Highlight of the Year

March 31st was a highlight in Leslie’s ministry career.  Five months of planning, praying, and preparing, she and a team crafted a full-day MPD (Ministry Partner Development) workshop for U.S. Capacity.  It is the department Leslie and Mike have served since they moved to Orlando.  U.S. Capacity consists of behind-the-scenes roles that give foundation (think Human resources, technology, communications, operations) to Cru so that staff can share the Gospel.  This full-day workshop wove Leslie’s MPD coaching/coordinator role and wisdom, production (AV, Technology) experience, and event planning.  There were about 150 people from Central Florida who met at Cru Headquarters and 40 who joined remotely from across three time zones (6:30 am for our West Coast staff).  

The morning session began with a leader in Cru who gave a pastoral devotional.  We then dove into table discussions revolving around lies and truths we believe about: Ourselves, Others, MPD, and God.  That was a monumental moment for some of our staff to verbalize deep-seated thoughts.  The afternoon session included times of sharing the latest tools and resources in MPD (ie, how to communicate your ministry) as well as coming up with personal next steps.  The feedback from this full-day workshop was INCREDIBLE!  Staff felt seen in their behind-the-scenes roles, equipped with new tools after being reminded of truths and their calling to serve the Lord.  

• 
  I… equip, mobilize, and send missionaries, who are fully funded and financially faithful, so that lives are changed because of the Gospel.
• I get to be a part of the mission in sending laborers into the harvest for the Gospel.
• I get to be a part of building disciples in their faith and propel them in their trust in the Lord.
• I get to point staff to their identity in Christ.
• I get to remind staff of the importance of their behind-the-scenes roles in the Kingdom.  
• I get to remind staff of their calling from God.