One of the presentations of the Cross – Cultural Orientation (CCO), follows a child’s initial interest in missions to his ultimate involvement in the field as a full time missionary. Each stage of his development was punctuated by the phrase, “I want more!” It was soon evident that the participants of the CCO in Dominica were also driven by an insatiable desire for more. It was in such an atmosphere that the participants of the CCO in Dominica explored their call to missions, from July 10 – 12, 2015 at the Ocean View Retreat Centre.
With 13 participants from Dominica, Barbados, Trinidad and Guyana, it was to date the smallest CCO conducted on the Field, but by far one of the most impactful. From the training sessions, to the experiential activities, the EE-TAOW video, devotions and times of reflection, there was a unanimous hunger for the next activity and the next session. Renewed energy was evident as the teams recited their cheers with resounding enthusiasm. Laughter and conversation ensued as participants engaged in every team building, character forming and missions sensitizing activity. There was never a dull moment during the CCO as the participants expected and anticipated more.
Over the course of the weekend, sessions were facilitated by Assistant District Superintendent and Missionary to Dominica, Steve Pettit; Caribbean Field Global Missions Coordinator, Lynda Woolford – Richards and Caribbean Field Global Missions Team Member – Rev. Shawn Parris. Others who facilitated sessions included Min. Crystalla Williams, Cleon Cadogan, Paul Lopez and Sheena Small. Molly Pettit reminded participants not to overlook children in the discovery and development of missionaries. In all of this, participants were challenged to recognize their responsibility in discovering, developing and deploying missionaries from Dominica and the Caribbean and to live the great commission in tangible and creative ways.
At the end of the CCO, the participants’ desires for more had changed from “I want to know more” to “I want to do more.” By God’s grace, they made commitments to send, support and even go as missionaries. The closing service was a testimony to this commitment as most of those present, responded to God’s call to GO and SERVE in their respective communities.
As I reflect on all that transpired over the weekend, I am reminded that God wants to do more in our lives and in our various spheres of influence. This CCO is a reminder that small numbers are not a deterrent for God’s plan to be fulfilled in our communities and countries. The determining factor for God to work in us is our desire for Him to do more in and through our lives. The question is, “Do we want more?”
Information provided By: Scott Armstrong
