Two weeks of soul searching. Two weeks of extending vision. And two weeks of developing a common resolve that these are the ones who should take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations.
CrossWorld's Candidate Orientation is a unique season in the life of its incoming, soon-to-be missionaries. By the time 15 to 35 participants and their children arrive at one of the orientations held twice yearly, their churches and friends are well aware that they are on track to go global. CrossWorld's early assessment team has scrutinized their references, skills, and self-reports, and together with us, they have begun to build understandings and relationships that will become foundational to a lifetime of missionary work.
Last summer Jose and Melissa arrived at Candidate Orientation (CO) with their four children and some vague expectations of "missionary training and assessment." Jose is working on his Ph.D. in political science at the University of Connecticut, and the Lord had recently led them to decide that they should join CrossWorld's initiative in Cambodia.
At three days in, Melissa was blogging, "This is grueling and painful, but so worth it because I know it is God working in our lives." Ten days later she wrote:
"We are still alive and we are still at CO. I thought that maybe I should have packed our bags before [yesterday's] meeting just in case they said "The tribe has spoken. Please get your bags and leave the island immediately," or whatever it is they say on Survivor. But no . . . this has been a tremendous experience and we still have a lot to go. The first week, we were confronted with the darkness of our own hearts and our desperate need for what Christ did on the Cross. It was difficult but so necessary. This week we are learning more in depth what CrossWorld is about."
CrossWorld missionary staff pulls out all the stops to scrutinize these candidates, encourage their faith in Christ alone, and invite them as full participants into a worshipping, culture-crossing community.
The program includes everything from worship, biblical perspective on mission, and team life overseas to policy, church commitments, and helping family comprehend their missionary transition.
Presenters describe CrossWorld's strategic ministry areas, senior leadership give testimonies, and staff joins participants for extended evenings that explore our history and allow heart-to-heart conversations.
It's a family engrafting. It's a time of rigorous investment in those who will spread Christ's message. It's the season when we sign on new personnel, and the rookies energize the veteran ranks.
The CrossWorld Challenge: We are a missionary force of 350, all over the world. But we are also a community of disciples. Candidate Orientation is a significant part of being grafted into our family of those going out with the gospel.
Help us bring the message of the cross, the hope of the world to unreached people. Pray for the role our Candidate Orientation plays in the spiritual formation for the men and women who are investing their lives in gospel work. And give a financial gift to help meet the $35,000 annual cost to keep our mentoring current, relevant, and as low cost as possible.
Give to Candidate Orientation (Project # 093626)
Goal: $35,000
