I wrote a guest post over at Life in Student Ministry about free software that I love.
It’s a list of downloadable software that you can use for photos, audio, video, office/publishing, security and utilities, study, and web stuff. Check it out.
What are some other free applications I should have included?
I went downtown yesterday with Huberto to buy him his graduation present at the “Plaza de Tecnologia,” or, as I like to call it, the Mexican Best Buy. It’s a huge building (it takes up like a city block) with a bunch of electronics kiosks in it.
In the maze of corridors, you can find anything you want that has to do with computers. It’s totally an experience to go into the crowded place with everyone yelling at you asking you what you are looking for, what you need, etc. Huberto had gotten some stuff stolen when he was at a youth drug rehabilitation center visiting one of the students in his ministry, so we replaced some of that stuff for him for his graduation gift.
Anyway, at the Fine Arts Palace (Palacio de Bellas Artes), they had these huge bronze heads outside, and I got a picture with them. We also got a picture of Huberto kissing one of them.
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There are people in life that do great things but go unseen, or their legacy is known to only a few. Today as I was grading papers from my class on Camps and Retreats, I came across one such hero.
Helen Black was a missionary in Cuba long before the revolution. She arrived in Cuba in the 40′s and founded an interdenominational campground known as “Mi Campamento.” Her work with young people raised up some of the greatest Christians who would carry on the work of the gospel in a country where it hasn’t always been easy to be a Christian.
She was also a professor at the New Pines Seminary, and “Aunt Helen” was known for her ability to teach the Bible. She loved Cuba and dedicated her life to the Cuban people. She died in Cuba at the age of 84, but her legacy lives on in the lives of Christian leaders and young people who still attend activities at the camp she founded.
I pray that my life can have an impact like Helen’s life did. She may not be known to man, but she had an eternal impact in the Kingdom of God.
What about you? Do you have any good stories of unknown heroes who have impacted you or the lives of those around you?
I’ve been posting some things over at YouthMinistryTV.com about mission trips, etc. You should go over there and check them out. If you feel like it, leave a comment, too. I’d love to hear what you have to say about missions and youth ministry.
Why Can’t You Do Missions At Home?
DO’s and DON’Ts for Missions
Hopefully, I’ll be posting more often over there soon. I hope to post regular youth ministry thoughts and ideas very soon.
Four years ago, we started a youth ministry program at the Mexico Baptist Theological Seminary. Last Saturday, the first graduate received his Bachelor’s in Youth Ministry from our program.
It has been the work of pioneers. We are doing something that is not being done by many people. We were some of the first people to do this in Latin America.
So here I am, four and a half years after getting to Mexico, reflecting on the beginning of this “formal youth ministry training program.”
Teamwork – I haven’t been the only one involved. Boyce College, Youth Ministry International, and a host of other people have been a part of this. It would be better if I had more of a team on the ground here in Mexico, but I’m certainly grateful for those who have formed part of our team these last four years.
In the future: I will form a team first. In order to be successful (and less stressed), you need to have a group who shares your vision, living and working with you daily.
Connections – The more you can connect with people in the country, the better off you will be. There is ministry happening, and it’s important to find out who’s doing what. More in-country connections would have helped us greatly. The in-country people don’t have to be directly involved in your ministry, but they do need to know what you’re doing and be willing to back you up and talk up your program.
In the future: I will reach out much faster to the other organizations that are already in the country or city, sharing the vision and seeing how we can form alliances to be more effective.
Perception – Perception is reality. You must be sure you are partnering with the right people. Sometimes, we have suffered because of the perception, or reputation, of our seminary (regardless of if this perception is correct or not). You must be aware of the perceptions of others.
In the future: I will work harder to create a better perception for the overall seminary/school and the youth ministry program.
Investment – It takes a great investment of time, money, and effort to get something of this magnitude off the ground. You have to know that it will be difficult, both financially and personally, to achieve anything worthwhile. Be willing to invest greatly in the dream.
In the future: I will measure the amount of work it takes to get something done, and I won’t let that stop me from achieving success. I think we’ve done a good job, and there are always things that could be done better (fundraising, team building, etc).
Vision – You must remain faithful to your vision. Helen Keller once said, “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision.” You must not let what you see allow you to waiver from the vision. Despite the obstacles and barriers, stay true to the vision. Be dedicated to what you do, and you will see results.
In the future: I will share the vision more with others. I want people to buy into what we are doing. It’s important for our success that others see the big picture.
We’ve certainly not done everything right. I’ve learned a lot about leadership and ministry in the last 5 years. It has been worth it, and I’m looking forward to what is in store for the future.
(Images by: Ali K)
Youth Ministry International offers certification for youth workers who have demonstrated certain qualifications for ministry. In fact, there are 52 essential qualities for a certified youth worker. We basically see these qualities as our goals for the students in the Centers for Youth Ministry throughout the world.
The essential qualities fall under 5 categories: skills, character, knowledge, programming, and academic and experiential training. Receiving the certification also allows the youth worker to conduct training and seminars on behalf of Youth Ministry International.
Almost one year ago, on May 27, 2007, YMI certified the first youth worker in the Ukraine. Today, we gave Huberto his youth ministry certification. He is the first Latin American youth worker that Youth Ministry International has certified, and it was an honor to be able to give him his certificate at his church this morning.
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in his church and community now that he’s finished his seminary degree (of course, I am encouraging him to continue his education, but he’s finished for now). He should have more time to dedicate to the ministry, and he’s already doing a great job.
I could see today how great of a relationship he has with his students, and I could tell that they were looking for him for counsel. It was great to see him in action.
I can’t believe they are leaving. We’ve lived 2 streets away from them for the last 3 years, and we’re over their house at least twice a week. We’re going to miss them a lot.
They’re moving back to Nashville. We wish them the best and will keep praying for them as they move on to a different type of ministry.
Here’s a video I made of them back in 2004. It always makes me laugh.
And here’s a video from today:
