Ten Year Goals - Part 2 (and half as long)

In Part 1 of this series we spoke about the first four goals in our ten year plan. In this segment we will discuss two more goals that relate to our missionary staffing.  Thanks to your feedback we will keep these videos under three minutes long - although this one goes a little longer - and we will also post a written version for those of you who find your attention drifting or simply prefer to read.




Trivia question: Where was this video recorded in Costa Rica?
Hint: Some great trout fishing is just steps away

2010 Educational Survey Results

An update from Area Leader Omar Rodriguez:

I wanted to share the results of the recent survey that was sent out in an attempt to quantify our region’s educational ministry efforts. Although brief and incomplete, I think that it gives some encouraging insights into the educational ministries that ReachGlobal missionaries are carrying out in Latin America and the Caribbean.

First, let me thank all of those who responded. Of the 60 survey requests, 28 individuals responded (a 47% response rate). From those 28 responders, we were able to gather the following data:

• 226 individuals were taught in a formal education setting (formal = Seminary, Bible school or any other kind of institutional setting).
• 2,985 individuals were taught in a non-formal learning setting (non-formal = SS, CBT, church planter training program, workshop, conferences).
• 339 individuals were taught in an informal setting (informal = one-on-one or small group discipleship, mentoring or coaching relationship).
• 6 formal courses were taught.
• 67 non-formal courses were taught.

While numbers do not tell the entire story, they do tell part of the story. In fact, each number represents the story of a fellow brother or sister that God has, to a certain extent, entrusted to us. I think that we know each other well enough to know that these numbers do not represent notches in our belts. Rather, these are individuals who are working to equip themselves to better serve our Lord and Savior, and we have the joy and responsibility of being a part of that process. That’s a blessing and a privilege!

 

We know that you put your hearts and souls into your teaching, and we are very grateful for that. As we hear of events or occasions where teaching is being conducted, we do pray for you and for those who are studying. We know that it is not just an academic exercise but a powerful time that God uses to transform lives and to equip His children for ministry. As you engage in teaching throughout this year, know that your ministry is appreciated and valued!

Blessings,
Omar Rodriguez, Latin America Area Leader

RG LAC Ten Year Goals - Part 1

In our last video we introduced the vision for our division for 2020.  In this segment we will discuss the first half of our ten year goals that will help us achieve what God has set before us.



Your RG leadership team appreciate your feedback.  Feel free to contact any of us with questions, recommendations or concerns.

You may read this post instead.

Expenses - what was the policy on that again?

Sometimes digging up the mission policy manual and finding a specific item can be a bit much.  So to hit the highlights on expenses Wayne Anderson has provided the following "cheat-sheet".  Perhaps that is a poor choice of words when it comes to expenses.  Thanks Wayne!

v       Approved taxable compensation (should NOT run through pcard, verify a PCF sent to payroll

•       Adoption costs – up to $5,000 per child
•       Approved travel for bereavement or sick leave – policy specifically says staff are to pay for the tickets personally and be reimbursed through payroll
•           Relocation funds
•           MK education including home school curriculum
•           College child visits to field – 2 per year
•      Travel to help child enter college – one time
•           MK at boarding school – travel 3 times per year
•           Deacon fund grants/benevolence
•           Dependent travel for home assignments upon DBM approval
•           Foreign income taxes
•           Rent for field housing, also mandatory expenses required by rental contract
•           Renovation costs when missionary vacates field housing if required by rental contract

       Personal costs that are not allowed

• Pet expenses
• Payment of mortgage for field housing owned by staff when on home assignment
• Note: if staff is renting the field housing, it is allowable to pay rent to retain the housing while on HA and expense to IMA
•  Hotels and meals for any personal stops when traveling home for home assignment
• Utilities for housing
•  Mileage for commuting
• Travel for a spouse or child who do not have a specific ministry assignment
•  Moving due to personal preference (ministry expense if RG or landlord require it)
•  Extracurricular MK education costs e.g. music lessons, field trips, sports.
•  Child care
•  Base rate for primary telephone

v            Other

•       Ministry expenses are defined as those which are directly related to the goals and objectives in a missionary’s job description.
•            Pcard is default tool for reimbursable expenses – not personal credit cards
•            All personal advances (for MAP or unusual travel) must be processed by National Office
•          All giving for ministry projects or IMAs should be processed through National Office
•          Honorarium checks to missionaries should be made payable to EFCA (if possible), sent to National Office for deposit
•          Noncash gifts must be approved by Donor Services