Yabuki Breeze Blog

Mar 2007 – PICS & VIDEO & AUDIO – This year’s Tejas Spring Break retreat (www.isitejas.com) was probably the best we have ever had. As we were sitting and watching it happen, God did some good work. In meteorology, there is something called the “perfect storm” when all the right ingredients from all over the world come together to form a monster storm. That is what this was like. God brought he right MC (a first-time seminary volunteer, author and Iraq veteran officer), the right small group leaders, the right speaker (Dr. Tony Maalouf) the right activities and team leaders brought all of this together.

Check out our pictures and videos(summary and other) through our tejas website at www.isitejas.com

Interesting Numbers from Tejas

· Over 120 people attended the Tejas Retreat this year.

· 22 Countries were represented

· There were over 92 students and family, 29 staff & volunteers to befriend them, and 5 seminary students to help in any way needed.

· According to our response cards… (we did not get all of them back yet)

o 8 people indicated “This weekend I decided to trust Jesus as my only hope and way to God… to follow him only.” – we know of at least one who was already a Christian, but this is encouraging.

o 30 indicated “This weekend I decided to learn more about who Jesus is and how I can know him personally.”

o 19 indicated interest in meeting with someone to talk about what they heard and/or meeting for Bible Study.

o 39 wanted to learn more about ISI events in the future

o 19 indicated they wanted to be introduced to a Christian friend through ISI.

o 13 Christian students did a terrific job of leading 12 small groups who each received a special “bandana” with a special color which they proudly wore around camp.

WOW!!!! God was so present at the retreat

Some Statements from Students

I commit to have a more personally walk with Jesus. – Malaysian Christian

I commit to study more on the issues come to my mind (re: what was discussed) – Iranian Woman Non-Believer

I commit to join more meeting with other Christians friends to learn and grow in Jesus Christ. –

I commit to forgive a friend about his mistakes. – Saudi Non-Believer

I commit to make more Christian friends. They’re so kind. – Iranian Woman Non-Believer who indicated some commitment to Christ.

I commit to learn more about who Jesus is – Hong Kong Non-Believing Student

I commit to love Jesus more and to live for Him!!! – Korean Christian Small group student leader

I commit exhaust myself! It’s great! – American student volunteer

I commit to join the 08 retreat again next year – Hong Kong Student Leader

Tags: camping, Retreat, Tejas, Video

The term “basic training” invokes images of drill instructors yelling incessantly at short haired recruits to knock out the old and indoctrinate in the new. In some ways ISI’s Basic Training of new staff is not too different, though a lot quieter and gentler. Every year Dallas has the privilege of hosting ISI’s basic training for all new staff. These people come from all over to Dallas to hear about how ISI does ministry and how God can use them in their new posts. Most of these people are veteran missionaries or ministers and we often learn as much from them as they learn about us.

This year staff came from as far away as Virginia to learn from Regional Director and DFW team member, Derrah Jackson and National Training Director Gordy Decker and our DFW team in early April. It was held at Trinity Bible Church, Derrah’s and Ray and Laurie Cotton’s church. This is a tremendous honor, to be able to influence the tone of ministry throughout the nation.

This year’s Group included: Steve Braintwain (Charlottesville, VA), John Dugo (St Louis, MO), Mark Gray (Wichita, KA), Sherida Gray (Wichita, KA), Dan Kronstad (Wheaton, IL), Jeff Newpher (Houston, TX), Susan Wilson (Wichita, KA), Vinay Patras (Plano, TX), Sandy Shahdad (Richardson, TX)

Tags: Basic Training, National, Staff, Training