Today the first speaker was Ken Nichols. He spoke on A.L.I.V.E. or Always Living In View of Eternity. The essential thought is that what we do in this life has eternal consequences (either good or bad) and we should make our decisions based on that.
A saying he kept repeating is this:
*God's WORD (the Bible) influences my perspectives
*Perspective influences response
*Response influences outcome 100% of the time
If we are students of the Bible, knowing it, internalizing it, living by it, then our perspective will be from God's view point. We will still encounter troubles and pain, but our response will be more healthy and strong, because we are trusting in God.
Later, ABWE's former president spoke on Ethics. He came down hard. In his opinion, the #1 most common sin among Christians is lying. He said that, "the temptation to lie comes when the truth seems too expensive". We were encouraged to always be truthful regardless of the cost.
In the afternoon we were interviewed by
*The Regional Administrator for Central/Eastern Europe & Mediteranian
*The consultant who will help us with our children's education while on the field
*The director of Finance
*The director of Pre-Field ministry
Everyone of them sincerely assured us that they are here to help us in any way they can. They want to help us during pre-field work and once we are on the field of service. They really mean it. I think most, if not all, of them are also supported by churches. Even the president of ABWE is a missionary whose income is provided by the gifts of churches and individuals.
When they say ABWE is a team, they really mean it.
After dinner we saw presentations on the work that is being done in Central/Eastern Europ, Mexico/Central America, and USA. Yes, ABWE sends missionaries to the USA too.
It was so very moving to hear how God is at work in these areas. I'll have to write more about that later. Right now it's time to leave the hotel and start day 4.
These are 10 hour days, but they are full of rich times.
Adam
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