Emmaus Road International

Paul, the Apostle, did say, "The Gospel is an offense to the unbeliever..." However, it is our strong belief that we do not need to present the Message in an offensive manner! An underlying principle of all the ACTS training is found in two statements of Jesus: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us....As the Father sent me, so send I you."

ACTS 29 Training Course

You will note, of course, that there are only 28 chapters in the Book of Acts. Yet, that is exactly why we call our training ACTS 29! We believe that what we are doing today in cross-cultural outreach ministry should be a continuation of the models provided for us in Acts.

The ACTS 29 Training Course is a 10 week total immersion in a second culture to learn how to live and minister in a second culture. The integration of the three learning centers - the Classroom, the Community, and the Christian home - provides a unique depth of understanding and practical application in five areas of study:

• Cultural Adaptation
• Language Acquisition
• Spiritual Warfare
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Unculturating the Gospel and Teaching of Christ

A sixth class brings the teaching of the five together. We do a verse by verse study of the Book of Acts, looking at (and making 21st century application to) all cross-cultural living and ministry situations they faced.

Classes in primary health care and contingency preparation round out the curriculum.

This Course, beginning in early January and early August, is excellent pre-field training for those making an initial two-year commitment. It is also used by mission agencies preparing career missionaries. Though the "laboratory" for this training is a Latin culture, course participants have found that the principles learned are transferable to any culture in the world. Here is what one student had to say concerning the principle of living with the nationals."

"I have been living out in my village for some time now. But I finally had an opportunity to have a nice reunion with my classmates from the ACTS 29 Training Course. It was good to catch up. It was interesting, too, to see the difference between the older generation of missionaries and us, having been taught different things and approaches. Some of my elder colleagues have expressed a concern about me being alone. They still live pretty much in a "missionary compound mentality" and have hardly any national friends. I had to reassure them that I am quite happy in my national church, my host family and national friends. I am able to see things through their eyes. Thanks for teaching us to bond with the nationals!"

ACTS 29 Training Course Dates:

Due to an increasing demand on our schedule to conduct seminars and training sessions internationally; due to the fact that more and more sister organizations are conducting prefield similar to the ACTS Training Courses; we are conducting courses at the request of any organization which can provide us with at least 6 participants and that can fit into our international schedule.

Request information for the ACTS 29 Training Course.

Mini - ACTS Training Course

Twice a year a four-week modified version of the ACTS 29 Training Course is available. By preparing one of the subjects ahead of time, giving it only a brief review in class and by extending the classroom time, we are able to address the majority of the 10-week course work.

Community application of classroom principles and living in the home of a Mexican Christian family make this immersion in a second culture adequate training for those making a short term commitment.

Mini - ACTS Training Course Dates:

Due to an increasing demand on our schedule to conduct seminars and training sessions internationally, we are conducting courses at the request of any organization which can provide us with at least 6 participants and that can fit into our international schedule.

Or, contact John & Lupe Kanno. They both have completed our course & after five years in the field have launched a prefield training similar to the Mini-ACTS. It is called. F.I.T. It is conducted in Mexico. You will find it a tremendous preparation for field work: fit_mexico@yahoo.com

Some participants come to the ACTS Training Courses because they know the value of pre-field preparation. Others come because it is a part of their church or mission agency's training process. Either way, long before they are ready to leave, their comments are as this class expressed.

Request information for the Mini - ACTS Training Course.

ACTS Team Orientation

For groups going on a brief weekend or up to a three to four-week trip, Emmaus Road can provide a two- to eight-hour training in San Diego, at your church or at the ministry location.

A Team Orientation is designed for the specific ministry trip. Topics that may be included are:

Cultural Adaptation
Spiritual Warfare
Interpersonal Relationships
What I Plan to do When I Get Home with What I Learned while I was Gone!

We are able to NETWORK your ACTS-trained team with ministries asking for help. From time to time we lead short term trips.

Information about ACTS Ministry Trips is available.

Request information for the ACTS Team Orientation.

ACTS Boot Camp

For individuals or teams, a one-week mini-mini ACTS Training Course can be conducted at the beginning of a "Summer of Service." The same principles govern this greatly abbreviated course as the others. This course is offered by request.

The fifteen participants in the two-week ACTS Boot Camp held in August at the request of Murrieta Missions Fellowship and Bethel expressed appreciation for the training. By September, 14 of the 15 were in their country and area of ministry. Look for more details in the September KEEPING IN TOUCH.

Request information for the ACTS Boot Camp .