Jonathan and Karen tie the knot!

On October 4th, our middle son, Jonathan married Karen Sikora at a beautiful ceremony in Linconshire, IL. God is so good! As parents, we pray that our children will cultivate wonderfully healthy and godly relationships whether in marriage or singleness as God's plan, and it is humbling to see how God answers those prayers. Karen is a lovely, godly young woman, committed to God's purpose for growing in Him and His purposes as a couple. Please pray for them as they follow His steps. They will be living in the Chicago area while Jonathan finishes up seminary.

September quarter - great launch!

On Monday this past week ProMETA began the third quarter of 2008. With a record number of students (36) in 12 countries, the virtual classes opened successfully! We've never had this large of a number of students in one quarter so this is wonderful. (A significant detail - we did not put out any advance invitation to prospective students nor to those who were currently enrolled in classes - this is something we normally do. God brought the students to us.) In the picture you see the ProMETA staff interceding for the 36 students, the five mentors - the Biblical Worldview course is being "team" mentored by Dr. Fernández and a very capable and gifted Spaniard. We pray that the course will eventully be mentored by him and Dr. Fernández move on to developing other courses. Thanks for praying, and keep it up!!

Great time in US and Safe Return to Costa Rica!

After traveling through eight states to meet with churches, small groups, mission leaders, family, friends, attend two weddings and the EFCA conference, we were able to return safely to Costa Rica two days ago. We're thankful for God's blessing our time in the US and also quite thankful that we are now back in Costa Rica, in spite of our Chicago flight getting cancelled and then arriving in Costa Rica minus three pieces of luggage. It was good to see our team mates again. Thanks so much for your prayers these past six weeks.

Visit to the US has just begun!

Judy and I arrived in Florida on the 20th, preached at the Miramar EFC on the 22nd and returned (Keith) from the EFCA conference in St. Louis a couple days ago. This week we will be working out of Dubuque, IA as we spend time with Keith's folks and sister. While in the US, we will be staying in touch with the office as well as visiting churches, supporters, and going to two weddings.

ProMETA Spiritual Retreat

Last night Judy and I returned from three intense, yet refreshing, days of meetings. As a team, we escaped to the mountains above San Jose and met with retreat leaders (members of the Paraclete ministry) from Colorado Springs. We were guided in a process designed to strengthen as well as develop habits, skills and disciplines in growing to be more like Christ. Now, as we return to the routines at the office, our desire is to bring those habits and skills with us in such a way that the unmistakable character of Christ fills our building! We truly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of our meetings as well as the interaction we had with each team member. God met with each one of us. Thanks for your prayers.

ProMETA Annual Team Meeting

Last week the Lord gave us a fantastic time as a time as we met for over four days of meetings. Most of our time was spent in training staff in the production of courses as well as rolling out the details of Vision 2011. We sensed God's presence throughout the meetings and as we closed the final meeting we broke out in singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness!" Please pray that the results of our time together will have a huge impact on our progress and God's blessing these next three years. And thanks for praying!

Three-year goals for LATN

We've made reference recently to LATN's goals for 2011. What follows is the text of the ten goals to be accomplished by October 2011.

By the grace and enabling of God, LATN will have...

1. Created a learning community which unmistakably reflects Christ-like character in its staff and students.
2. Crafted a graduate curriculum in theology and leadership that strikes at the heart of the needs of 21st century Ibero- American leaders.
3. Produced a full catalog of outstanding courses for graduate programs in theology and leadership.
4. Enrolled 350 Ibero-American leaders with 200 of them having significant influence upon other leaders beyond their local context.
5. Established a presence in least 18 countries with certified country coordinators.
6. Mobilized 20 certified mentors skilled in leading vibrant learning communities.
7. Formed strategic alliances with 10 institutions and organizations.
8. Received accreditation from a national or regional association.
9. Served as a regional catalyst for excellence and innovation in distance education.
10. Developed a robust, sustainable and reproducible business model for the institution.