It has been a busy week meeting with the International Ministry Advisory Committee (IMAC) and the board of trustees of Berkshire Christian. The best part was that we were able to meet in person to share what has been happening, brainstorm about the future and enjoy fellowship with each other face-to-face.

IMAC met at our offices in Charlotte from Tuesday through Thursday, reviewing and evaluating many of the partnerships we have around the world. Director Jeff Walsh shared about the struggles of our international ministries dealing with the pandemic and continuing to minister through political unrest, persecution and major supply shortages in their countries. In most of the areas we discussed, we found that our leaders have continued to sacrificially minister to those in their communities both within their churches and to the unreached, seeking to share the love of Christ in both practical ministry and in discipleship training with emerging leaders. It is difficult to evaluate certain areas due to the fact that direct, safe communication is not always possible because of persecution and political restrictions on Christian outreach. We all need to pray for the safety and boldness of our mission partners as they share Christ in dangerous conditions around the world.

The Berkshire board of trustees met at Camp Dixie in Eastern North Carolina from Thursday through Saturday. President Glenn Rice, Dr. Gordon Isaac and Ministry Training Institute Coordinator Rev. Matt Larkin gave extensive updates on the ongoing ministry, classes and outreach of Berkshire Christian. The partnerships with Gordon-Conwell Seminary and Advent Christian General Conference continue to strive to provide opportunities for training for current Advent Christian pastors and emerging leaders. During our days together, we broke up in small groups to discuss future relationships and expanding opportunities for support and ministry. It was good to spend time brainstorming together. Berkshire and ACGC continue to work closely on the MTI development and current class work. The support both financially and prayerfully for the ministry of Berkshire Christian is vital both in Advent Christian circles and through alumni of Berkshire Christian College. The fact that many who attended Berkshire no longer live near Advent Christian churches but still have a heart for the college and a love for the ministry of the Advent Christian denomination drives us to reach out and share beyond AC publications. Please be in prayer for the Berkshire Christian trustees as they continue the long history of Christian education and preparation for ministry for those called to Christian service.