Operation Mobilization OutBound

As part of our orientation with Operation Mobilization we gathered with about 30 other prospective OM missionaries at the OM USA Headquarters in Atlanta, GA for a week called OutBound. This week was anything but textbook and dry lectures like we had been anticipating. At the beginning of the week we were divided up into "tribes" and came up with a tribe name, flag and skit about our tribe origin. At the end of the week had an "Amazing Race" type hunt around Atlanta after being dropped off at the International Airport with a bag of quarters and a list of things and people to find. I'm proud to announce that Waka Waka Hiki Mundo tribe won and we got to sign a trophy with the world on top and a picture of George Verwer (OM's Founder) on the base.

During our adventures downtown Atlanta, we shared Christ with Bemga (from Nigeria whose name means "God lifts me up") and Kim (see photo). Please pray with us that they surrender their lives completely to Jesus! Another highlight was a surprise connection with fellow OutBounders, Sarah and Dax Bryant. Sarah was my sisters college roommate some 10 years ago! It was super neat to catch up and meet her family and hear how the Lord is leading them in missions

Throughout the week we heard from and prayed for many OM missionaries who had come from around the world to cast a vision for ministry in their field. We had practical sessions on support raising, expectations and transitions. Not only did we learn much more about OM as an organization and about its history, we experienced OM first hand and the love and care they have for their missionaries and their desire to thoroughly prepare people for serving the Lord for a lifetime. Even though we have been doing full time ministry for many years, this week was a refreshing reminder of the basics of missions and what it is all about, not to mention a whole lot of fun!