|
Latin America ChildCare was the primary sponsor of the event.
Interest on an endowment left to LACC paid the basic registration for the
participants that included food, materials and ground transportation in country.
School book publishers also provided sponsorship that covered the cost of the
final banquet. International travel (air and bus) and housing was paid by each
country delegation from personal, school, church and local LACC funds. We’re
grateful for the sacrifices that so many made to attend this Congress.
The program consisted of evening services and morning
devotionals for inspiration, general sessions in the morning and afternoon
workshops. Most of the general session speakers were our national
superintendents, national school directors and LACC missionary coordinators from
the participating countries. Other educational specialists joined these to teach
workshops. We were pleased to have two professors from the education department
at Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL) teaching workshops.
Rod
was able to share a general session on the Vision,
Compassion, Action and Compromise required to see a
transformed generation. Participants were reminded
that the Christian school, as a ministry of the local
church, must follow the same three-part ministry of Jesus
outlined in Matthew 9:35-37 to preach, teach and show
compassion. Each member of the Christian school team,
from teacher to director to pastor to national leader, must
be committed to this task. Rod also taught two
workshops: Strengthening Specialized Programs like English
and Computer and Models for School Financing and
Administration.
We
were blessed by the participation of children from three
different schools in El Salvador. They shared songs
and traditional dances from the country. Current and
former students, many of whom are serving at one of the
schools, honored John and Lois for the contributions that
they had made to their lives. It was a very touching
moment as the group of children and adults gathered around
the Buenos to pray for them.
The local committee set up a short tour for the late
afternoon on the last day so that country delegations were able to see more of
San Salvador and the surrounding area. The Congress concluded with a banquet the
last night. It was quite a festive event that featured a tasty meal, preaching,
recognition of committees and speakers and the presentation of the certificate
of participation and an 8x10” photo for each person. A five-minute highlight
video was shown; it’s always a hit to show the participants in action! This is
the video at the end of this article.
Participants were challenged to do their part to transform a
generation. The important link between local church and school was emphasized,
reminding each one that the school is a strong ministry arm of the church. Most
of the children and youth that attend are from non-Christian homes. The church
and school intentionally reaches out to these children and families.
Each of the country delegations left motivated for the task
and asking when the next Congress will take place. The Central American Schools
Commission will review all evaluations and will make a decision about future
Congresses. Perhaps it will be in 2013 when El Salvador celebrates 50 years of
school ministry!
We would like to thank all who prayed for this important
event. God answered our prayers!
|