Clausons in Monterrey

As we have shared with you previously, part of the reason for our being in the US for an extended period right now is that we are working towards being consecrated as long-term missionaries. We have recently crossed some milestones in this process as we have submitted our papers and sat for interviews before the World Mission Standing Committee and the World Mission Committee of the Executive Board. We still have a few more steps to take in the process, but we are on pace to be consecrated at the Covenant's Annual Meeting next June.

Part of the consecration process requires us to do some additional class work, and last week we were at Covenant Pines in Minnesota for an intensive class called Vocational Excellence. This class touched on the core competency areas of preaching well, teaching well and caring well. Emphasis was put on self awareness and care, recognizing that those serving others in ministry must be emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in order to be effective and safe. We enjoyed getting to know several pastors, many who are coming to the Covenant from different denominations, and hearing their stories of what God is doing in their communities.

In October we attended the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. This annual event is designed to train, inspire and connect pastors and leaders who are committed to holistically expressing Christ’s love in the poorest communities. Of the 2500 participants, the majority work in America’s urban areas.  We especially enjoyed gathering with the 30+ Covenanters at the event. We learned a great deal from the plenary speakers and the wide range of workshops, on technique, theory and theology that we can apply to our setting in urban Mexico. If you are interested, you can see thier video:

Nils spent a week in San Diego where he visited with several churches and had the opportunity to share about what is happening in Mexico. A few of the highlights include:

• Visiting with folks from Community, College Center and Grace Covenant Churches, and Mt. Miguel Covenant Village.
• Attending a Bible study with a Hispanic church plant.
• Having a day to travel to Mexicali and visit with several of the pastors we previously worked with there. (The photos  are of Abraham and Claudia and Martin and Vero) It was great to drop in on them unannounced and be able to spend several hours catching-up with them...and of course eating delicious tacos.
• Attending and sharing the morning devotions at a retreat at Alpine Camp with men from all over Southern California.
• Finally, an unexpected surprise was being invited to the Chargers/Raiders game on Sunday! Thank you Kyle, Noel and family!

It's been a joy connecting with our partners in ministry including Edgebrook Covenant in Chicago, Anchor Covenant in Lake Geneva, WI, Bay Covenant in Green Bay and Hillcrest Covenant in DeKalb, IL. We look forward to visiting Zion Covenant in Sheboygan, WI this coming weekend!

• Please continue to pray for the Board of Directors as they are close to deciding on a Mexican director for the Family Development Foundation.
• Please pray for a restful, thankful and joyful time celebrating this holiday season with family!
• Attending the Midwinter Conference and taking another intensive course on Covenant Theology.
• Planning our church visits for next year. Let us know if your church would like us to visit.
• Please pray for good health for us and the boys during the cold and flu season here in the North.