During our latest online seminar, which was designed to train young missionaries to work with children in need, it felt as though we had taken a trip around the world. It was great fun, but also hard work! The seminar was conducted in five languages (English, French, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish), and a total of 225 students graduated.
Africa
This time, we had a large group of over 60 students from various French-speaking African countries. They were all young missionaries who work with, or want to work with, children in need. We really enjoyed it, and they were so enthusiastic about participating! There was also a significant number of students from English-speaking Africa, so the continent was very well represented this time.
Asia
A second new, large group came from South Korea. The additional challenges here were the significant time zone differences and the fact that everything had to be translated into Korean. The local facilitators had been preparing for months and were understandably nervous, but it turned out to be a huge success!
We also had a great group of English speakers from Asia, mainly from India, but also from smaller surrounding countries.
Americas
It was a pleasure as always to teach in Portuguese for Brazil and a few smaller African countries, as well as for Macau, a Portuguese-speaking region in China.
This time, for the first time, we provided a Spanish translation for South and Central American countries. That was a challenge too, but we pulled it off!
Europe
There were also students from Europe, particularly from Southern and Eastern Europe.
Australia and Oceania
Despite the added challenge of significant time zone differences, we had participants from New Zealand, Australia and the smaller island nations of Oceania.
Glory to God
Everything went so well — it all ran like clockwork! We are grateful to everyone who prayed for this, and we give all the glory to God. At times, it truly felt like spiritual warfare. For example, a week before the course began, we discovered that our internet cable had been broken under the road. How could that happen?! Fortunately, it was resolved just in time.
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Summary of the evaluation |
International team
We are incredibly grateful for our team of over 60 facilitators, coordinators and translators. They are good friends who all love God and are passionate about working with children in need. They guided the students, encouraged them, went the extra mile and did everything with love. What a wonderful group of people!
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A Zoom meeting with our Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking colleagues |
It’s not over yet!
It was more work than Johan and I had anticipated, and over the past few months we often worked 10–12-hour days. However, when we look back and see so many enthusiastic responses, we feel especially grateful that we were able to do this and that we were allowed to do it.
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Refugees in a camp in Uganda also took part in the training |
We hope to teach the second module of the online course in June and the third module in October/November. So we’ll be busy for a while yet! :)
The great thing is that, by the end of this year, all these modules will be available online in five languages, which will make them much easier for staff to use and replicate afterwards.
England
Last week, we had a wonderful chance to relax in England for a week with Johanneke, Jonathan and their beautiful girls. It was lovely to spend some quality time with them again.
3x DTS
It's also wonderful to see that our three eldest grandchildren (Pieter, Johanneke and Michele's children) are all currently attending, or will be attending, a DTS (Discipleship Training School) in the coming year. There is so much to be thankful for!
Thank you so much for your concern, prayers and gifts. It’s so special to have such a wonderful group of friends who support us.
To all of you: God's richest blessings!
Love!
Thanks and prayer points:
What we are thankful for:
• Successful students: The 225 students worldwide who graduated.
• An amazing team: Thanks to the 60 facilitators and translators who helped with the five languages.
• Answered prayer: The internet cable was fixed in time and the technology worked well.
• Family: Pray for peace in England and for our three grandchildren (or soon-to-be grandchildren) who are doing a DTS.
What we are praying for:
• New strength: Energy for Johan and me after many long workdays.
• Upcoming modules: For the online courses in June and October/November.
• Missionaries: May the 225 students be a blessing to children in need.
