“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
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Where It Began
Where We Are Going
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Greetings!
As we moved into 2023, the verses from Ephesians 3:20-21 have resonated the loudest. In 2020, we began our DOUBLE IT goal to double from 10,000 equipped leaders to 20,000 by 2025. Today, we are closing in on more than 19,000 leaders. Our Lord has gone ABOVE & BEYOND our expectations, and we give Him all the glory.
Each month, I’d like to highlight how increasing our equipped leaders from 10,000 to nearly 20,000 has impacted the ministry in different regions worldwide. To start, let’s go back to where it all began in Southeast Asia.
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In 1986, Mindy and I moved to the Philippines and began a journey that has been ABOVE & BEYOND our expectations. During language and culture study in Mindanao, the Lord began to burden me with the vision of bringing the seminary training I had received to others via a discipleship relationship. Later, we learned that we would move to Guindulman, Bohol, for a church planting assignment. We began with 11 believers that another missionary (Mark Silvers) had led to Christ.
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The Lord led me to three men whom I would mentor and equip over seven years. Four other men joined us, and we began to watch God work through them as we invited them into a close relationship with me, modeled effective ministry for them, entrusted to them guided opportunities, and entrusted the ministry to them as they proved faithfulness. Jose was one of those men who still pastors the church today. |
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In 1996, I joined the team in Tagbilaran, and we began the same process again. I had the privilege of equipping the church's pastor, Awing, who is still the pastor there today. We started the first BTCP (Bible Training Centre for Pastors) class there with 12 students, and Awing was one of them. Now, 26 years later, we have seen the Lord do ABOVE & BEYOND what we could expect or imagine.
From the Philippines, we have expanded into 37 countries, including many countries in Asia – Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim countries – through YOUR prayer and financial support – through your partnership! Together, God has answered our prayers ABOVE & BEYOND.
By God's grace, we have teams working together to reach the CCI vision of impacting the world through equipping Christlike servants who equip Christlike servants who passionately and effectively serve in the local church, church planting, and cross-cultural ministry. CCI teams are serving in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Even with a civil war in Myanmar, the ministry continues to expand – patiently as we implement the equipping through the discipleship relationship. Even through a terrible pandemic and economic woes, classes and training continue to expand and multiply.
In Thailand, we have classes now with every major people group – Thai, Karen, Kachin, Akha, Lahu, Lesu, Shan, and Lawa peoples. In addition, an area coordinator oversees the training for almost each of these people groups.
In Southeast Asia, most pastors and church leaders face barriers of distance, finances, and language. Theological training is available but expensive, far away from their family and ministry, and in a different language. The solution – we have brought the training to the local church in their language at an affordable price through the discipleship relationship. Through this model of relational training, they are equipped to serve. Their lives are changed. They are entrusted with biblical understanding, ministry skills, and character for long-term ministry effectiveness.
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***Identities have been concealed to protect participants*** |
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"I am an assistant coordinator and a certified teacher of CCI-Myanmar. At present, I am teaching several Bible classes. I am blessed to have ten excellent CCI courses to teach. It is such a great platform and experience to study the Word of God systematically. The course process has been simple and accessible. I enjoy and appreciate the work of CCI. I tell all who ask me how great the studies and courses are.
At first, I thought these courses would just impact the student's studies, but I realized later that these courses helped me improve the teachers. Thank you so much."
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"I am a pastor of a house church with 30 families and a student of CCI. Before this, even though I was a pastor, I did not know how to read and study the Bible. I was a leader just because I have a heart for Christ, who saved me from the bondage of the spirit and the old life. When I taught my own people, I was teaching just random verses and explaining without conclusion. I confess that I taught what I did not know. And my preaching and life were not corresponding to the Word.
Now I know, and not just myself but my fellow pastors and most of the tribal group, we were leaders or Christians because of tradition. We had many converts but didn't have a real shepherd (teacher). Now, my life is better because I understand. This training has changed my life, and I will continue to study for my spiritual growth and to lead others."
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As you have just read, we have much to celebrate. God’s goodness is overflowing, and we’d love for you to join us at our 2023 Global Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand, November 4-12. You’ll be awestruck when you hear God’s people from all around the world worshiping Jesus in their native languages. You’ll also be able to attend our training sessions as we discuss discipleship, ministry expansion, and future endeavors. It will be a grand celebration as we rejoice in all the Lord has done. For more information and to register, please click here.
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We are excited to have our leadership staff from all CCI countries attend the 2023 Global Conference. For these staff members to participate in this conference, additional funding will be required for their travel to and from Thailand. Depending on their departure country, the amount will vary from $500 to $1500 per person. If you would like to help meet this need by providing sponsorship, click HERE.
Thank you for blessing our team with your special gift of any amount. Staff will be coming from the countries listed below.
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Albania
Australia
Bangladesh
Cambodia
Canada
Fiji
Guatemala
Haiti
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Honduras
India
Indonesia
Laos
Mexico
Myanmar
Nepal
New Zealand
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Pakistan
Philippines
Rwanda
Thailand
Uganda
USA
Vietnam
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We are grateful for this opportunity to share how your partnership of giving and praying has launched CCI into unprecedented growth.
Grace and Peace,
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David Nelson
President & Founder
Crossing Cultures International
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As a reminder, in April 2024, CCI is co-leading an inspirational tour in Israel. We would love for you to come and join us.
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Staying connected to CCI is even easier! Text the word CCI to 833-981-3459 or scan the QR code to receive communication alerts such as reminders, invitations, event communication, links to videos/photos, surveys, and giving opportunities.
You can also click here to sign up for text messages.
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February Edition CCI Equipping and Multiplying News
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Click here for more CCI News from Around the World
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