We Want More Traffic!

We're not talking more rush hour traffic in downtown San José, Minneapolis, or name-your-city... we're talking ReachGlobal Latin America website traffic.

YOU -- the RGLA staff -- can help us increase our visability and site traffic, by posting the links to new content and new stories on your Facebook pages, blogs, and Twitter accounts.

Ready to get started on Facebook? It's easy.

1. Log in to your Facebook account and head to your profile page.

2. Choose the option at the top of your wall to share a link (or enlace if your page is in Spanish like mine!)

3. Copy and paste this entire URL into the box (it's a new story that was posted to the website just today): http://www.efca.org/reachglobal/where-we-serve/latin-america/get-involved/latin-america-opportunities/peru/upriver-reach

4. Click the blue button on the right to attach it.

5. Add an optional teaser to the box that appears, such as:

Imagine having five people praying over you in three languages, confronting the spiritual oppression that threatens your well-being. Read this story by a short-term member about his experience sharing God's peace in Nueva Italia, Peru.

6. Click the blue button on the right to share it on your wall.

Now all of your friends can check out the latest story.

But wait! There is another, very easy way to repost another friend's post on Facebook -- no copying of links required. Just click on the word "Share" (or "Compartir" if yours looks like the example) under the link (above Gordon's name in this example) and repost on your own wall.

Please support the region in this effort to build interest in God's work here in Latin America. Going forward, I will regularly send out emails with links to new stories that we would love you to repost.

Contact me (melissa.putney@efca.org) with any questions. Thank you for your help!!

Passion, Pursuit, and Encouragement for the Journey -- A Blog Repost

Did you know that many of your fellow teammates on the RG LA staff are blogging on a regular basis? Don't forget to keep up with one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, and share in the journey together.

Below is a recent blog post written by Cathi Duggan in Costa Rica:

I tend to be energized by spending time doing what I love -- listening to women, reaching out to others, feeding the multitudes, and opening my home to strangers I've never met. The early part of my week was a little disappointing.

(OK, more than a little) as my car broke down, and then I was unable to spend time in La Carpio. Apparently, four days without water in that barrio had provoked a protest of sorts, and the road was being blocked. For many of my friends, Twitter followers, and family, that would signal relief at 5:30 AM and a quick return to bed... I put on running clothes, grabbed the dog's leash and ran, and while running, prayed for a peaceful resolution (and abundant water to flow into that community soon) to this problem. The kids were happy that I chose to pick up their favorite doughnuts on my way back, and we spent a cozy morning together!

Does our Heavenly Father feel the same when He pursues the the thing He is passionate about--US--and we have something that impedes our time with Him? I believe so. Creating a space or place to meet Him (whether it is indoors or well, on a long morning run), being intentional, and seeking His face demands commitment... but the benefits are beyond compare!

A double blessing was waiting for me today. A listserv sent a reminder for a call-in meeting and, although I rarely take time to look at non-personal or urgent emails in the morning, this particular email caught my attention. It was strange to open it, see our family's picture on the margin... and realize, this meeting was occurring in Charlotte, NC, around lunchtime, and I could be a part of it via our stateside phone.

Although the connection failed midway through the call, this divine appointment encouraged me and the other ladies who intentionally put aside time to be together, learn from God's Word and one another, and pray. I am not alone on this planet, my Heavenly Father has placed others along the hills and valleys of my life so I may be encouraged and, in turn, encourage others. For some that means a slice of homemade pizza and a brownie, a cup of coffee, and for others a listening ear, a hug or a smile. My friends and family know me too well--for me, any of those work....

"Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." I Thessalonians 5:10-11

Prayers for Haiti & International Summit Meeting

A note from Brian:

Starting Monday, November 8, there will be a summit meeting at our Haitian center in Gressier (just outside Port-au-Prince). 

The purpose: To begin a move towards having a multi-national missions team in Haiti that is focused on multiplying healthy churches, using a broad spectrum of ministries to come alongside and develop, empower and release healthy Haitian church leaders.

The summit will include representatives of Congo, Brazil, Colombia and several ministry organizations, planning, praying and expecting God to do some amazing things.

Please pray:

• That Tomas, expected to be a hurricane by the time it hits Haiti on Friday, will have a mild and merciful impact on Haiti.
• For safety for me, my son Matthew (working with TouchGlobal), and the other RG/TG staff as they prepare for the storm and clean up afterwards.
• For unity among a very diverse set of people, cultures and languages during next week’s meetings.
• For health for all in a country where that is always a challenge.

