Changes coming . . .

Things have been happening here at CRWM. We have been having conversations about how to involve more young adults in short-term missions opportunities. As a result, we have made a decision to discontinue our Summer Mission Program (SMP) as a separate program. We will still have a variety of summer (and non-summer!) opportunities available; however, we will no longer be restricted to a specific time frame or start date.

You can read more about our 2010 summer opportunities by going to www.crwm.org/summer. We will be adding a few more opportunities, so stay tuned!

So what do you think? Where might God be calling you to serve His kingdom?

PS--we are still working on coming up with a name for this "new" program. Anybody got any ideas?

And they're off!

The 2009 SMPers spent a week in Grand Rapids for orientation in early June and then departed for the countries where they will be learning and serving over the summer. Their travels went smoothly, and we didn't hear any stories of lost luggage - a minor miracle!

Now the teams are all knee-deep in learning about another culture, studying another language, eating new foods (the Philippines team is to be commended for trying balut), and serving alongside sisters and brothers around the world. Please join us in praying that God will work powerfully in and through them this summer!

Valuing the Body of Christ

#3- We value the Body of Christ.

In Japan, where less than two percent of the population claim Christ as their Savior, ministry can be challenging, and fellowship rare and sweet.

Above: Japan SMP team hosts and participants
join together in prayer.

SMP Japan team members not only walk alongside of local ministry leaders to do ministry together, but they also are able to fellowship with and encourage those who are struggling to make Christ known in this difficult setting. In return, the North American participants are strengthened and encouraged in their own faith, and are challenged to live more fully for Christ when they return to North America.

Above: SMP 2008 team members Melanie Thompson (at right)
and Cindy Longyne interact with children in Japan.

As our values statement reminds us, We serve the Body of Christ around the world by connecting God’s people locally, nationally and internationally for proclaiming the gospel and making disciples of all nations.

No matter where they go, SMPers are given a new picture of what it means to be a part of the global Body of Christ, and they are transformed by that vision.

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

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.