Thirty Writers Commissioned To Be Missionaries Of The Pen

After three days of listening, learning, and expressing themselves creatively, 30 participants were commissioned to go into the world and make disciples through the written word.  The writers re-committed themselves to this specialized ministry during the commissioning exercises of “Re-written,” a writer’s workshop held at Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) on July 24 - 26, 2008. The workshop was directed by Dr. Geneva Silvernail, World Mission Literature Coordinator for Asia Pacific, and her assistant Grace Tia.

"I learned so much, but I still wanted a longer class session to learn more," reported one participant.

The three-day event incorporated the theme "Re-written" taken from Titus 3:5, "He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done.  God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning." This verse was summed up and simplified into three words; "reborn, renewed, re-written".  And giving due importance to these, Dr. Silvernail commissioned both the workshop trainers and the participants to be physical and virtual missionaries of the pen whenever and wherever God leads them.  One pastor laughingly responded, "I want to write down everything now, my thoughts in a journal, my sermons in a book, and even a poem in my blog".

World Mission Communications and World Mission Literature, Asia-Pacific partnered with Fairbanks International School of Communications and the Books for Pastors project to present texts and specialized courses in journalism, creative writing (poetry and devotional exercises), scriptwriting for radio and video, and design.   Participants could also receive one-hour graduate or undergraduate credit or two CEU’s (continuing education units) for the workshop.

At the end of the workshop, Dr. Silvernail gave the charge to each of the participants: “In the name of Christ, on behalf of the presenters of the Rewritten Workshop, and in response to your desire to be a better creative writer, " we charge you to go into all the world and witness for Christ with your pen.  Write and rewrite until your own life and words have been Rewritten by Him."

by: JCM

this post was filed under Around The Region on Aug 12, 2008