Closing a chapter - "graduating" another cohort of new staff

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pictured above: front row - Donna, Jill, Lucía, Liz
back row - Andrés, Dani, Jemima, Mateo, Laura, Israel, María, Penny

12 of us descended on Barcelona, gathering in a rented Air B-n-B apartment. It almost felt a little bit like the 12 disciples in the Upper Room. Many had come from very busy ministry schedules. Some flew in from other countries. Others were flying out to other countries after we finished. 
These staff represent a variety of ministries: 
GAiN, Athletes in Action, Operations and Human Resources, Family Life

This group of new staff were wrapping up their two-year training period as New Staff with Ágape. Just as in the orientation, we looked together at 3 more of the 39 topics.

We took time to be with the Lord. We reflected on what it means to be a servant leader, the role of coaching others and how to put to evangelize with our actions.

Pictured below: María, Lucía and Laura spend time with the Lord before our first session.


Pictured below: Andrés and Liz taking time to consider their role as servant leaders.


God is using our CNC gatherings to develop a sense of family and companionship that transcends each local ministry team as we get to know each other and reflect together on the various CNC lessons. 

Pictured below: Jemima, Penny, Israel, Mateo, Andrés, María and Donna share their thoughts about how the Holy Spirit accompanies us and "coaches" us in life and ministry.


 

Pictured above left: Lucía describing her experience in hearing from the Holy Spirit.
Pictured above right: A new staff member describes her experience with "coaching" from the Holy Spirit...

"Being accompanied int he process. He helps to overcome obstacles. He ensures that I don't lose focus. It involves all areas of my life. Growth. Compassion. Care. Patience. Understanding. Personal. Kingdom. Learning. Applying. Transforming. Guiding. Order. Practice. Relearning."

Spending time with God is a privilege and the CNC gives us the tools to fly with the team.
-new staff member

 Community and energy renewal! In addition, I feel that I am refocused on the mission.   

-other new staff member


"I loved the dinners, breakfasts and lunches we shared together." New staff member




On the last day, we accompanied agape+ in their ministry to people who live on the street. They oriented us before we took to the streets to talk with those in need, to offer coffee and information about where to ask for help. 



 

There were moments when I was reminded that I am now working with a completely different generation: GenZ. They are younger than me, they are in a different phase of life. They have grown up in a completely different era than I have.

Pictured below: Late on night, Jemima looks on as Andrés and Mateo play Mario on a new video game console that Mateo bought online and picked up from the seller during his time in Barcelona.


What is definitely true, without a doubt, is that this generation is the one that is coming behind us. God is going to use THEM to reach their peer and the generations to come. What a privilege it is to know them, their love and passion for God and to accompany and equip them to be the most effective evangelists that they can be!


Please pray for these "not-so-new" new staff....
  • that they would continue to turn to Jesus to be filled by Him and to depend on Him for their ministries
  • that God would use them in mighty ways to bring many in their generation to Jesus.










 

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