Global Mission Immersion Program

… an in-depth mission certification  experience

Immersion Program Brochure (PDF)

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Dates: 16  – 26 August 2014
Cost:  $1,700 (excluding airfare)

Who Should Register?
… seminarians, deacons, priests, lay missioners, experienced  missioners, the mission curious, diocesan mission leaders … anyone with an  interest in global mission …

Overview
GEMN has been  offering its flagship Mission Formation  Program in the context of its annual educational conferences for several  years. In response to the church’s increased engagement in global mission, we  are now offering the Global Mission Immersion Program, a 10-day, in-depth mission  certification experience. This new program will provide participants with an  opportunity to learn about mission and integrate what they’ve learned with a  mission experience.

This certification  program is designed to equip clergy and lay missioners with a broad range of  knowledge about global mission as well as the practical skills to provide  leadership in their parishes, dioceses, and the wider church.

Objectives

  • Learn about Church history as it pertains to mission
  • Explore the biblical and theological foundations for mission
  • Develop practical skills for mission leadership
  • Participate in a mission project (field experience)
  • Learn about the local culture and history of Colombia

Schedule

  • Aug 16         Arrivals
  • Aug 17         What’s Mission? … Church history, and theological and  biblical foundations
  • Aug 18         Mission Leadership
  • Aug 19         Organizing and Managing a Mission Team
  • Aug 20-22  Field Site/Mission Project
  • Aug 23         Group Discussion & Program Wrap-up
  • Aug 24-25   Cultural & Historical Experiences around Bogota
  • Aug 26         Departures

Program Content & Structure

  • Develop an understanding of Anglican mission history
  • Discuss different historical perspectives and models for mission
  • Explore the theological/biblical foundations for mission
  • Study approaches to the formation of mission committees, mission  teams, etc.
  • Learn about mission finances (budgeting & fundraising)
  • Discuss issues related to mission planning … seeking permissions,  healthcare advisement, and developing a working relationship with their mission  host
  • Discuss models for socio-cultural education
  • Discuss the realities of practical trip preparation (packing,  healthcare reminders, etc.)
  • Learn about the importance of spiritual preparation and various  models for spiritual leadership and facilitation of spiritual reflection
  • Discuss the realities and potential challenges of traveling in a  broken world
  • Discuss final preparations for group formation and management,  dealing with local customs, arriving at the mission site, etc

Mission Project
We  will work on a community farm about an hour outside of Bogota owned and  operated by Iglesia Santa Marta under the leadership of Padre Javier Aldana.  Colombia has over 5.2 million displaced persons due to a number of social and  political issues. When fully operational, it’s the intention of the Santa Marta  and the Diocese to provide employment and food security for displaced families  in Facatativa. While working on the farm, we will live in community in the  rectory.

Program Wrap-up
We  will return to the classroom to discuss and debrief regarding our experience on  the Santa Marta farm. Through the use of group exercises we will have  opportunities to reflect on, and integrate, our overall experience.

Excursions
The  final 2 days of the program will include excursions to historic sites in  Bogota, the world class Museo de Oro, the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, and  local craft markets.

Language Requirement
There  is no language requirement. While it would enhance the experience to have some  Spanish, enabling participants to converse with the people they encounter, all  group sessions will be in English and translation will be available as needed  throughout the program.  Bogota is a wonderful place to learn Spanish. You may want to consider attending a local Spanish immersion school for a week or two either before or after the program. We have a relationship with several schools in Bogota and can facilitate your attendance and lodging. Please contact us at gmip@gemn.org if you are interested in this option.

Program Facilitator
The program will be facilitated by The Rev. Dr. Ted J. Gaiser, missionary in  Colombia and President of GEMN. Ted has over 20 years of mission experience,  including 8 years of Global Mission Partnership leadership in the Episcopal  Diocese of Massachusetts where he developed a mission leadership training  program that included group training sessions and a capstone short-term mission  trip. He has led mission trips throughout Central & South America, the  Caribbean, East Africa and the Middle East. Ted has a varied professional  background that includes working in healthcare management, business  development, and university education. He holds advanced  degrees in theology, business management, and sociology, and currently serves  as a priest and the Director of Mission Development in the Episcopal Diocese of  Colombia.

Additional Information

  • Bogota is one of the highest capitals  in the world, located on an Andean plain at an elevation of 8,000 ft. Few  insects survive at this altitude. As such, participants need no medical  vaccinations or medications to stay in Bogota or Facatativa. (More detailed  information will be available to registrants, or on request.)
  • US citizens can travel in Colombia for  up to 3 weeks without a tourist visa. No  visa is required for participating in the Global Mission Immersion  Program.
  • All major airlines travel to/from  Bogota and to/from major airline hubs in the US.

Program Fees
The program cost is $1,700, (not including airfare and recommended  readings). Participants will be advised of recommended readings in advance of  program attendance and are strongly encouraged to read them in preparation for  their trip to Colombia. Other books and materials will be provided in Colombia.  Fees cover all expenses including room and board, course materials, local  transportation, and museum entrance and other related excursion fees. All participants will pay a non-refundable  deposit of $250 by June 15. Checks should be made  payable to GEMN and mailed to Global Episcopal Mission Network, c/o The  Rev. Mooydeen Frees, P.O. Box 30334, Cincinnati, OH 45230. Payment in full  is due July 15. (GEMN reserves the  right to cancel due to insufficient participation.)

For assistance, write to gmip@gemn.org.

Proclaim, Inspire, Ignite the Joy of God's Mission