Two youth in Paraguayan traditional costumes, left, wash the feet of others dressed in international clothing, symbolizing the Paraguayan church serving the world.

All across South America, God is using summer mission training camps to teach and equip young Christians about cross-cultural ministry.

Birthed about 17 years ago from the vision of a Swiss missionary in Chile, CEC (an acronym that means "Christian Training Center" in English) is interdenominational and international. Following the example of Chile, CEC camps have begun in Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. In 2009, CEC will launch in Peru.

Imparting Mission Vision

The purpose of the CEC camps is to educate and stimulate young Christians in the area of cross-cultural missions during one week of classes, videos, intercession, worship, and workshops. During the second week, the students leave the classroom to put their learning to practice in a ministry or service team, either within or outside their own country.

SIM missionary Tim Sandvig, serving in Chile, has been involved in the CEC camps since the late 1990's. Emphasizing their importance, he said "They are a seeding ground for youth who are asking, ‘How can I best serve you, Lord?’ For many young people, the camp and practicum are an early stepping stone in their cross-cultural journey."

Alejandra's Story

Attending the CEC camp changed Alejandra’s life's direction. She had been involved in children's ministry for years. When she attended her church's first mission conference, she realized that God had more in store for her, so she signed up to attend the CEC. Resigning her accounting job several months later, she joined a mission team serving in India for six months.

	Tim Sandvig with a group of young men at a mission training camp

Upon her return to Chile, she pursued further mission training in Costa Rica where she met her husband, Mario. Now Alejandra, Mario, and their two little girls are preparing to serve God in the Middle East. While still in Chile, Mario teaches courses at the CEC Camp.

More Training Options in Chile

Sandvig is part of a group helping develop a national infrastructure of other mission training and sending options in Chile. The CEC Camps lay the groundwork for a potential missionary. However, further training helps them be well prepared for the challenges of cross-cultural ministry.

One course happening this summer is a two-week class in second language acquisition and phonetics designed for Chilean missionaries in their final stages of preparation for cross-cultural mission. Held at the Koyamentu Retreat and Training Center, this event is one of few mission training opportunities outside of the CEC camps to be offered in Chile.

Pray

• for God to call many more missionaries from South America.
• for the participants in the CEC to have a clear sense of God's leading and courage to obey him.
• for the successful launching of CEC Peru in 2009.