SMP Photo of the Day-Sent by the CRC, part 1

SMP participants are the "goers", heading out to all corners of the earth, but supported with prayer and finances by many people within the CRCNA. One highlight of the pre-field orientation is the commissioning service, where the SMP participants are celebrated, prayed over, and sent out with the blessing of a local congregation and the larger CRC.

SMP Photo of the Day-Sent by the CRC, part 2

In 2007, the SMP pre-field orientation coincided with the 150th anniversary celebration of the CRCNA, which was a wonderful complement to the commissioning service.

SMP Photo of the Day--Karlynn's storm

During pre-field orientation, SMP participants participated in a variety of activities to help them prepare for their time overseas. Here, Karlynn shares a picture she drew of a previous conflict she'd experienced. The participants were encouraged to draw this conflict in "weather language", one creative (and kind of fun!) way to describe feelings in a tense situation.

SMP Photo of the Day--puzzled

Prior to heading out across the world, SMP participants spend an intense week in Grand Rapids, Michigan, getting to know each other and participating in activities that will help them as they serve in a variety of contexts.

Here, Brittney, Jordan, Laura, Karlynn and Charlene work on a group exercise during a training on conflict resolution.