Welcome and Onboarding New Staff in 2023

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Finish packing. Drop Aaron off at school. Drive the 26 miles to pick up my teammate, Donna. 
Load the car with the groceries. Drive 22 more miles to the retreat house reserved for our 5 most recent recruits who will be joining our staff in 2023.

Sometimes, I can get so caught up in the details that I forget that what we do is making an impact in the lives of people in Spain because what we do is share the Good News of Jesus with others.

In January, these 5 women were invited to join us outside of Barcelona for the most recent New Staff Orientation. These 2 days are reserved to get to know these new staff better, to allow them time to get to know each other, to orient them to the culture and mission of Agape and to address their concerns as they begin. If we do this part well, they are more likely, not only to have a positive, fruitful experience, but also to stay longer.

(left and counterclockwise) Jill at the bottom, Donna, Andrea,
Nathy, Zuleika, Becca, Laura, Begoña 

The ministry teams here in Spain that will be receiving these new staff and interns include: 
GAiN (Global Aid Network), 
Q-Cristianos universitarios (university minsitry), 
Oración 24-7 (prayer ministry) and 
Por Ágape (the finance team at our headquarters) 

As I picked up each young woman at the train station, they shared their stories of how they had come to know Jesus and how they came in contact with Ágape. I was encouraged by their joy and energy. They are so ready and eager to learn and to serve.

Nathy and Zuleika during the morning first morning session.


During this time, not only do the new recruits receive instruction regarding values and protocols, but they also are reminded that our source of power, love, direction and grace is Jesus.

Some of the comments they shared at the end include....

"God has reminded me that it is important to go to Him every single day."

"God will lead me and guide me without the need for me to worry."

"Going to the Master's workshop and listening to His truth is where I find my identity and worth."

"God is the only thing I need. He wants me to walk by His side."

Not too long ago, Laura, pictured left, was participating in her own 
New Staff Orientation. She joined our Human Resources team and is now helping 
other new staff understand what it means to become an employee of Ágape.


Jemima, center, joined our staff last year. She joined us for lunch on day 2 to share her experience uring her first year and answer questions that the new staff had for her.












Please pray for these women as they embark on their next step of developing a financial support team. Pray that the Lord will protect them and encourage them as they share their stories with others. Pray that many will sense God calling them to join with them to support their work for His kingdom.




 

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