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

Meet Omar Rodriguez -- Leadership Interview Series (Part 2 of 6)

For the second installment of our RG LA Leadership Series, you have an opportunity to learn more about Omar Rodriguez and his role with Latin America. Please continue to pray for the entire leadership team in general and for Omar specifically!

Name
Omar Rodriguez

What is your history with ReachGlobal?
I have been a missionary with the EFCA since 1993, serving 1 year in Mexico City and 10 years in Venezuela. I've been part of the Area Directional Team since 2000.

What is your position on the leadership team?

• Catalyst for Church Based Training
• Area Crisis Manager

What does that mean? What do you do?
Church Based Training: Our principal goal is to help local church leadership to effectively nurture believers toward maturity in essential Bible knowledge, godly character, fruitful ministry skills, and Biblical relationships.

Crisis Management: If missionaries get into serious trouble, I coordinate RG efforts to help them. [Read more about Crisis Management from this previous blog entry.]

What makes you a good boss or leader?
I'd like to think that I can lead well under pressure, and I enjoy helping my teammates to succeed at what God has called them to do.

What do you want to/need to work on as a boss or leader?
I'd like to be a better encourager.

What has God been teaching you lately about being a leader?
To be a better student of those you lead, and to deal with "relational stuff" faster.

What excites you about the ministry we're doing in LA?
The hope I feel in seeing a new generation of leaders arising to serve the Lord.

How can people contact you?
In case of EMERGENCY, my cell is 714-930-6451. Otherwise, email me at omar.rodriguez@efca.org.

More Personal...

Tell us about your family.
I've been married 24 years to Rebecca, who works at developing women's ministries in the region. We have two sons: Omar Daniel is in his second year at UCLA studying engineering. Benjamin is a junior in high school.

Where do you currently live?
Fullerton, CA (USA)

What's the last book you read?

• The Pacific
• James in the New Testament
• Deep Survival

What do you like to do for fun?
Ocean kayaking (even if I hardly get to do it anymore!), hanging out with Beck (always an adventure), and traveling with the family.

Prayer requests

• Wisdom
• Wisdom
• Wisdom

If a crisis arises...

By Omar Rodriguez

... ... ... ... ...

At least 42 dead, 115,000 homeless in Brazil flooding

By the CNN Wire Staff, June 22, 2010 2:52 p.m. EDT

... ... ... ... ...

As Crisis Manager for Latin America, several times during the day, I check news sources to see what’s generally going on in the world. The above headline from CNN greeted me just a few minutes ago – as it did people in the National Office, our supporting churches and family. Two questions immediately come to mind. First, are our missionaries affected in some way? Second, is the EFCA doing anything to help?


If the headline seems urgent or severe enough, someone in leadership might shortly start receiving notes from some interested party with the above questions. While it is impossible to stay on top of every crisis situation, we do need to be aware that due to global communications, crisis events are broadcasted quickly and interest is generated surprisingly fast.


For those of you on the field, what CNN may consider a crisis may not at all rank as such in your perception. But, if you are sending off emergency prayer requests to your supporters regarding an emergency situation or people are writing to you about what’s going on, it’s probably a good trigger that you should inform myself or your team leader.


Crisis events are not limited to personal emergencies but also include incidents where ReachGlobal might be affected or might have the opportunity to respond to serve. At the very least, we want to be proactive about generating concerted prayer for those who are affected. If at all possible, we also want to take the opportunities placed before us to reach out to our fellow believers and those without Christ who may need help. Proactive communication to your team leader or to me will greatly help us to respond to selected emergencies in a coordinated and timely manner.


If you are unable to contact your immediate supervisor, please contact me at Omar.Rodriguez@efca.org or you can call me at my cell phone at 714-930-6451 (24/7). If necessary, call collect.