaeffer's former church!) and our new GYFM Missionary, Marta Douglass! Marta will be partnering with the local church to reach and disciple local London youth (one of the most diverse cities in the world!) as well as training leaders in youth ministry and working to care for Third Culture Kids across Europe.<div><br /><div>After a week in London, I head on to Budapest, Hungary to serve at the European Leadership Forum. The ELF is a gathering of over 500 conservative-evangelical leaders from 50 countries across Eastern and Western Europe. They come together annually to encourage one another, pray together, and strategize and train to reach their continent for Christ. While there has been training offered at the ELF in things like church planting, arts & culture, apologetics and science & culture, there has been a gaping hole re next gen ministry. We have been invited to bring our GYF Institute training, and are building towards a strategic partnership to equip and encourage many european leaders in engaging the emerging generation. Pray God uses the seminars, small groups and one-on-one mentoring/ consulting to make a Kingdom impact! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for partnering and praying with us toward the vision of reaching the nations and the next generation with the love of Jesus!</div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-86135829141896296672010-02-01T14:22:00.000-08:002010-02-01T17:01:10.031-08:00Launch! Global Youth and Family Institute: U.S. site<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/S2dbnh_L1AI/AAAAAAAAAIg/hyicl84t22s/s1600-h/IMG_4835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/S2dbnh_L1AI/AAAAAAAAAIg/hyicl84t22s/s320/IMG_4835.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433412210142204930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/S2dbTiIrMoI/AAAAAAAAAIY/9Ia0R-yHwdY/s1600-h/IMG_4812.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/S2dbTiIrMoI/AAAAAAAAAIY/9Ia0R-yHwdY/s320/IMG_4812.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433411866584625794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/S2dU0r1UetI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/ffsYhhwKblE/s1600-h/IMG_4817.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/S2dU0r1UetI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/ffsYhhwKblE/s320/IMG_4817.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433404739542088402" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b>The Global Youth and Family Institute</b> is the primary way we are <i>equipping and encouraging ministers around the world to lead the church in engaging the emerging generation. </i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">The goal is to equip missionaries, church planters, youth ministers, and lay leaders through strategic sites around the globe. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">We have launched sites in <b>Japan</b> and <b>Hungary</b>, and are working on launching sites in <b>India</b> and <b>Colombia</b>. We have more invitations than we can accept!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">This past month we launched our <b>U.S.</b> site in partnership with Covenant Theological Seminary (St. Louis, MO). </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">By God's grace, nearly <b>40 leaders</b> participated in a 4 day intensive training module titled: 'Theology of Global Youth and Family Ministry'. This is the first of three "Foundations" training modules we offer through the Institute.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">Students from Covenant Seminary were able to take this course through the GYFI and receive 3 credit hours toward a concentration in Global Youth and Family Ministry in the MA or MDiv degree programs. In turn, those who complete our three Foundations courses will earn a certificate from the Global Youth and Family Institute.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><b>The three GYFI Foundations courses are:</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">1. Theology of Global Youth and Family Ministry</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">2. Global Youth Culture, Development, and Discipleship</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">3. Global Youth and Family Ministry Models and Methods</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;">I was blessed and encouraged by the insights, questions and passion of those who participated. It was obvious that God was at work through the week, fueling a heart for Christ and kids.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><b>Please pray for our second foundations training course which will be offered later this month. </b>Ask God to use the work of the Global Youth and Family Institute to train and deploy an army of men and women who will lead the global church in <i>reaching the nations and the next generation! </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-21172973495662567442009-12-25T16:51:00.000-08:002010-01-07T17:06:18.133-08:00Merry Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/S0aEN1khLzI/AAAAAAAAAHo/3GzVK6RhQE4/s1600-h/Larson+Family+30.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/S0aEN1khLzI/AAAAAAAAAHo/3GzVK6RhQE4/s320/Larson+Family+30.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424168174467755826" /></a>
<br /> <meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 2008"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/ericlarsen/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>519</o:Words> <o:characters>2961</o:Characters> <o:company>Mission to the World</o:Company> <o:lines>24</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>3636</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Lucida Handwriting"; panose-1:3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Times CE"; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:88; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:5 0 0 0 2 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Times CE";">Merry Christmas from the Larsen’s and the Global Youth and Family Ministry!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” –John 1:14 (MSG)</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">Immanuel, God is with us! We rejoice with you in the ways God made his presence known to us this year—going with us and before us in life and ministry. We pray you know His presence in a close and personal way this Advent. May he fill all our hearts with hope as we trust in the One who came for us, is with us, and is coming again!