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.

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!