Once the dates and details were set for our mission project
in Cordoba, Argentina I began sharing my heart for this project with the
Cross-link family each Sunday. I
offered an opportunity for people to join me for nine days in South America for
a Pastor’s Conference, ESL Training in Public Schools and Vacation Bible
Schools. After several weeks of
promotion, I had two men on board with me. One was my Director of Evangelism and Discipleship, Terry
Ross and the other was my Director of Hospitality, Patrick Simmons. To the Glory of God, all three of us
raised the necessary funds without any expenses from the Calvary Cross-link budget.
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| (Left to Right: Terry Ross, Will Herndon, Me, Patrick Simmons, Daniel Beard, Sherry Anderson, Pastor Tim Anderson, Glenn Price) |
Our Trip to Cordoba started on Wednesday, March 21st
when we left Calvary Cross-link, headed for Richmond International Airport at
9am. We didn’t arrive at our hotel
in Cordoba, Argentina until noon on Thursday, March 22nd. After a quick nap, the evening
was spent planning our week with the 4-person team from Clements Baptist Church
in Athens, Alabama and our AMAZING ground man, Will Herndon, over some
delicious Argentine steak. I don’t
think any of us were quite prepared for what God was going to do in, through and
around us over the next few days.
When we arrived at the International
Congress for Revival Pastor’s School on Thursday night, there were over 400
pastors, lay leaders and ladies in attendance. These sweet brothers and sisters were so gracious, grateful
and passionate for the opportunity to attend this experience. Very few, if any of these church
leaders had any formal ministry training whatsoever, so they were eager to
learn! We challenged them to solid
leadership and sound doctrine for the next 2 & ½ days. Every time Pastor Tim & I preached,
they furiously took notes, hanging on every word.
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| Worship Service Attendance at ICR School |
It should be said, that my experience in preaching through a
translator is limited but I cannot imagine a better translator than my new
friend Will Herndon. Pastor Tim
and I could literally preach and he translated right over the top of us. It was an incredible sight to behold
and experience!
I was told, over and over again, how much this conference
meant to the pastors and church leaders in attendance. They emotionally shared how they were
challenged, encouraged and equipped for greater ministry impact for the Glory
of God in Argentina. This was
great to hear. However, I believe
that the experience had an even greater impact on my life than it did theirs. As I worshiped Jesus in a language I
didn’t comprehend, I sensed the moving of the Holy Spirit in my own life that
was calling me to a deeper level of commitment to the “end of the earth” section of Acts 1:8. I knew this would require a re-prioritizing of my ministry
calendar, budget and focus.
However, I knew that this special calling on my life didn’t just affect
me, but all those whom I have the privilege to lead…to be continued…
