Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
On a cool November morning over 70 people gathered in Nunspeet for the first iTeams NL Open Day. It was a time to celebrate the past, be thankful for all that is happening today and dream about the future.
The day opened with a message from iTeams NL Director Barth Companjen. The first part of his message celebrated 30 years of iTeams NL and its predecessor, Ancient World Outreach. Highlights of how God has been at work in and through both phases of our history encouraged all who were present with the message of God’s faithfulness. We were also able to hear what iTeams NL is doing today to pursue our vision to see lives and communities transformed by the power of God.
During the day there were opportunities to attend seminars on a variety of topics given by members of our office team. One popular session was a practical seminar on how churches can care for their Christian workers. The other highlight was a seminar on caring for and reaching out to the refugee – a relevant topic for many today.
Current workers with iTeams NL serving across the globe had the opportunity to share their mission and how God was at work via a video testimony. They also presented their ministry in colourful booths complete with photos, items for show and sale to raise project funds.
A special feature of the day was to sponsor a fun care package for the children of our workers. Due to the generosity of many people all children of our workers received a package to encourage them and remind them that they are important.
A final highlight of the day was celebrating the graduation of our 2015 candidates from their iTeams NL training and orientation program. Following a course of three weekends the candidates successfully completed all parts of the program. This is an essential step for joining ITeams Netherlands.
The organising team would like to thank all who attended. We trust that it was a day to be encouraged in all that God is doing in the world through iTeams NL and our workers. A special word of thanks to the team who made the day happen including the catering team that served a wonderful morning tea and lunch. Also to the Vrije Evangelische Gemeente - Nunspeet for use of their wonderful church building.
We look forward to a second open day in 2016 – stay tuned for further details.