</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">Here are some of the ways you enabled us to serve MKs in 2009:</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">1. The <span style="">Families in Global Transition Conference</span>--working with leaders across sectors to care for families living and serving cross-culturally</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">2. The <span style="">Europe/ Africa Area Retreat</span>--providing spiritual refreshment for missionary kids and families serving in Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, and Muslim States</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">3. <span style="">Re-Entry</span> Conference--helping mission kids in transition off the field as they deal with issues of identity, loss, and cultural confusion</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">4. <span style="">Summer Conference</span>--providing a summer camp experience for MKs during their Home Mission Assignment in the US</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">5. <span style="">Pre-Field Training</span>--offering seminars, consulting, and one-on-one counsel to youth and families preparing to go to the field as missionaries for the first time.</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">6. <span style="">GYFM Associates</span> program--working to recruit US youth pastors and churches to minister to specific mission teams and youth on the field</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">And here are some of the ways you enabled us to equip national leaders to reach youth around the globe:</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">1. The <span style="">European Leadership Forum</span>--invited to offer some of our GYFI (global youth and family institute) training to leaders from over Eastern and Western Europe</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">2. <span style=""> Korean Leadership Training</span>--partnering with RTS to train Korean pastors and missionaries in engaging the next gen in their culture and context</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">3. <span style="">Latin American Leadership Training</span>--partnering with MINTS and local grass-roots church planting networks to train leaders in Colombia</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">4. <span style="">Japan Church Planting Institute </span>& Christ Bible Seminary--gave seminars, consulting and taught seminary course on reaching the emerging gen with leaders in Japan</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">5. <span style="">Youth Ministry in India</span>--led retreat for youth of lepers, training and consulting with local youth leaders, budding partnership with PTS as future GYFI site</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">6. <span style="">Equipping U.S. leaders</span>--leading SLYnet (St Louis Youth Network), partnering with Covenant Seminary to mentor and train church leaders in next generation ministry.</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">As it stands, we are at approx. <span style="">80% of our needed support </span>(only 20% to go!). Please pray that God will see us to 100% as we enter 2010. Occasional gifts have kept us afloat. Would you prayerfully consider a year-end gift? Even better, would you consider making a monthly commitment, or increasing your current commitment?</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">You can <span style="">donate online</span> by going to </span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><a href="http://www.mtw.org/"><span style="">www.mtw.org</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"> (click the image marked "donate online" and follow the prompts).</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">And check out our latest <span style="">"blogumentary" video</span> at </span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><a href="http://www.larsenlog.blogspot.com/"><span style="">www.larsenlog.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">Thank you for praying for us, encouraging us and supporting us this past year. It is a joy and privilege being sent by you to extend the gospel <span style="">t<span style="">o the nations and the next generation. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">In His Grip,</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: "Times CE";">the Larsen's</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">(Eric, Rebecca, Abby, Meghan, Natalie, Emma)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">Global Youth & Family Ministry and Institute</span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times CE";">"Reaching the Nations and the Next Generation"</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><a href="http://www.larsenlog.blogspot.com/"><span style="">www.larsenlog.blogspot.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><a href="http://www.gyfm.org/"><span style="">www.gyfm.org</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><a href="http://www.mtw.org/"><span style="">www.mtw.org</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times CE";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-86560603738775775722009-12-02T14:02:00.000-08:002009-12-02T15:51:36.453-08:00Bullet Trains and Bhuddist Temples<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dys5hC9lRsZox6OGS7yNu0GAzk8AIvPaPGEpLMn7nmi9-AMhUQDmqRYlG1ZkelWF0UoT9GknOuUkUdjA1OX9g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br />Take a ride with me on the Bullet train... Visit some Bhuddist temples and Shinto shrines in Kyoto... See beauty veiling darkness... But the gospel is breaking through!