A "buzz" of activities

We apologize for the long silence.  But that doesn't represent a long period of mundane inactivity here at H. I.  On the contrary;  there has been a lot going on here with the training sessions and participants along with some special guests.  The institute's founder, Dr. J.H. along with the board's newly appointed CEO lady, Dr. B.U. visited us about 2 weeks ago.  What a privilege to sit at the dinner table with him and hear his wit and wisdom and sharp memory of important details from decades ago and his call to begin such a impactful, global,  evangelism-training ministry.  At age 92 it was fun to even, on rare occasions, see him quickly reach for his smartphone to "google" a minute fact he wanted to confirm!

That same week (week 3 of the women's session) we got to hear some dramatic presentations. All 58 of the participants from 24 countries were grouped into 5 different geographic regions of the world. They were asked to present to their fellow participants and us volunteers using drama and multi-media and music what the religious and cultural status of their countries are, some historical facts of the influence of Christianity in their regions and challenges they face in sharing the Good News to those who need to hear.  There were some very poignant portrayals of challenges they are facing in many places.

Portraying the challenges of confronting powers of witchcraft 

After each reporting group shared, the entire assembly surrounded
them and offered powerful prayers of blessing, and for boldness and
God's directive hand to be upon them 

Sharing the dinner meal with the founder and the incoming CEO

 A few days later there was an international praise night and all the ladies dressed in national costumes and each region or country offered praise songs and many with dances.

Malaysian praise dance with one of Karen's friends pulling her
up front to participate in one song with them

Karen with some fellow volunteers and international participant ladies

Giving you an idea of the countries where the women participants
came from and the varied professions they represented

Sumptuous convocation banquet meal 

With our good friend, the "resident coordinator"
for all the participants; she is a medical doctor
from the Philippines 

Leon, with  Nigeria's first woman
Presidential candidate (2015); she is an H.I.
graduate and teaching facilitator at this session

The convocation and diploma ceremony last Thursday was the culmination of the month's training. The evening began with a formal dinner in our dining room and later included the women singing a wonderful missions song that is offered in the video below.  Here are the song's lyrics:

"WE SPEAK TO NATIONS"

 Hear the sound

The sound of the nations calling
Hear the sound
The sound of the fatherless, crying

Who will go for us?
Who will shout to the corners of the earth?
That Christ is King

We speak to nations, be open
We speak to nations, fall on your knees
We speak to nations
The Kingdom is coming near to you

Oh, we speak to strongholds, be broken
Powers of darkness, you have to flee
We speak to nations
The Kingdom is coming near to you

We speak to you, be free

(Yeah yeah) Be free

Hear the sound
The sound of the nations worshipping
Hear the sound
Of sons and daughters singing

We will go for You

We will shout to the corners of the earth

That Christ is King

[Click on photo for Choir singing video]

Preparation for communion 

The last event was a communion service on Friday morning including all the women participants from the 24 nations along with all of us volunteers.  It was one of my most meaningful communions in recent years ending with the  "Go ye into all the world .  .  . "

We said our sad goodbyes as all of the women departed throughout Friday night and Saturday.  And by Saturday night into all day Sunday we welcomed the 60 incoming men participants from 30 countries to start the men's session today--Tuesday.