Home Schooling

Perhaps you read the title and you thought that you were going to see an article on why a family should (or shouldn't) choose to educate their children at home vs any other context. Though this is a worthy topic, I hope to introduce something similar, but a little different.

I don't really put a lot of emphasis in statistics. Oftentimes I see them misused or skewed because the right questions are not being asked. However, this morning I was looking over the following quote from the 1999 Report from Global Consultation on Evangelical Missiology. Here is what it says:

Eight out of ten nationals who come to the West to receive training never return home.

Now I admit that I have not read the whole report and I am sure that there are many other comments as to why the numbers are the way they are. But this had me thinking for a second about how we counsel others in regard to cross-cultural training for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel in a "non-English speaking" context.

First, one of the desires of Psalm 67 is to work in "non-English speaking" contexts. While one could argue the need to teach others the English language, that will not be our task. We desire all nations (and language groups) to have access to the Scriptures in their own language. We love the thought of brothers and sisters of multiple languages praising The Lord together in their own language that The Lord has given them.

Second, out of good intentions, and because we have hospitable, caring partners, we struggle with the "let's invite them here" mentality. We meet church leaders, new converts that want to be discipled and we love them, and want to "bring them home." Though we could have lots of discussion on this, here is a thought for consideration. Are there ways that already exist to "home school" these individuals? Are there ways that we can send others back to the region (and language) of these individuals that it may benefit everyone around, locally and at home? If so, how can/should we do this? Let me say that this is not the only option, but perhaps this option is not considered as much as the option to first teach a foreign language (English) to a national from another country, bring them to the US, and then train them theologically.

In a follow up post we will discuss some advice for those who are desiring to serve in a "non-English speaking" context and how you can prepare yourself for service.

Let the Nations be Glad!

Aaron


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Summer Missions Information

Though it may not feel like it outside, summer will soon be upon us and we will have yet another opportunity for you to partner with us as we work with partnering congregations in other areas. This summer presents an opportunity for many new opportunities.

Discipleship of the team member
The person being sent on the short-term mission team will be connected with the rest of the "team" for training and discipleship prior to leaving for the mission trip and will receive ongoing training during the mission trip. Normally this training includes missiological education, language, culture, and more. There is also follow up and further engagement upon the return.

Every-team member engagement
Our desire is that our teams are large enough to accomplish the goal but small enough that every member will have a part in exercising their individual gifts. Part of our application process includes finding out about the team member so that we might match the best individual to the best mission.

Summer Missions Information Meeting
This year we are going to do something a little different. We will be conducting a "Summer Missions Information Meeting" for those who have an interest in attending. Leaders from Psalm 67 will present the objectives of the plans this summer and those in attendance will have the opportunity to apply on site. There will also be information for those who would like to come because they are interested in financially and prayerfully supporting the summer mission team.

Please mark your calendar for March 15, 2014 from 3:00p - 5:00p. The location will be near St. Louis, Missouri and will be given to those who RSVP. We would like for you to stay in contact with us. If you are interested in attending this informational meeting, please let us know by e-mailing Savannah at savannah.weber@psalm67missions.net. Let her know how many will be coming and whether or not you are interested in being a "goer" or a "sender."

Let the Nations be Glad!


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Monday is for Missions

During the 2013 December mission, our team was able to share the Gospel in various locations throughout a city in Northern Mexico. Some of those locations included drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, etc. Some were shocked to find that those people in those areas lacked clothing that would keep them warm during an extraordinarily cold winter. They also found that many in these institutions were seeking The Lord.

In one specific institution it was obvious that the participates had essential food items, but lacked many of the items that you and I would consider fundamental to daily life. There was need for clothing, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, etc. Some in these facilities lacked a copy of the Scriptures which were provided to them at the visits.

All of this being said, the Pastor with whom we work will be starting a weekly Bible study for the men who are leaving the past of many different ways of being involved with drugs. Some items should not be mentioned here for safety reasons. We have been asked to ask you to pray.

Pray for this new work that will be done under the authority of a Bible-believing, New Testament Church. Pray that The Lord would supply workers in this area. Pray for the salvation of those who will hear the message. Pray that needed ongoing funds will be provided to purchase study materials, Bibles, and other needed items for this ministry.

Praise The Lord!


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End of January 2014 Updates

Tonight our December 2013 missions team will be conducting our debriefing meeting. In addition to sharing food together (authentic Mexican food), there will be sharing of testimonies, praying, singing, laughing, crying, and all of that other stuff. Here at Psalm 67 we would like to thank each and every one of you who gave sacrificially and prayed for this team.

Our bi-monthly missions leadership meeting is scheduled for next month. At this meeting we will be discussing, among many other items, the plans for short-term missions in 2014, church planting efforts, and new work that has been started through the December 2013 missions team.

On March 15 will be the summer missions information meeting. This meeting is going to be designed for those interested in participating in by going as well as those interested in praying for and financially supporting those who go. We have not nailed down the location as of yet. The meeting will most likely be in the evening on that date and will last approximately two hours. More information will be available soon on www.psalm67missions.net

Let the Nations be glad in Jesus!


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Winter Mission Trip, testimony

Hello, my name is Ismael Bartolomé Julián. I am 15 years old. I am living and study in Kingsville, Texas, at the Presbyterian Pan American School, but my parents and my younger brother are living in the city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas. I am a Mexican and I was born in Córdoba in the Veracruz state.

The purpose of writing this is to share my testimony with the mission group “Psalm 67 Missions Network.” I am a Pastor's son, and we received this amazing group two years ago. That first time was when I met with this ministry, and, most of all, Brother J. Aaron Sutton, who is an special son of God. I also met with Rick Clausel, Russ and Anita Sanders, Craig Kopp, Abigail Davis, Ellie Jackson, Gennie Jackson, and Sarah and Billy Jackson. That was a wonderful time, and I learned a little bit of English. 

The second time was this last year, 2013, in December, and I met with amazing brothers and sisters: Barbara Fudge, Julia Grayson, Mark Akins, Savannah Weber, and again Brothers Russ, Rick and Aaron. These two groups have been a blessing to our church, and I think, especially for me, because they have taught me many things, like from the most common thing as how to walk on mud, to inviting people to the church, to speaking English. 

The first time, I did not know very much English but I tried translating with my low label of English. This second time I already knew more English, because I have had a half year in this school, in where I am today.

Learning English has been a really hard experience for me, because you are far away from your family and you do not know anything about the people, the food, the nation, the education and all of that. But thanks to God, I have been overcoming those struggles. 

This last time, I was able to translate, but not completely. I think that I have to learn more, this was a great blessing and experience for me.

Clearly, I can say that the hand of God is working through each brother and sister that I met. While this last group was in our church, we visited rehabilitation centers for drug addicts, the Juvenile Detention Center and two dining homes for children that does not have food for eat. 

We witnessed many testimonies of how God has changed radically the people's lives, from being a drug addict on the streets to be a priest of the God´s Word.

All of that week was to get up at 7:30 to go bed at 11:30 and once at 1:30, paying games, talking about our testimonies and having a great fellowship.

I am very thankful with each member of the mission group Psalm 67. You all have taught me a lot, and I testify that God is working strongly with each one of you. It was a pleasure to play my violin with brother Rick, and translating for you my appreciate “gabachos”. I hope that it will not be the last time. 

Finally, I want to end with the key verse of Psalm 67: “That Your Way May Be Known on Earth, Your Saving Power Among All Nations.” Psalm 67:2

I give thanks to God for these two experiences and for each one of your lives.