Its mid June and most of North America is planning their summer vacations... I too am planning July and August adventures! Some already know (most I actually I think), but this N.A. summer (Bolivian winter) I will be traveling to Canada to visit some of you and share in a couple of churches... We at El Jordan have some exciting news to share with you and I hope to be able to do so in person...

This year "Discipleship" has been running through my heart and head. What it means, entails, how to do it etc... Taking a look at El Jordan, I have sat many times thinking what's our next move, what changes do we have to do for excellence, for that race towards Christ... One word keeps coming back time and time again "Discipleship". I believe for many years our strength has been the care that is given at El Jordan, to our families and our staff/volunteers... but with every strength, there are times when it becomes a weakness... we are not there yet, but it will become one if we unwisely forget to "pass the baton" on... to more deeply "Disciple"... We have amazing national staff and volunteers who give more then they are required to... We have a team, that I call priceless.. their loyalty (many for more than 10yrs!), desire to serve, see the gospel shared, to reach our families, is one of a kind. We have passed on parts of the "baton", we have cared for them and invested and for that reason El Jordan is where it is now... with a wonderful team, national and international, ready for their next steps... The next steps of us (international missionaries) working ourselves out of our jobs!

So how do we go about passing on more of the "baton", ensuring the understanding of the heart of El Jordan, that our "why's", "vision" endures for years long after we are gone? Once again the word "Discipleship" comes to mind... walking life not only with our El Jordan families but with the next generation of staff/volunteers... spending quality time, prayer, studying God's word together... these things do happen at El Jordan but with a focus on our families... to pass on the passion of El Jordan with the hopes that the "next generation" take on the race, to run and not grow weary, also requires the quality of time of "Discipleship".

This brings us back to our exciting news!! With "Discipleship" on our minds, the recognition of the importance of this and seeing that we are at a crossroad (our staff/volunteers are ready), God has laid on us a plan of "Discipleship". A plan that will allow "passing of the baton", growth and opportunity for quality time... We know that this isn't a guarantee or "the answer" but another tool for our toolbox in meeting our goal with in "the Great Commission" "Go and make disciples, sharing of the great and wonderful good news of Christ... That these "Disciples" would go after us, carrying on the task, caring for El Jordan and carrying the passion of reaching those living on the streets...

So come, ask, let us share with you all about this exciting news, and how you can partner with us on this next, necessary journey in growing El Jordan stronger and more equipped!! As well keep your eyes open for an upcoming email in the next month explaining all the details!! Lastly most importantly please be praying with us in these next months/year as we transition and that we would be wise to open and closed doors!!

With much excitement,

Heidi (from all of us here at El Jordan!)

From the moment we were saved, to the moments on our journey when we stumble, fall, run, walk, rejoice, and continue on, each step along the way reminds us that we are all on a journey full of redemption, leading us closer to Him... (Hebrews 12)