Preparing Students for Mission - by Rick Masters

Rick Masters - Adventure Ministry Program Manager

In scripture, I see a character building program that God is actively involved in.  For example, God places people in solitude (David), under a teacher (Paul), or in difficulty (Joseph) to prepare them for the next phase of life, ministry, role or choices the person will make.   Now maybe it’s less of a program than I’ve stated but it's interesting to see the following decisions and roles these people faced.  Similarly for us, we cannot (and maybe God will not) move us forward until we have these transitional, preparation experiences.  Some are more foundational then others. I believe the ultimate preparation is of the heart, will and mind centering our identity, strength, success and joy in God.

The Graduate Assistantship Program here at HoneyRock is one of those foundational experiences designed to give students this opportunity.  They will both study and experience first-hand the practice and theory of outdoor ministry and the character it takes to partake and lead in it.  It’s an “all hands on deck” experience hosting and serving various groups or retreats while setting up all the programming for both the individual and the collective group to experience Jesus on many levels.  Meanwhile students also are discovering and facing their own gifts and fears as they serve.  It’s a dynamic process that combines experience, evaluation, learning and encouragement as a means of “character formation” and preparation for what God may use them in next.

I hope our time with students helps them leave our ministry with the foundations to make wise and holy choices; to love and fully engage themselves in God’s mission around the world at any level, difficulty, or time in culture.  I want them to become servants who will be actively engaging in other people’s lives--not needing a desk, or title or role but are fully involved in mission. 

Prayer Items:

1)  This years Graduate Program Assistants (GPAs) will arrive on November 30.  We will welcome: Micah, Candida, Bridget, Mary Elise, Ami, Matt, Steve, and Luis who will be here learning and working for 9 months.  Join with us in praying for this group.

2)  Tomorrow (Thursday November 19) we have a 1/2 day off-site meeting.  We will be looking at the summer evaluations and working to make improvements for 2010.  Pray that we have a productive time.

Rick Masters