What happens when more than 40 Latin American church leaders meet for a week to learn, network, strategize and renew life together in community? Fruitful relationships!
Many attending the leadership summit in Jardín, Colombia (January 2022), had worked together for months and even years over Zoom but had never met in person. Immediately, warm connections and happy conversations flowed freely, even while maintaining appropriate social distancing and Covid protocols.
Each morning began with a devotional time and group prayer. Afterward, teams took turns presenting the work across the Latin American area. Sessions included explanations of how the area develops healthy leaders, the systems for multiplying committed disciples, and how churches, districts and conferences can empower transformational ministries and holistic, compassionate care at the local level.
The summit also allowed time to clarify many essential administrative details and to focus on communications systems. This attention to detail keeps area stakeholders informed of the work and moving toward the same goal.
As a result of meeting in person, many virtual teams continued their planning efforts between sessions and during meals. They enjoyed sharing and building strong personal relationships during their time together.
Each evening ended with worship and prayer. Bishop Linda Adams, Dr. Ricardo Gomez (area director), Pastora Mercedes Reynosa (Puerto Rico), and several other district leaders and superintendents shared the grace of Jesus. The opportunity to experience the Word through these different voices allowed sacred space for the Spirit of God to work. We were reminded that the work belongs to God alone, and by His grace, He allows us to participate with Him in restoring Latin America. Heads, hearts and hands were filled by the end of the week. Leaders were ready to return to the 16 countries represented at the summit.
Since January, leadership teams have continued developing strategies and implementing work, watching as the grace of Jesus continues to spread across Latin America. We praise God for more than 700 churches planted, more than 400 new believers and nearly 1,000 students training to be more effective ministers of the gospel, all since the beginning of 2021. Please join in praying for our leadership as we labor together for the biblical restoration of Latin America.
