“Yes, ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’-MLK

The arc of the moral universe will only bend

 if justice-seekers and peace-makers stand together to bend it.

“On earth as it is in heaven.”-Jesus

My primary ministry focus over the last few years has been training and capacity-building in three key areas: Prevention of Human Trafficking, Trauma Healing through the Restorative Arts and Conflict Transformation in order to equip the Body of Christ to engage in God's mission.

     This last year, along with my other work in the restorative and healing arts, I was honored to co-facilitate extensive conflict transformation trainings with IM colleagues, Dan and Sharon Buttry in the Philippines. Together we dreamed of providing this same excellent resource to our partners in Latin America. 

Giving thanks to God, this March/April IM colleagues Ray Schellinger and Dan Buttry will join me for the first ever Iberoamerica/ Caribbean Training of Conflict Transformation Trainers for Peacemakers in Mexico City. We will be facilitating a practical, hands-on, experiential training for 30 key national partners and IM global servants from Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Cuba, Haiti, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Bolivia, Puerto Rico and the United States. 

This "University of the Streets" type of training will use creative and experiential tools, Bible Studies, spiritual disciplines for sustainable social engagement, community-building and networking.

Topics will include:

*Conflict analysis, resolution and reflection on personal conflict styles

*Confronting diversity in conflict

*Issues of power dynamics

*Non-violent transforming initiatives

*Constructive movements for social change

*Healing of trauma, secondary trauma and compassion fatigue

*Sustainable spiritual practices and self-care

*Mediation and Reconciliation 

I want to send a huge thank you to FBC McMinnville, OR for responding to the call for scholarships for the first ever Iberoamerica/ Caribbean Training of Conflict Transformation Trainers for Peacemakers this year. Three leaders from Guatemala, Mexico and Nicaragua will be able to attend this important gathering because of their generosity. I invite you to join them in providing scholarships so that the even more can have this once in a lifetime opportunity, you can give directly to the "Conflict Transformation Training" account online at: http://internationalministries.org/projects/214 

This training will be my only major international trip this year since I will be on my US/Puerto Rico assignment.  I hope to see many of you face to face to say thanks for being a part of my life and ministry.  I will be sharing with churches and individuals about what God is doing in and through International Ministries and our partners as well as inviting folks to partner with me through prayer and generosity. American Baptist International Ministries has been a part of the world-wide body of believers responding to God’s call to engage in mission beyond our own land. Your giving is vital to helping me support international partners and global servants with practical and life sustaining tools. 

Looking Forward Together,

Mylinda