MINISTRY / Executive Director reflections
15 Days of Prayer for China began on Saturday, February 10. Our ministry blog during the Chinese Spring Festival will highlight matters we ask you to keep in your prayers. This blog post comes from Mark Wagner, our new Executive Director. Mark was called to this role in September.
For more information about 15 Days of Prayer tap here.
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Some of what I’ve learned
As the new Executive Director at 316NOW, I've frequently felt overwhelmed by the amount I need to learn before I can master this call.
One thing I’ve done is attend our online Bible institute classes. That allows me to develop a personal relationship with some of our students. I am learning how the Chinese culture is different than our culture in North America. And I'm learning how different an online classroom with people of another culture is compared to teaching in the congregations I served.
For example, I have found that
our students have an intense thirst for understanding Scripture.
teaching with the help of an interpreter slows down the class. It also means that the teacher must use words that the interpreter knows how to translate. Accurately translating from one language to another in real-time requires special gifts only a few people are given.
Our classes are not only intended to share information. The ultimate goal is to transform our students into heralds for the gospel.
Our faculty members are all seminary-trained Confessional Lutheran pastors. But they need more than a solid education to teach for us. They must learn to share Bible truths with people who come from a different culture than they do.
The Spirit is in control
The Spirit has also reminded me that he decides the blessings to bring out of our ministry. We unleash his powerful Word; he gives the increase according to his will. 316NOW continues to do everything we can to proclaim grace to the Chinese people. But we trust him to keep his promise,
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:1).
In need of prayer
I appreciate your prayers for me during 15 Days of Prayer and beyond. Ask our Father to guide my transition into the executive director position so I might lead in his power, love, and wisdom.