Briefing!

Hey guys! It is the night before I fly out but I just wanted to give you a brief synopsis of the project briefing! It has been AWESOME! I've only been here two days but the 3oish of us going to Buenos Aires are family. Already. Love how that kind of stuff works!!

Meetings:

These have been long at times, but awesome as well! Lots of great things from different staff members going to Argentina (B.A. and La Plata) and East Asia. It is cool getting perspectives such as conflict resolution from Todd Smith, evangelism advice from the likes of Mark and Michelle, and from other staff!!

Small Groups!

The project is already small at about 30 members, but 6 of us guys are in a Bible Study. We have shared where we have come from in life already and have built such a great relationship even in the limited time we've spent together, over pizza as well! I look forward tremendously to this bond growing much like Santa Cruz with room 3...you know who you are!

Commissioning:

Tonight, we commissioned each others' projects; we prayed for each other, laying hands on one another! To hear 80ish prayers through the room was truly awesome! I love how the Lord moves in numbers of His people coming together, even though we are going to spread ourselves throughout the world!

Cultural Understanding:

The Argentinian culture, as with any culture, is unique. The "beso", a "kiss" but not really on the cheek, has been taken up by the project as you are supposed to do it anytime you enter a room with EVERYONE. Very European, as Buenos Aires is. Anyway, they also have this bitter tea that you drink and share the straw. Fortunately I am not a germophob.

To sum up, I can't believe the fellowship. I am continually amazed at how the Lord moves, brings His people together, sends them out, provides for them, draws us toward Him. These two days have been characterized by that for me! I have been encircled by this maturity level that causes me to say "Lord, I WANT You to have my all for Your glory!" Pray for me guys. Pray for travel, the BA, La Plata and East Asia teams. Pray for glorification of the Lord in all things. Pray for BOW- boldness, opportunities, and wisdom. Pray continually (1 Thess. 5:17) Back in 6 weeks!

In Christ,

Johnathan

Isaiah 55:10-11!