<br /></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-31087898269500118032009-11-05T20:15:00.000-08:002009-11-08T03:48:39.178-08:00Japan 2009<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw5hSfuKBoF2j5SnTppxsCwwXFvD1f5GQSQYNwQN7jnYv7rjZEeyCxYFy0zQEsV4T8wO_MiJAL3iBUIdqMnEw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-29451469497267199142009-10-27T04:18:00.000-07:002009-11-08T03:52:59.114-08:00India, October 09<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyy9TF8imwI46kBWGDKxEARAD1HGVe7nQRT3YhhgN-_o3c5uqy_Dx8t9RbyGT6awWh_I6OXAWmfoLFDlI4w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-1856899384364420932009-09-24T03:11:00.001-07:002009-09-26T09:35:55.676-07:00Bogota, Colombia<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9I_uZV_xoD1VfVUmDP_wQqxhWz1aIaYsyeoGAJ34WFar6LZ68uPKtMKmOV6nLC5wqX70wtL2C3rRznluoig' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtHl8MLy2I/AAAAAAAAAFU/QuuSA9XbwXU/s1600-h/IMG_2122.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtHl8MLy2I/AAAAAAAAAFU/QuuSA9XbwXU/s320/IMG_2122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384976496589523810" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Global youth culture is alive and well in Bogota, Colombia</b>. And churches are struggling with how to engage. But God is raising up many pastors, leaders and parents who are prayerfully seeking wisdom in passing the baton of faith to the next generation.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was my privilege to spend time encouraging students and leaders alike: counseling, consulting, training, and praying together over the eight days I was there. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My faith and confidence in God's work in and through His church grew as I encountered men like Javier and Daniel. These two Bogotano pastors are leading a church planting movement and seminary fueling renewal in the city. They described to me the <b>growing disconnect between the church and the young people</b> of Bogota, and the many challenges that young Bogotanos face. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For instance, many youth feel so disconnected with adults and so defeated by the residual fear and oppression of the terror stricken culture, that every year 100's of kids participate in <b>mass suicide</b>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">Even more tragic: none of these kids are personally and physically in relationship with each other. The suicides are orchestrated through online "cultures" or communities, and kids are found dead across the city--alone in their rooms in front of their computers.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b>Kids are desperate the world over</b>. Where are the adults who will personally pursue them and enter their world of hurt and confusion with the hope of the gospel? Please continue to pray with us that God will raise up a generation of leaders to reach this lost generation. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">Thank you for supporting and sending us in the call to <i>"Reach the Nations and the Next Generation".</i></span></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtQrYmynxI/AAAAAAAAAFc/0eNVWGdEz8k/s1600-h/IMG_2137.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtQrYmynxI/AAAAAAAAAFc/0eNVWGdEz8k/s320/IMG_2137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384986485721308946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Razor wire and graffiti: youth culture against the backdrop of terror</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtU-CT-qJI/AAAAAAAAAF0/08vgkpq9OWc/s1600-h/IMG_1928_3.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtU-CT-qJI/AAAAAAAAAF0/08vgkpq9OWc/s320/IMG_1928_3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384991204200851602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">El Camino Academy: teacher training and speaking in chapel services</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtVmRSQwkI/AAAAAAAAAF8/9wEwaXeckzI/s1600-h/IMG_2211.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtVmRSQwkI/AAAAAAAAAF8/9wEwaXeckzI/s320/IMG_2211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384991895414948418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">Speaking to the youth group of United Church of Bogota</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtWWHEHYOI/AAAAAAAAAGE/8Gb4cDSchNU/s1600-h/IMG_1877_3.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtWWHEHYOI/AAAAAAAAAGE/8Gb4cDSchNU/s320/IMG_1877_3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384992717304979682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">Training Colombian church planters and seminary students</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtWvuTUhWI/AAAAAAAAAGM/UHji8ErWDX4/s1600-h/IMG_2250.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtWvuTUhWI/AAAAAAAAAGM/UHji8ErWDX4/s320/IMG_2250.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384993157334467938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">Parent/ teen seminar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtY_H6GBFI/AAAAAAAAAGU/GXFerMk598k/s1600-h/IMG_2241.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtY_H6GBFI/AAAAAAAAAGU/GXFerMk598k/s320/IMG_2241.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384995620929274962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">Preaching at United Church</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;color:#000000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtatKGu0hI/AAAAAAAAAHE/S055SA60hQs/s320/IMG_2252.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384997511304761874" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /> </span></span>New friends<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtascDkW4I/AAAAAAAAAG8/HN7Q5-k5OhU/s1600-h/IMG_2258.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtascDkW4I/AAAAAAAAAG8/HN7Q5-k5OhU/s320/IMG_2258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384997498943462274" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtZA4yNJSI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Rd_FNegQIJM/s1600-h/IMG_2274.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SrtZA4yNJSI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Rd_FNegQIJM/s320/IMG_2274.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384995651229394210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;">Yum!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-54296352409228322302009-05-26T06:23:00.000-07:002009-09-26T09:34:06.957-07:00Hungary, May '09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/ShvtcG7dAiI/AAAAAAAAAFE/1bXCFgOgXV4/s1600-h/IMG_9000.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/ShvtcG7dAiI/AAAAAAAAAFE/1bXCFgOgXV4/s320/IMG_9000.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340122850329952802" /></a>32 hours, 3 planes, a taxi, a train and a long hike later, I find myself in Eger, Hungary. The European Leadership Forum is what's brought me here. The ELF is a gathering of conservative evangelical pastors and ministry leaders from across eastern and western Europe. This is the 8th annual gathering of the forum, a grassroots network which has grown to include 500 leaders from 45 countries. The mission of the ELF is to serve as a "bridge between local leaders' needs and God's global resources". While the forum is primarily lead by European nationals, I have been invited by Scottish colleagues and friends, Mark and Jenny Stirling, to offer some of our Global Youth and Family Institute training at the forum. While there are tracks and seminars offered on apologetics, preaching, theology, counseling, art and culture, society and politics... they have not had any emphasis or opportunity for training in reaching the next generation. I have had a group of about 50 people participate in my training seminar, and 8 in a daily focus group. In addition, I have made many new contacts and had many conversations and opportunities to consult, pray with, and learn from people from a wide verity of cultures and contexts. Just today, Zoli (a Serbian pastor) and I spent time talking about the challenges he faces in shepherding an aging, simple village church while struggling to connect to the large yet unreached youth population in their community. There are no simple answers. But God has allowed us to wrestle and pray together. God is bigger, and he continues to humble me in light of his glory and the expanse of his kingdom. His love and passion for kids is greater far than ours. He is the divine Youth Pastor, and he will redeem his own from every nation. Thank you for your prayers and commitment to reaching the nations and the next generation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-60820026686347984262009-05-11T13:45:00.000-07:002009-09-26T09:38:38.843-07:00Spain, April '09<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiTHyRbPMI/AAAAAAAAAE0/-FrgfcokcYA/s1600-h/IMG_8538.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiTHyRbPMI/AAAAAAAAAE0/-FrgfcokcYA/s400/IMG_8538.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334675520583580866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We've just returned from Spain where we lead a team of 20 pastors and youth ministers to bring spiritual refreshment and renewal to 100 mission kids from all over Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. MTW provides an Area Retreat for these 600 missionaries and their families once every 4 years. It's hard to put into words how important this retreat is to these servants and their kids. For many MKs this was a time to be known and poured into in a relevant and personal way--a way they rarely experience on the field. And for many, this retreat marked a significant moment in their walk with Christ. Here are some of their own words: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I love hanging out with other MKs"</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The small groups and leaders were really awesome and the music too"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"I now have lots of friends"</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"This was an awesome retreat - I never felt scared to share my thoughts"</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Thanks to the leaders, you guys rock!"</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Amazingly awesome!"</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"The message was so appropriate for the stuggles of MKs"</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"As an MK preparing for college it was helpful to hear from people who had already faced the transfer to a university"</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"I liked the activities and the teachings on grace"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Being reminded of God’s grace and how amazing it is no matter how messy e are was just what i needed"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"That we can hope for a time that all tears will be wiped away"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"While i face temptation and pain the only thing capable of overcoming these is a deeper more genuine</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> faith than many ‘masked’ christians have"</span></span></span></span><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"Even when you don't desire God he still desires you"</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"That i am just as important as my mom and dad"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"That even though i am a kid i can still work for God"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"That no matter how far you run and push away. God isn’t going anywhere"</span></span></span><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"That I am not alone in my struggles"</span></span></span><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"God still loves us despite our failures"</span></span></span><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"To take off my mask"</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"That God loves Losers - because i sometimes feel like a loser"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"That there are many kids like me who understand what it's like to me an MK"</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Thank you for investing in us as we invest ourselves in the lives of those growing up on the mission field. By God's grace, together we are seeing Kingdom impact!</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In HIs Grip,</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Eric and Rebecca Larsen</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(Abby, Meghan, Natalie and Emma)</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica Neue"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiTwAKDwVI/AAAAAAAAAE8/BMZb1IHNUBM/s1600-h/IMG_8339.