A letter from Chris McReynolds on the U.S.-Mexico border
April 2010
Amistad Prayer Update
Following this report are our praises and prayer requests:
Proyecto Amistad and Presbiterio del Noreste (Noreste Presbytery) hosted an AMO® Program workshop for teachers April 6-10, 2010, at Puerta del Cielo Presbyterian Church of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. There were 32 in attendance that represented six Presbiterio del Noreste churches and two other ministries from Saltillo, Coahuila, and San Antonio, Texas. Trainers for the week were AMO® directors Jacqui Gough and Cristina Inchaustegui from New Hampshire and Dominican Republic, respectively. This workshop is a part of Proyecto Amistad’s commitment to join with churches in ministering to children.
AMO® training at Puerta del Cielo, April 2010.
Students attending the workshop consisted of pastors, school teachers, mothers, church leaders, and students (see photos). Some came just to learn more about the AMO® Program while most came with intentions of beginning their own programs in their local church. The majority were from three local Presbyterian churches in Nuevo Laredo (Puerta del Cielo, Victoria en Jesucristo, and Ebenezer) and also Sinai Presbyterian Church of Monclova, Coahuila. The group from Victoria en Jesucristo of Nuevo Laredo had already been using AMO® materials for the past year but had no training until this workshop.
AMO® training participants.
Intense training took place from 9:00 to 5:00 most days. A few of the lessons presented included Christian View of Children, Power of Biblical Vocabulary, Introduction to History, Principles of Fine Arts, Principle of Self-Government, and Fantasy and Imagination. The purpose of the program is to equip children to live according to their Christian beliefs, and thus transform their lives, their families, community, and nation. Activities to involve parents, the primary educators of their children, are also built into the program.
Many in attendance expressed their appreciation for the training and commented that they were very encouraged and had many new insights on the importance of Christian education for their children. Mothers were especially touched by the training and said that it would help them greatly in raising their own children, as well as teaching children in the church. There was good participation between the trainers and students with questions and comments. Also, pastors in attendance met aside with the trainers for a time of questions and answers.
The four-day training was very well received by everyone in attendance, and the hope is that another workshop will take place in the future. The AMO® trainers recommended that any future workshop consist of full five days to allow for more practice sessions during the training.
Proyecto Amistad gives thanks to God and to the many that helped with prayer, financial, and/or physical support for this very special time of equipping the church for God’s ministry. We ask for your prayers for the collaborative work that will continue between Proyecto Amistad, all those who received the training, and U.S. and Mexican churches, to implement new Christian education programs to serve children and help form the church and society of tomorrow.
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15b)
Chris
The 2010 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 275
