Missions
Orientation and Disorientation
Today I went to visit Julian and Malu here in Calgary to continue their information orientation (or is that disorientation?) as new appointees with CAM International of Canada (yes, soon the be Camino Global).
We had a good time – Julian and Malu love the Lord, love His Word, and love Mexican food. So guess what we ended up talking about for a lot of the time? That’s right – the Lord, His Word, and Mexican food. Which does rather lead me to believe that Mexican food will still feature prominently in the new heavens and new earth. 😉
Seriously, do pray for this couple as they start out preparing for ministry in Ixtapaluca. They have been involved in ministry in Mexico before in various ways, and because he is Canadian and she is Mexican they’re used to living in two (or more!) worlds. So we appreciate their experience an insight, and also realize that in many ways this will be another new journey for them.
Malu and Julian were very gracious as I was in a LOT of pain today – the migraine meter hitting a higher point than it has for a while. It’s been a difficult week, and we as a family have been short on sleep (for various reasons – mostly kids up in the night!), so we would appreciate your prayers that we can get some rest and be feeling better.
And tomorrow – we’re off to Innisfail and looking forward to serving in the worship service and seeing old friends and new. 🙂
What exactly is a CAM? (as in CAM International)
So you’re with CAM International – is that a new mission? (Well, newish – long after the apostles…. only about 121 years old….) And does "CAM" stand for something? (Well… it used to stand for Central America Mission. These days it’s just "CAM".)
CAM CAM CAM… for the last 8 years or so, we’ve been "CAMers". My family has been involved with CAM. My parents were married by CAM missionaries. Uncle Cam, founder of Wycliff Bible Translators (Cameron Townsend) started out as a CAM missionary.
We own a CAMera. CAM missionaries enjoy a lot of CAMaraderie. In Mexico, CAM is involved in a CAMp.
In the essentials, CAM has never changed all that much – CAMers have always focused on the Spanish speaking parts of the world, and have always been passionate about discipleship.
But … every once in a while … there’s a bit of confusion about the name. CAM.
So – we’re going to try to make things a little clearer. Give it a Spanish feel. Yes, CAM International is going to change its name.
Not yet – not until Spring 2012.
But the announcement has been made… the new name has been chosen… it will be…
Camino Global.
Camino (that’s CAM with an ino) is a Spanish word meaning "way" or "road". It’s pronounced caw-ME-no. Sort of.
CAM International and CAM International of Canada have an official announcement up where you can read all the details. Read about Camino Global here.
To clarify, the name hasn’t changed yet. But stay tuned for more.
And remember, it’s still all about reaching and sending Spanish speakers – discipleship – and serving the Lord Jesus. It’s a name change, not a direction change.
Maximizing Your Short-Term Mission Trip (video)
This past Sunday we enjoyed spending the day in Mirror, Alberta. In the evening I presented the Maximizing Your Short-Term Mission Trip seminar. Below I’ve shared some clips from the first half hour of the seminar, so you can hear a little of what we talked about.
For more on some of the seminars we’ve offered, see our seminars page.
Short Term Mission Opportunities!
We’re gearing up for another great year (if the Lord doesn’t return first)! God is doing exciting things in Mexico, and around the world. If you’re interested in being a part of it in Mexico, please email us with your questions!
Do you want an idea of the kinds of opportunities that are out there in the Spanish speaking world? Check out this overview of the summer program with CAM International. It’s in pdf format – just right click to download.
By the way, this is only a sample – there are many other opportunities in places like Mexico City. Just ask!
Jesus Led Her All The Way
A little over three years ago I wrote about a book I had read… Jesus Led Me All The Way by Charlotte Truesdell Marcy, an autobiography about a missionary in Honduras.
On the 31st of August 2011, Charlotte passed away in Honduras. She was 97 ½ years old.
Charlotte, a missionary with CAM International, served in Honduras for 70 years. She lost her husband in 1958, on the field with 8 children to care for. But God used her in amazing ways.
You can read the original post about her book here. Praise the Lord for those who serve as examples to all of us.