A Family Workshop was held in Mexico March 16-18, 2017, at the IBLP Training Center in Guadalajara. There were positive responses and good feedback from those who participated. The information that was shared was helpful and encouraged the families in attendance to begin practically applying the Biblical principles to their lives immediately.
Some of the factors that contribute to a dynamic family and home were presented at the Family Workshop. Five “Centers” in the home — Ministry Center, Learning Center, Hospitality Center, Health Center, and Resource Center — were presented with Scriptural background, practical tips, personal testimonies, and simple projects or tools for beginning to apply this paradigm.
Several pastors shared how they had been searching and praying, saying they needed help, but it had to be something different and real.
After the workshop, the pastors told the IBLP staff that they had received more than they expected. These men were leaving encouraged because they had obtained confirmation on some pressing decisions they were facing.
The Family Workshop was designed for parents and children ages 12 and older. However, one 11-year-old participated in the Resource Center time. He wrote on his evaluation that he was interested in developing a home business project and wanted to know more about how he could do that. The staff was glad that a few families were able to stay after the conference, enabling them to continue ministering to those folks. Families were blessed with the materials they were able to purchase, and the time together concluded with a final luncheon that was enjoyed by all.
One family wrote of the Workshop:
“We give thanks to God for the opportunity to have participated in the last workshop. It was and is still being a great benefit. To have participated in the workshops and start the application of the principles shared has been very effective. As we returned home having tasted some of the benefits, we were greatly encouraged to continue…. We are practicing noble conversations, hoping our relationships can continue to improve. Three of our four children have projects to start their own home businesses and were very encouraged with that workshop. Also, we are motivated to keep ministering to others with the teachings we have received (basic principles, character qualities, commands of Christ, etc.) as we have been edified in a tremendous way and want to share it with others. Regardless of how tiring our 13 hour drive was, we were excited as we entered the workshop. But we returned home filled with joy.”
Many commitments were made during the workshop, but we trust that there was a deeper work of God that only He sees. The true impact of the Family Workshop will only be revealed in eternity.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).