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiTwAKDwVI/AAAAAAAAAE8/BMZb1IHNUBM/s400/IMG_8339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334676211505545554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Abby, Meghan, Natalie, and Emma "hangin-out" at the terminal</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiTHyRbPMI/AAAAAAAAAE0/-FrgfcokcYA/s1600-h/IMG_8538.JPG"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiSBjFMecI/AAAAAAAAAEs/J_tQHaKd8lE/s1600-h/IMG_8661.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiSBjFMecI/AAAAAAAAAEs/J_tQHaKd8lE/s400/IMG_8661.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334674313914907074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">100 middle, high school and college missionary kids worshipping and growing together</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiRT6IXN7I/AAAAAAAAAEk/xCQ49S4i6x0/s1600-h/IMG_8767.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiRT6IXN7I/AAAAAAAAAEk/xCQ49S4i6x0/s400/IMG_8767.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334673529828226994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Emma's become an expert traveller</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiQ91ow2eI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tChZxs5kc0s/s1600-h/IMG_8757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SgiQ91ow2eI/AAAAAAAAAEc/tChZxs5kc0s/s400/IMG_8757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334673150664825314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Larsen ladies in flight</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-9987112738367535272009-03-09T09:58:00.000-07:002009-09-26T09:41:00.248-07:00Houston, March '09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SbVLSnfW0EI/AAAAAAAAAEU/NnpH23DFCPc/s1600-h/BottomRight.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 144px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SbVLSnfW0EI/AAAAAAAAAEU/NnpH23DFCPc/s320/BottomRight.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311234118763597890" /></a>I just returned from the 'Families in Global Transition Conference' in Houston, TX. This conference brings together leaders from several sectors that deal with personnel living cross-culturally (Military, Missions, Int'l Business, and various forms of Foreign Service). <div><br /></div><div>One of topics that came up in conversation and in the seminars, was the issue of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">grief</span>. For many of the TCK's I encounter, grief flows as an unseen current just beneath the surface of their lives. Occasionally the rip tide drags them under in depression, anxiety, and rage. But often they don't even recognize the currents of loss which accumulate subtly, wave upon wave, until they find themselves standing in the high tide of hurt. And when the dam bursts it's often about more than the precipitating event (like moving), but rather the culmination of unresolved grief. As one presenter put it, many TCK's are crushed under the burden of "paying debt" on accumulated losses in their lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sara, a 21 yr old missionary kid (who grew up in Australia, Singapore, France and Russia) shared a bit of her story with me. She talked about how her initial transition back into U.S. culture felt like "no big deal" during her freshman year in College. But by the time she entered her sophomore year, she found herself feeling disconnected, depressed, like an "outsider". The subtle effects of culture shock and the losses sustained through the many cross-cultural moves finally caught up with her after the thrill and challenge of her first year in college had worn off. In his mercy, God led her to an understanding counselor, a caring adult, and a small group of fellow TCK's who came alongside her. Through these relationships, Sara began to uncover the grief that lay dormant in her heart--naming the losses and and working through them before the Lord. God has brought a lot of healing in Sara's life. In fact, through it all she has come to embrace her cross-cultural heritage and uniqueness--graduating with a degree in Intercultural Studies and Russian. Sara is looking to the Author of her life to show her how He intends to use her story to make a difference around the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sara's is the kind of redemptive story you are helping to write. By supporting the Global Youth and Family Ministry, you are investing in the lives of kids like Sara. Please continue to pray that God would enable us to provide effective resources, care and crisis intervention for God's mission kids and their families. We are working to build a team of youth ministers and counselors who are equipped to engage these unique issues, and who will invest in personal relationships with over 400 adolescent MK's around the world. In turn, we continue to develop training and resources to encourage and equip missionary youth, parents and leadership to thrive through the challenges of adolescence and the Third Culture Kid experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, next month Rebecca and I will lead a team of 18 pastors, counselors and youth ministers to provide a retreat for 100 MK's from all over Europe and Africa. Please pray that God would use our team to bring spiritual refreshment and encouragement to these mission kids. Pray that we would be sensitive to those who are hurting and apply the healing of the gospel. And pray that we would know how to challenge and inspire those whom God is calling to live out of their unique gifts and callings to engage a broken world with the love of Jesus. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for sending and supporting us! </div><div><br /></div><div>In His Grip,</div><div><br /></div><div>The Larsens</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-29087271426331806672009-01-25T14:23:00.000-08:002009-09-26T09:42:27.509-07:00Brussels, January '09<span style="font-family:arial;">I’m writing this post from Operation Mobilization’s center in Brussels, Belgium. A group of new MTW missionary candidates have gathered here for a month of pre-field training. The mornings are spent in classroom instructio</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SXzntmA3CPI/AAAAAAAAAD8/07Ran-bA6lY/s1600-h/brussels+09,+graffiti+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SXzntmA3CPI/AAAAAAAAAD8/07Ran-bA6lY/s320/brussels+09,+graffiti+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295362032365144306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">n, while the afternoons/evenings are spent in practical ministry assignments around the city. I have spent the last few days meeting with individuals and families and doing some training for the group on global youth and family ministry. Brussels is a great location for this training: 45% of the population is immigrant. Our missionary candidates will be placed in Persian, Korean, Dutch, French, and Indian contexts. Please pray that these new missionaries will grow in grace and skill as they are equipped to take the gospel to the nations. And pray that my time here bears fruit in seeing each one inspired and empowered to reach the youth in their context--including caring for the TCKs on their teams.