1. You Reign: The Year in Review
2. Recommended: Best Missions Books of 2022
3. Classes: Learn about Muslims and Islam
4. Events: January Conferences, Training, and More

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You Reign, The Year in Review

Source: Prayercast

Same song, different year. Some things change but the love and sovereignty of God continue. A six-minute video reflects on the events of 2022 and recognizes that “amid the overwhelming events of this year, his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14).

Watch or download video.

What would be in your own highlight (and lowlight) reel for 2022? Consider setting aside time for an annual “examen” (Unhurried Living) or get some coaching from Steve Moore on How to Do a Year-End Reflection Exercise (Learning @ the Speed of Life).

Recommended: Best Mission Books of 2022

Source: Catalyst Services

Looking for a good read recommended by others in the mission community? Catalyst Services offers a baker’s dozen of suggestions (including several we featured) in the categories of theology/missiology, evangelism, missions mobilization, leadership, missionary preparation, and missionary care.

See what they recommend and follow links to previous “best books” lists at the bottom of the article.

Classes: Learn More about Muslims and Islam

Sources: Various

Heading to the Middle East or Southeast Asia? Want to learn more about the world of your refugee neighbor? Several ministries we’re loosely connected with are gearing up for 2023 training programs for Christians who want to learn more about Muslims and Islam.

Encountering the World of Islam

Encountering the World of Islam offers a 12-week online course featuring expert instructors and mentors with experience among Muslims. Videos, readings, and other assignments are enhanced through online discussions. The next class is from January 9 to April 9. They can also work with you to set up a cohort class.

Learn more or sign up. Already had the Perspectives class? Contact EWI for a Perspectives alumni discount code (January class only).

Summer Institute on Islam

The Summer Institute on Islam, typically offered as a one-week intensive, provides a solid foundation for understanding a Muslim’s worldview, theology, and culture from within their own frame of reference. This course can help Christians get past stereotypes and misunderstandings and form relational approaches for sharing our faith with Muslims in ways that make sense to them. Academic credit may be available for those who need it.

SII 2023 will be held in Orlando, Florida April 16-22.

Download a brochure about SII.

Lilias Trotter Center Global Courses

The Lilias Trotter Center aims to help prepare the hearts and minds of men and women for the joys and challenges of serving cross-culturally. They are offering two online courses this coming semester (January 9 to May 5), both related to ministry among believers of a Muslim background (BMBs, also known as MBBs).

• Deliverance in BMB Discipleship
• BMB Perspectives on Identity, Community, and Theology

Learn more. Note that these are college-level courses offered in partnership with Wesley Biblical Seminary and will cost a bit, but discounts are available for those who audit and students from the “majority world.”

Events: January Conferences, Training, and More

Source: Missions Catalyst Events Calendar

January 8, Call to Prayer Virtual Prayer Gathering (online). Join others to engage the Muslim world through prayer on the second Sunday of each month. From Missio Nexus.

January 9-13, Storytelling Training (online). Get hands-on experience with oral Bible storytelling with five three-hour sessions provided by Story Runners, a Cru ministry.

January 9 to February 4, COMPASS (Palmer Lake, CO, USA). Language and culture acquisition provided by Missionary Training International.

January 9 to April 9, Encountering the World of Islam (online). New online classes start several times a year.

January 9 to May 14, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (online). New online classes begin regularly. Note that about 120 in-person classes are also scheduled for early 2023 in locations across the US.

January 10-11, Support Raising Bootcamp (Fayetteville, AR, USA). Provided by Support Raising Solutions. Note there will be another January bootcamp January 23-24 in Costa Rica (in Spanish).

January 12, The Ancient Roots of Innovation (online). Webinar from Missio Nexus.

January 15 to February 10, Equipping for Cross-Cultural Life and Ministry (Union Mills, NC, USA). Followed by Language Learning Accelerator course from February 12-24. Provided by the Center for Intercultural Training.

January 17, Contend: Monthly Day of Prayer For Mission Mobilization (global). Coordinated by GMMI and held on the third Tuesday of each month.

January 19, Thought Leadership for Servant Leaders (online). Webinar from Missio Nexus.

January 19-21, Help! We’re Going on a Short-Term Trip (Atlanta, GA, USA). Seminar for team leaders from CultureLink.

January 20-21, MissionConnexion Northwest (Portland, OR, USA). A free, regional missions conference, the largest event of its type in the region. Come early for a related event designed to equip church mission leaders, Leadership Connexion.

January 25 to March 22, Kairos Course (online). An interactive overview of the plans and purposes of God. An additional class will be running in a different time slot from January 26 to March 23. Prefer a face-to-face class? Consider the one-week intensive in Louisville, KY, March 20-24, in partnership with Team Expansion, or find a class in your part of the world.

January 26, Missio Nexus Innovation Fund (online). Webinar introducing a new opportunity for funding from Missio Nexus.

January 28-30, Mission Central Conference: Serve (Vancouver area, Canada). Formerly Missions Fest Vancouver.

January 26-28, Azmera Stateside Summit (Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, USA). A mission event just for women, how cool is that? Provided by Azmera. Be sure to also check out their Haven retreats for women serving cross-culturally.

January 31 to February 3, Critical Skills for Emerging Leaders (Winter Park, FL, USA). A training event from Missio Nexus.

View the complete calendar, updated regularly. We welcome your submissions.