Thank you for praying for us. You can check for updates on my blog (my Twitter feeds appear in the right-side column) as the next week develops: diggerduggan.blogspot.com

Blessed To Be So Wonderfully Cared For…

by: Diane Droogsma

Several years ago, my husband Jeff and I were approached by a former missionary couple who had left the field after serving in missions overseas for five years.

Jeff and Diane serving in Brazil

Their reason for leaving the field: burn-out. And they had a strong desire to minister to and serve other missionary couples, teaching what God had taught them through their difficulties of leaving a ministry that they loved and had served in so passionately.

After the chaos of moving back to the States, once some semblance of calm returned to their lives, they reflected on those five years on the field and God taught them wonderful truths from His Word. Through their debriefing classes, they gleaned knowledge that they wished they had learned before arriving on the field.

This couple’s desire was to create a State-side support group to encourage and walk alongside Jeff and me, offering confidential prayer coverage and a safe haven in which we could share. From their experience on the field, this was something they had longed for, but it had not been made available to them.We gladly accepted this precious offer and the group was named the “Senders Group.” It has been a huge blessing to us as we serve overseas and also during our home assignments. They encourage and pray for us during monthly Skype calls where we can confidentially share how things are going on the field, including family difficulties, cultural difficulties and ministry details.

As well, they are “on call” to take prayer requests at a moment’s notice and pray for the things we have shared in our monthly call. If we are going into a dangerous area, they cover us with prayer. They remember our birthdays and anniversary by sending cards and gifts. They provide for our needs while we are in the States on home assignment, such as housing, a car, cell phones, prayer, fellowship, etc. The group consists of people that have a heart to be more closely involved in our lives, family and ministry.

As missionaries, we are continually asked by supporters what we need. So many people generously offer to send things we miss like peanut butter, chocolate chips, Ziplock bags or M&Ms. I think you’ll agree with me, however, that what we really NEED is more prayer support. As we seek to further His kingdom, the enemy prowls like a roaring lion, trying to destroy all that we do in the name of Jesus Christ! Let’s not forget to utilize the body of Christ to join us in the battle!

The next time someone offers to send you something in the mail, suggest instead that they start a Sender’s Group. Give them a chance to get MORE involved in your ministry. You’ll be blessed by MORE prayer support, MORE encouragement, and you’ll feel MORE connected to the body of Christ! And you’ll be giving others the opportunity to be blessed through blessing you!

Recruiting New Missionaries -- YOU Can Help!

When we think about our needs as missionaries, we often think about financial needs, prayer needs, material needs, etc. But what about our personnel needs?

Just recently, RG LA missionary Joyce Werntz stepped full-time into the role of recruiting new missionaries for ReachGlobal Latin America -- a role that not only serves the missionary candidate but serves our region as a whole.

Joyce is working hard, traveling to missions conferences, colleges and universities, and churches around the U.S. to identify potential candidates -- passionate, talented Christ-followers with a heart for missional service. She has the opportunity to share the RG LA needs with people who are often ready to respond to God's call -- if only they knew how they might be used.

You can help Joyce in her recruiting efforts in two ways:

1. Consider the opportunities for others to serve alongside you and your team in your country or city -- short term team opportunities, internships, or full-time missionary roles -- and tell Joyce all about it!
2. Keep your ears and eyes open for potential candidates -- and send candidates straight to Joyce.

By providing detailed needs to Joyce, you help her to match missionary candidates with their ministry sweet spot. Two of the top questions Joyce hears as she's recruiting:

• "What can I do as a missionary?"
• "How can God use me (my talents/my profession/my skills) on the field?"

And by sending candidates her way, you allow her to build relationships and guide and encourage them through the application process.

Joyce is excited about recruiting for Latin America. Get excited, too, and help her help you!

Meet Miguel De Marco -- Leadership Interview Series (Part 5 of 6)

While you may already know the other members of the leadership team, you probably aren't familiar with the newest member of the LA leadership team! In this installment of our leadership serires, Miguel De Marco shares some about his background in missions and ministry and his excitement about joining the LA family.

Please pray for Miguel and his wife, Liliana, this week as they attend REV at the national office... and please send Miguel a note to welcome him to ReachGlobal Latin America!

Name
Miguel Angel De Marco

What is your history with ReachGlobal?
Just arriving!

In that case, tell us a bit more about your history outside of RG.
I've been in ministry for 30 years:

• Church planter and minister (Iglesia Cristiana Evangelica Argentina)
• Editor (Christian Leadership Development; Apuntes Pastorales magazine)
• Missionary assigned to the Latin Missionary Movement (COMIBAM International)
• Leadership trainer (Instituto Forum Latinum)
• VP of Ministries with Latin America Mission (LAM) for the last 11 years
• International consultant
• Specialist in Institutional Strengthening, Strategic Planning, etc.