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-91584046109946755022008-12-22T09:01:00.000-08:002009-09-26T09:43:57.276-07:00December 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SU_2AJeNb6I/AAAAAAAAADU/9C3ZQc-JyIY/s1600-h/Larsen+prayer+card+pic,+2007.png"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SU_MMJqroSI/AAAAAAAAAC8/Du6Cltr5UrI/s1600-h/Angel+and+Virgin+Mary.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 297px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SU_MMJqroSI/AAAAAAAAAC8/Du6Cltr5UrI/s320/Angel+and+Virgin+Mary.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282665397054316834" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." Luke 1:38</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"Do you trust the Spirit enough to say: 'I am your slave; take me; use your omnipotent power to put me <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">where</span> you want me, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">when</span> you want me there, doing <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">what</span> you want me to do'? Do you know why we can entrust ourselves to the Holy Spirit? Because he exists to exalt the glory of Jesus Christ. Therefore, if the heartbeat of your life is the glory of Jesus Christ, the Spirit will empower and help you with all his might. Let's live and speak so that men and women might know that Jesus Christ is a great Savior, the Son of the Most High, and the never-ending King of kings. That's the passion of the Holy Spirit. To be full of that is to be full of him." -- John Piper</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">God has used this year to stretch us and grow our trust in Him. From trying to raise support in a struggling economy; to seeing two new missionaries approved to join the Global Youth and Family team... From wrestling with how to do marriage, family and relationships while ministering around the globe; to watching God raise up national leaders in eleven different countries hungry to be equipped in reaching youth... From dealing with illness and injury abroad, to experiencing the strength of God and the power of prayer... From caring for missionary kids and families in crisis, to seeing third culture kids embracing their gifts and callings.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Thank you for standing with us through it all! We know God has used the prayers of our friends, family and support team to make all the difference. Piper asks (above): "Do you trust the Spirit enough to say: 'I am your slave; take me; use your omnipotent power to put me <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">where</span> you want me, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">when</span> you want me there, doing <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">what</span> you want me to do'?" Apart from the work of the Spirit in response to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">your</span> prayers and support, we would not even begin to be able to trust Him and abandon ourselves to this mission. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Please pray for...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">1. The launch of the first two International GYFI (Global Youth and Family Institute) sites this coming year (2009): training national leaders and indigenous churches for youth ministry in their context. We need wisdom to know the most strategic location for these pilot sites.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">2. John & Saras Chung (Karis and Jaron), and Ruthanne Burch--newly approved MTW missionaries for our team--as they raise their support in hopes of joining us this year.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">3. The 400 missionary kids and families we're called to care for around the world as they face the challenges of adolescence and the compound stress of cross-cultural missions.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">4. The upcoming Area Retreat (April 09) for our missionary families from across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. We will be recruiting and leading a team of 20 youth ministers and counselors to run a program and build relationships with MKs.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">5. For the Larsen family as we continue to embrace our calling and look to the Lord to guide us through the stress and strain of cross-cultural ministry, heavy international travel and separations, and the demands of pioneering a new ministry.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">6. For our financial support: we currently stand at approximately 70% of our total monthly commitment needed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">All of us have been hurt at some level by the economic downturn. Word just came that MTW will be cutting all staff and US based missionaries by 5% beginning January 2009. That will be tough for our family of 6, but we are grateful to be employed. And we are confident that God will supply all our needs according to his riches in Christ. Your financial giving continues to go to our support account, but the amount apportioned to us in salary will be 5% less, and the adjusted amount apportioned to our operational/ ministry budget. None of your giving is being redirected to other missionaries, ministries or to MTW as a whole, but continues to directly contribute to the Global Youth and Family Ministry. Thank you!