The Communication and Leadership Advancement Program (CLAP) of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) started its fourth run of the program by holding the first of its intensive sessions at the NSD Leadership Training Center on Jeju Island between November 21 and December 7, 2016.
This run is composed of 28 young leaders (pastors, accountants, elders and church workers) who have been chosen to join CLAP, representing the NSD territories of China (8 people), Japan (4), Korea (13), Mongolia (2) and Taiwan (1). A team of three English instructors, an assistant and a coordinator formed the team that led the activities during the first 17-day intensive training session. A few guest speakers from the NSD also contributed by presenting topics related to leadership.
This is the fourth group of young church leaders being trained by the NSD that will be added to the more than 100 leaders trained in the past. This program will prepare them to increase and improve their leadership knowledge and skills through the presentation and discussion of different topics and at the same time help them learn to communicate better in English, which is the language used in most NSD and global church meetings.
The session was organized with the multidimensionality of the individual in mind. Thus, the session focused on not only mental development, but also included emotional, social, physical and spiritual aspects. English classes and leadership presentations provided the setting for developing and improving English and leadership skills. Comprehensive health was encouraged and promoted through walks and exercise time as part of the daily routine as well as outdoor time, abundant water, and healthy nutritious food among other health practices. Journaling was required at the end of each day. Fellowship and social interaction were experienced throughout the day.
Field trips, which offered special insights to the culture and natural beauty of Jeju Island, and celebrations, such as birthdays and Friday dinners, gave participants opportunities to interact with one another in English. Participants were also organized to lead daily worship services and collaborate in group work during class and other activities, such as Friday vespers worship and dinner and Sabbath activities, which were a highlight of the program. On Sabbath morning, participants visited several churches on the island and contributed to the worship services with praises, testimonies and sermons.
One of the goals for this session was to create an environment of trust and friendship where participants could bond with each other and provide support and encouragement in practicing English. Roommates, seatmates, groupmates, and classmates developed friendships while spending time together, sharing activities, practicing conversation, exercising and studying.
The next intensive session will take place in June 2017. Meanwhile, participants are building up their skills through self-study homework using the tools and resources provided during the first session. At the same time they are being supported, encouraged and monitored weekly. NSD CLAP assistant, Ritchie Lequigan, a missionary from the 1000 Missionary Movement program, calls each participant for 10 to 15 minutes every week. Furthermore, every participant has a CLAP-mate, generated by the trust and friendship among the participants, for mutual support, encouragement and accountability, while working diligently during this next stage of learning.
Looking back to the first session of this program, gratitude fills every heart for there is no doubt that God has been present in every detail and activity, guiding every decision, strengthening every mind, and taking care of and protecting each participant and staff. Evidences of God’s leading are the best indicators of the success of this program so far.