Why are you excited about joining the RG LA team?
I love the RG Leadership's emphasis on excellence and results, and I hope to learn and contribute to these. Also, I'm excited about the possibility of being a resource in assisting the Latin missionary movement within their indigenous ventures, helping them to develop a responsible way of sending international workers/missionaries.

What is your position on the leadership team?
I've been appointed as Area Leader for Holistic Ministries and trainer/coach for missionary agencies.

What does that mean? What do you do?

1. I will assist Brian in overseeing/coaching RG missionaries serving in holistic ministries.
2. I will train and coach Latin missionary sending structures and Christian non-profit organizations.

What makes you a good boss or leader?
I think experience helps a lot, especially with several years spent helping others to fulfill the Lord's call for their lives. Also, my pastoral background helped me become more sensitive to people.

What do you want to/need to work on as a boss or leader?
Getting with the RG ethos and culture; learning how to match with the rest of the team and how to assist Brian better.

What has God been teaching you lately about being a leader?
I am learning...

1. How to honor the Lord's call for His people.
2. How to enrich and empower them, exposing them to different perspectives and better practices.
3. How to take care of them.

Why do you love Latin America?
It's my continent, my people. It's easy for me to love it!

What excites you about the ministry we're doing in LA?
I'm not very well familiarized with all RG missionaries and their ministries yet, but I love the ProMETA program and performance. I think it's cutting edge. Also, after the week-long meeting with the ADT in Tennessee, I'm excited about the potential for the near future of RG LA.

How can people contact you?
Email: miguel.demarco@efca.org

More Personal...

Tell us about your family.
We were all born in Argentina; my wife Liliana and I were second generation there. In 1991 we moved to Costa Rica, and in 1994, to the States.

My wife Liliana is an excellent manager. She has a BA in theology and education and experience in Donor Services management. We have three children:

• Juan Angel, 27, architect, single, pursuing his Master's at Princeton.
• Eugenia, 26, mechanical engineer, single, working with a NASA contractor in D.C.
• Gabriel, 23, BA in philosophy, single, pursing his Master's at FSU.

Where do you currently live?
The Redlands (Miami area, Florida)

What's the last book you read?

• The EQ Edge: Emotional Intelligence and Your Success by Stein & Book
• The Castle by Franz Kafka
• The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen

What do you like to do for fun?
Read, golf, bike... and eating international cuisine!

Prayer requests:

• Our adjustment to the RG LA team
• Building our support team
• Knowing the Lord's desire better

Meet Mike Gunderson -- Leadership Interview Series (Part 4 of 6)

Although he's been part of ReachGlobal Latin America for years, Mike Gunderson doesn't speak as much Spanish as his colleagues -- but he speaks great Portuguese! Learn more about Mike, his role with the ADT, and how you can lift him up in prayer.

Name
Mike Gunderson

What is your history with ReachGlobal?
We served for 20 years in Brazil. We went as church planters and then moved into leadership development, working with German and Brazilian teachers and trainers. In the past year, I have transitioned into the role of Church Planting Coach for Latin America.

What is your position on the leadership team?
Church Planting Coach for Latin America

What does that mean? What do you do?
I train church planters in Latin America, train coaches of church planters, and lead the RG church planting team.

What makes you a good boss or leader?
Who said I was good? I love Latins, training, and coaching church planters!

What do you want to/need to work on as a boss or leader?
I need much better Spanish, and more experience in various parts of Latin America.

What has God been teaching you lately about being a leader?
I learned (from Keith Anderson at our ADT meetings in August) that my identity as a leader, from a biblical standpoint, is not just that of a servant, but also that of shepherd, priest, and steward.

Why do you love Latin America?
I love the warmth and passion of the Latin people.

What excites you about the ministry we're doing in LA?
I believe we are on the cusp of greatly increasing our impact on the people of the Latin American Continent.

How can people contact you?

• Email: michael.gunderson@efca.org
• Text or call: 952-715-2589

More Personal...

Tell us about your family.
My wife Linda has been a discipler and teacher of women and youth for many years and in many contexts. She has given great energies to raising and coaching our two kids:

• Nicolas, 19, is a sophomore at Bethel in St. Paul, MN. He's majoring in chemistry and on one of the University worship teams, playing acoustic guitar.
• Ali, 17, is a freshman at Northwestern College in St. Paul. She's majoring in psychology.

Where do you currently live?
Minneapolis, MN

What's the last book you read?
Humility by Andrew Murray

What do you like to do for fun?
Play games with my family.

Prayer requests:

• Pray for our kids, Nick & especially Ali, as they transition to America and college life...
• And pray for their empty-nest parents!