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">This Christmas may you and I be able to say with our whole hearts, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said." As John Piper writes, "Let's live and speak so that men and women might know that Jesus Christ is a great Savior, the Son of the Most High, and the never-ending King of kings. That's the passion of the Holy Spirit. To be full of that is to be full of him." May you be filled with the Spirit of Christ this Christmas as together we proclaim with passion the love of our Savior to the nations and the next generation.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Merry Christmas!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Larsens</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family:Georgia;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SU_2AJeNb6I/AAAAAAAAADU/9C3ZQc-JyIY/s320/Larsen+prayer+card+pic,+2007.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282711370331942818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px; " /></span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-53777387016433020532008-11-10T11:50:00.000-08:002009-09-26T09:45:01.611-07:00Bulgaria, November '08<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz3-pLgwI/AAAAAAAAAC0/xpeIvOFReRI/s1600-h/IMG_7183.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz3-pLgwI/AAAAAAAAAC0/xpeIvOFReRI/s320/IMG_7183.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270042657010975490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz3jkoX2I/AAAAAAAAACs/CwKaxpq1MCk/s1600-h/IMG_7179.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz3jkoX2I/AAAAAAAAACs/CwKaxpq1MCk/s320/IMG_7179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270042649744138082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz3d4XHpI/AAAAAAAAACk/ZFa0kqnXwIY/s1600-h/IMG_7177.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz3d4XHpI/AAAAAAAAACk/ZFa0kqnXwIY/s320/IMG_7177.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270042648216280722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz3G8KL4I/AAAAAAAAACc/LSEBtF1poR4/s1600-h/IMG_7167.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz3G8KL4I/AAAAAAAAACc/LSEBtF1poR4/s320/IMG_7167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270042642058194818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz201dopI/AAAAAAAAACU/wNg8Z03yb_k/s1600-h/IMG_7135.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SSLz201dopI/AAAAAAAAACU/wNg8Z03yb_k/s320/IMG_7135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270042637198271122" /></a><br />I'm writing from an internet cafe in Velingrad, Bulgaria. About 25 missionary leaders from across eastern and western europe have gathered here for a Leadership Training Conference. My purpose in coming is to cast the vision of the Global Youth and Family Ministry, build relationships, network with leaders, understand needs, and explore opportunities to launch Global Youth and Family Institute sites in strategic areas in Europe. We want to equip the church to reach the next generation here in Europe by providing youth ministry training for missionaries, local leaders and indigenous churches. Please be praying for this important week! There is so much need in Eastern and Western Europe. Many are discouraged by little visible fruit. It is tough soil for sowing the Gospel. But while the seeds planted may be small and few, our Lord reminds us the kingdom is like the tiniest mustard seed which grows to become the largest of trees. Join us in asking the Lord of the Harvest to raise up workers for His harvest field: those called to reaching the nations and the next generation!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2701155149832029809.post-79712968328139663332008-10-21T19:44:00.000-07:002009-09-26T09:45:41.249-07:00Prayer letter, October '08<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SP6W4VaglhI/AAAAAAAAABs/iZIctX7t7qc/s1600-h/larsens+at+KL+mosk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SP6W4VaglhI/AAAAAAAAABs/iZIctX7t7qc/s320/larsens+at+KL+mosk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259807309380490770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SP6WagMtWEI/AAAAAAAAABk/n5ooTeuxdwA/s1600-h/mtw+logo+vertical_color.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ob21DP2RXeo/SP6WagMtWEI/AAAAAAAAABk/n5ooTeuxdwA/s320/mtw+logo+vertical_color.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259806796879321154" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:13px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15px;">October 17, 2008</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">Dear Support Team,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; "><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">Rebecca and I want to say, “Thank you” for supporting us with your prayers and giving .<span> </span>And I want to apologize for not keeping you informed with regular updates.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; "><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">It has been a crazy year and a half since we stepped out in faith to launch this new ministry.<span> </span>We knew the need to reach youth (both MKs and kids of all people groups) was huge, but we didn’t know how urgent and overwhelming this ministry would be.<span> </span>It’s been like opening Pandora’s box—the hurting missionary kids and families, and the cry of churches and pastors around the world to help them reach kids in their countries, cities and villages.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; "><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">I (Eric) am not a strong administrator to begin with, and found myself quickly over-extended responding to needs and developing new ministries. <span> </span>Though I have felt more stretched than ever before, I have also been more fulfilled than ever.<span> </span>Our weaknesses and inadequacies have been revealed in new and painful ways, but God has met us with his grace and shown us his faithfulness to multiply what little we can offer to make an impact.<span> </span>Know that he has done the same with your gifts and prayers.<span> </span>We couldn’t do this without you!<span> </span>And we are humbled and grateful to be sent by you to reach the nations and the next generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; "><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">October has been the first month all year that I haven’t traveled internationally, so Rebecca and I have spent some needed time evaluating the ministry and our lives.