"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Roger Reimer has been a friend and missionary colleague for many years. He joined our team for the Third Annual Pastor Leadership Conference at Peniel Theological Seminary in Riobamba, Ecuador. Roger gave six presentations to the pastors including one of how to lead your congregation in writing a purpose statement for your church. Here are his most impressionable moments:

I

want to take this moment to express my appreciation to you for including me in your ministry team to serve these dear Quichua people. From my perspective the team you had put together served very well and I think our various personalities and work ethic as well as cultural backgrounds complimented each other well.

From the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast Gulf coast areas of the United States a team was called together by Wil Pounds to join an effort designed to encourage, teach and model biblical leadership and offer Bible study methods from the book of Revelation. 

The enthusiasm with which we were received was truly heartwarming and a recognition of their hunger for helpful training. With that kind of interest expressed we were all focused on offering our best. 

Roger with one of the small groups during his leadership presentations.

Workshops for these pastor's wives were given by both Ecuadorian women as well as one invited lady speaker from the U.S.  Workshops for the pastors were given from the perspectives of U.S. pastors and myself as a healthcare missionary with experience in leadership and management.

We were able to translate for those who did not communicate in Spanish and this allowed us to get a feel for the message that was being taught.

Opportunities to mingle with these conference participants around meal times were full of interesting surprises as new ways of preparing some common food types were served.

At one point the GPS device recorded an altitude of more than 4,100 meters while we were driving from one community to another. Converted to feet we were at altitudes of more than 13,400 feet.  Now that's really a nose bleed environment, but only some short intestinal bouts marginally affected us.

The interest expressed and dialogue shared by these pastors along with invitations to return all made us recognize the friendly relationships we had begun and an indication that God had been there to share His presence, empowerment and wisdom.

Roger guiding pastors in writing a church mission statement.

If this has caused you to have even a minimal sense of curiosity in this kind of effort, let Wil hear your heart and mind.

With gratitude!

Roger giving presentation on Pastoral Leadership at Peniel Theological Seminary.