What were you up to this summer?  Here’s some reports from Centennial’s mission partners

Kathy and John Pyrc, with Imago Christi, met with Imago Christi members in the UK for a retreat and planning:  “The Gathering in Lindisfarne was a wonderful retreat/pilgrimage. Here is a photo of part of our Imago Christi community crossing the causeway to Holy Island, a site which marks the establishment of Christianity in Scotland in the 7th century. On this foggy morning, the island was hidden as we walked. We could sometime only see two or three guideposts ahead of us. Without these guides, we would easily become disoriented and lose our way. This was a sacred metaphor for this journey of God as we trust the grace and mystery of His leading, keeping our eyes focused on Him.

“Always check safe crossing times before visiting Holy Island, as it becomes separated from the rest of the world and completely inaccessible twice a day due to the tide.” www.visitlindisfarne.com

“In our retreat space, we explored the topic of post-modern Christendom in our world today. We hosted local ministry leaders in Scotland to learn from them regarding what is needed and what is working. We also took time to engage in conversations about Imago Christi’s involvement with Nairobi Chapel in Kenya. The request for assisting in training their leaders as formational missionaries is quite extensive. We have already begun training over 100 of their leaders with 200 waiting in the wings. These conversations have helped us as we endeavor a revision of our Discovery materials to speak to today’s cultures around the world.

“Upon returning to the United States in August, as part of the triad leadership team with Imago Christ while Bill O’Byrne is on sabbatical, I have participated in multiple meetings regarding the strategic movement of forming deeper spiritual communities focused on discipleship (transformation) in doing life with God together. We are praying into ongoing opportunities in Singapore, Lithuania, Indonesia, and, of course, Kenya. On a local level, we are hosting a modified Discovery event in Denver in October and a Gathering in November in Spokane, WA, to bring key leaders into deeper conversations around the importance of forming spiritual communities.

“My prayer requests are two-fold: prayer for discernment regarding prioritizing our efforts and for partners who have callings in this same spiritual formation arena to co-labor with us.”

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From Jon and Lynda Hardin, Allegro/Frontiers: “In mid-August, Jon launched fall ministry by speaking at a Perspectives class in Oklahoma City, and last week he had the exciting opportunity to train leaders of a Baptist denomination which is beginning to pursue ministry among unreached peoples. Several key denominational leaders and pastors participated in this week-long training event. Jon had a whole day to teach, and he led the group through a case study in which they envisioned undertaking ministry among an unreached people group. It’s encouraging to think of what God might have in store for this association of nearly 2,500 Baptist churches. Please ask the Holy Spirit to direct and empower these key leaders.”

This month, Lynda and Jon are participating in the CCC/s Kenya short-term trip where Jon did a similar seminar at Hossana Covenant City Church) in Watamu, where Peter Chosen is pastor. Lee Robinson spoke on leadership at the conference as well; 60 pastors and over 100 total attended.

More on the many ways our team blessed our mission partners in Kenya next month!

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Kari Taracinska, Josiah Venture, Poland sent this quick note with a promise of a longer letter coming: “Things have been really intense here lately as we’ve been preparing for two events at once. We have just finished Source, an in-depth healing process experienced by young pastors and leaders of local churches in Poland. God worked in a truly beautiful way, touching the hearts and souls of Polish pastors.

“We are currently preparing for the event Escape From Pain to Hope, which will take place on November 21-23 2025. Please pray for my travels to Polish churches to promote the event. Of course, the goal is to reach as many young people in need as possible who are drowning in depression and hopelessness.”