<span> </span>One of the things we’ve been convicted of is our neglect in communicating with our support team… with you.<span> </span>Please forgive us.<span> </span>Your gifts have been so meaningful—especially during such an economically turbulent time.<span> </span>We have been really blessed by everyone’s consistency and feel so badly that we haven’t shared the “proceeds” of your “investments”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; "><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; "><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">You’re committed to us, and we want you to know we are committed to you, as together we are committed to Christ and his kingdom work.<span> </span>Our goal is to keep you updated by email or snail mail.<span> </span>We’re also working on creating a blog and website. We want to be a team together with you—sharing the highs and lows, celebrating triumphs and lifting up prayers.<span> </span>Please email us and let us know how we can pray for and encourage you (eric.larsen@mtw.org).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; "><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">Please pray for God to supply administrative help to the Global Youth and Family Ministry.<span> </span>And in the mean time that he would make up for my deficits and help me grow in this area.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">Here are some of the ways your investment has paid off this year:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; "><span style=" ;font-size:12pt;"><span>Ø<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">Through local contacts I was introduced to the VP of the<b>largest University and teaching hospital </b>system in the Philippines.<span> </span>After spending some time with this man, he extended an open invitation for me to place campus ministers and hospital chaplains on every campus to reach-out to the students.<span> </span>Right now there are NO evangelical campus ministries at any of these schools!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; "><span style=" ;font-size:12pt;"><span>Ø<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">I have been in communication with an Iranian pastor of an underground church.<span> </span>He has asked us to come and bring training and encouragement to the <b>persecuted church</b> as they wrestle with how to reach the next generation who are questioning Islam and open to the gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; "><span style=" ;font-size:12pt;"><span>Ø<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">I spent some time in Chile with church planters and national leaders from all over South America.<span> </span><b>Two Columbian pastors</b> have been trying to train up the next generation of leaders.<span> </span>God has brought them 100 young men who want to study for the ministry.<span> </span>This group is meeting in secret weekly.<span> </span>They have asked me to come and provide teaching and training to help them reach the disenfranchised youth in a country torn by drug trafficking and corruption.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; "><span style=" ;font-size:12pt;"><span>Ø<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">I have been able to meet with <b>missionary leadership</b> in Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Muslim ministries—traveling to 11 countries this year.<span> </span>All have overwhelmingly embraced the vision and we have more opportunities than we can take now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; "><span style=" ;font-size:12pt;"><span>Ø<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">This year we launched our first ever <b>MK mission trip</b>—bringing high school and college age missionary kids from around the world together to serve in ethnic communities in New York City.<span> </span>Many students remarked how the week changed their lives—helping them see God’s call on them as individuals, not just as extensions of their parents.<span> </span>It was so cool to see them minister to each other as no one can quite relate to an MK like a fellow MK.<span> </span>And we brought them together with new missionary families preparing to got to the field---giving them a chance to share out of their experiences and help new missionary parents and missionary kids. Get ready to live and serve in another culture.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; "><span style=" ;font-size:12pt;"><span>Ø<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">Rebecca and I brought our family to the other side of the world: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.<span> </span>There we enjoyed a sweet (though exhausting) time of ministering to missionary families from across the Asia-Pacific region—caring, counseling, <b>leading a team of youth workers</b> ministering to Mks, giving parenting seminars, etc…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; "><span style=" ;font-size:12pt;"><span>Ø<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">This year I’ve been called in to help with 2 <b>suicide interventions</b> of teenagers on the field, as well as helping missionary kids with eating disorders, depression, substance abuse, sexual addiction, and abusive relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in; "><span style=" ;font-size:12pt;"><span>Ø<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">God has given opportunities for <b>counseling</b> and corresponding with adult missionary kids who have come to me privately, sharing their ongoing pain and sense of abandonment, and their struggles with God and the church.<span> </span>Some say they’ve given up on the faith, but are thankful that we are doing what we are doing… wishing they’d had an advocate and safe place growing up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-size:11pt;">And these are <b>just a few examples</b> of the work God is doing.<span> </span>Needless to say, you can imagine—with me as the only one leading this ministry right now—it’s been CRAZY!<span> </span><b>Pray for a team!!!</b></span></p></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0