2008-08-19 Tue 4:00a Guatemala City

Yesterday (Mon)

“But the priests, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near Me to minister to Me.” (Ez.44:15)

During the past two weeks I had the enormous privilege of being trained in Paraguay with what felt like a team of Latin American Olympians for “God’s Olympics”. Our trainers were the foremost missiologists and Church historians on the continent—true apostles, prophets, pastors and teachers. My teammates were Roberto Aldana (Guatemala, Superintendent of Church of God Central America – represents around 5000 churches); Ruben Fernandez (Argentina, Rector, Nazarene Seminary, Costa Rica); his wife Monica Fernandez (Argentina, Pastor and Seminary Professor); Jorge Baños (El Salvador, Asst. Rector, Nazarene Seminary); Amos Cahuich (Mexico, President, Presbyterian Seminary, Yucatan); Eder De Melo (Brazil, Pastor Baptist renewal church); Ruben Driedger (Uruguay, Mennonite Seminary Professor, Paraguay), Arturo Delgado (México, Apostle, San Luis Potosi); Christian Giordano (Spain, Mission Director to the Muslim world); Javier Kosacki (Argentina, Director Latin American Four Square Churches, USA); Young Min Lee (South Korea, missionary to Amazon tribes, Ecuador); Juan Verón (Paraguay, Mennonite Pastor renewal church); and me (USA, INSTE Director, Guatemala). We were missing three precious friends who weren’t able to make it this trip. (Check out the photos on our FaceBook http://www.profile.to/stevecobb).

Jesus’ Latin American Church is exploding numerically and needs serious, professionally trained, and anointed leaders to help navigate the increasing storm the planet is facing. Deep spirituality, coupled with strategic mission planning is required. Most Latin American Pastors don’t understand what God’s mission is. His mission in Jesus is for each member of the Church to minister to the needy around them where they hurt most with the power of the Holy Spirit. Each member is a dynamic missionary in his own home and neighborhood. Many churches however have gotten way off on tangents of self promotion and aggrandizement or are simply in maintenance mode.

As with the Olympic games, this deeper level of specialized training is the greatest challenge I have ever faced. The Lord has shown Helen and me that in order to do what He wants to through us, He has to train me on a deeper level. Even with the 60% scholarship I’ve received, the program has increased to cost $8000 a year for four years. We need 30 friends who will invest $1000 each for this vital training that will enable us to produce the depth of ministry that the Church in Guatemala needs from us. We prayed for two years before entering this program and some friends gave us $3000 to start off. So we know the Lord will see us through with this.

Please prayerfully consider stretching your faith with us to be a part of God’s “Olympic team” in Latin America to bless the nations in this way. You may contribute now by clicking here and designating for “Steve’s PRODOLA training”. Thank you.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank you for making your will clear to Helen and me about this training. Thank you for the wonderful friends You’ve given us over the years, who believe in what you are doing through us and sacrifice along with us to flow with your mission of life to this needy nation. Thank you for multiplying the bread in our hands as we give it out together to feed your flock. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Oh, that My people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries… and with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you.” Psalm 81

AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY: My utmost for His highest!