Confessionally Reformed

#2--We Value a Confessionally Reformed Understanding of God’s Word

The team in Eastern Europe used the space and materials they had to show the story of God's creation, the fall, and His plan for redemption.

As Reformed Christians, we do believe that God is in control of every inch of this world, and that He is a God who can use even sidewalk chalk (in the hands of willing servants) to proclaim His Word!

(this is the second in a series of ten blog posts that will seek to show how SMP participants live out and experience CRWM's values.)

Passion for God’s Mission in the World

(this is the first of a series of ten blog posts that will seek to show how SMP participants live out and experience CRWM's values.)

#1--We Value Faith in God and Passion for God’s Mission in the World


In Guatemala, Elise and Kayla spent time at a local youth center called Rincon Joven ("youth corner"). A local congregation, Nueva Jerusalem (New Jerusalem), offers free walk-in tutoring, as well as classes in a variety of areas. Rincon Joven practices "incarnational ministry", that is, as Kayla puts it,

"ministering through relationships, as Jesus did his whole life--relentlessly pouring God's love into people by meeting all types of needs, but mainly the need to feel loved."

While in Guatemala, the team participated in a carnival to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the youth center.

summertime, and the blogging is easy . . .

. . . when someone else does it for you!
Again, a glimpse of the Nigeria SMP team from Mike and Megan Ribbens . . .

And lest you think we have love only for Nigeria, I promise we'll post some pics
from other teams soon . . .

Planning for ministry

The SMP Eastern Europe team had to work together to plan lessons, games, and other activities for the camps they led. Hopefully all of that team-building during orientation was helpful in preparing them to work together!

A change of perspective

August is an exciting time for those of us who are in the business of "sending out" SMPers. Little by little, the pictures and the stories start coming in, and we get to hear about the amazing ways in which God has worked in the lives of SMP participants.

It's amazing how our world, which once seemed so big, becomes so much smaller as we serve with and among people from all over the world, people who follow the same Savior as we do, and people who need to know Him. As any SMP participant will tell you, this one summer of service and learning will change you in ways you can't even imagine.

So what about you? Is it possible that God wants to change your perspective next summer?