For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both your and mine.

Romans 1.11-12 (NRSV)

I was getting ready to share virtually with a church, I had prepared my presentation and was thinking of ways in which to include the participants, so that they could feel like they were part of what I have been doing. When the zoom camera turned on, I was looking at the back of the heads of those that came to listen. I did my best, but I really NEED to see the faces of those that are listening.

I identify with Paul as he says, “I am longing to see you…”. I long to see your smiles, receive and give a hug, hear your stories and share my stories with you. We all need that human touch.

Our society is beginning to open, and I want to go to your church and share how the Spirit of God has been opening new doors during this pandemic. I want us to be mutually encouraged as we see that the power of the Spirit is not limited by a virus but encourages us to find new ways to leave our comfort zones. The Church is being renewed through this process.

• Four cohorts (a cohort is a group of students) began during the pandemic; Ecuador, the United States, Brazil and the Dominican Republic. We will begin a new cohort in August in El Salvador.
• One hundred (100) students have graduated from our program in the last four years. We are celebrating this achievement. Because of this, seminaries have better prepared professors and can equip their leaders. These leaders, in turn, are equipping their local churches. Many seminaries also have expanded their virtual classes and will continue them after the pandemic.
• We lost two graduates to Covid, Ronan from Brazil and José Antonio from Tijuana, but their ministry continues by those that worked alongside them.
• In my Church History class, I see how the lives of my students are transformed by learning about the extended ‘Great Cloud of Witnesses’ that have served throughout history. I, also am being stretched and am growing through the growth I see in my students. As Paul says, ‘We are mutually encouraged by each other’s faith’.
• I am participating in a three year program for pastors and lay leaders in the Dominican Republic. There are four partner organizations from IM that are meeting yearly. It is exciting to see the formation of new relationships and partnerships, the emergence of young leadership and the continued learning from a diversity of cultures. It has been exciting.
• I have been vaccinated and I have traveled safely to Brazil and to the Dominican Republic and will soon be traveling to Ecuador.

All of this is possible because of your faithful support during this pandemic. It has been so frustrating to NOT be present physically in your churches. I WANT to share with you, be it virtually, or in person. Please let me know so I can plan accordingly.

I want you to know that during this month of June, any additional monthly support with a year long commitment will be matched at 100%. This ministry is only possible because of the support of people and churches like you. If the Holy Spirit is touching your heart and you want to support this ministry, please go to the following link: https://internationalministries.org/monthly-giving-match/

Click on GIVE NOW

And scroll down to my name: Mercy Gonzalez-Barnes

I really do long to see you all so that our faith may be mutually encouraged.