Around the Ministry
  Thirty Hispanic leaders met at Glen Eyrie to share their passion for reaching the rapidly growing Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. The “easy” answer to that question is: “One at a time.” Navigators have always emphasized the importance of the individual in carrying out the mission of Christ. Actually getting it done, of course, requires a lot of prayer, thought, planning, and hard work. That’s the challenge facing NavVida, The Navigators’ ministry to Hispanic Americans. A big requirement for reaching Hispanic Americans rests on recruiting and training the right people—leaders with a passion for reaching this fast-growing segment of the U.S. population. That’s why Alex Mata, NavVida Director, gathered 30 Hispanic leaders representing seven Latin ethnic groups last November to fellowship, network, and exchange ideas about reaching the Hispanic community. The group had a strong sense of God’s Spirit leading them as they prayed, brainstormed, and planned ways to live out the Gospel among members of the Hispanic and Latino communities. The group was greatly encouraged as they came away with 12 specific ideas that they are now putting into specific action plans as they reach out to this vibrant and unique part of the American culture. Navigators teach believers how to deepen their walk with Christ. But sometimes the lessons are “caught” more than “taught.” Navigators call it the “with him” principle—referring to how Jesus “ . . . appointed twelve . . . that they might be with him . . .” (Matthew 3:14). Mike Cain, Navigator staff member at the University of Hawaii shared a recent “caught and taught” moment. |
 The methods may have changed, but spending time with others in the Scriptures continues regardless of the distance that may divide those who seek to follow Jesus.  As the Gospel spread in the early days of the Church, it wasn’t always easy to follow up on new believers to see how they were doing. Travel was difficult, dangerous, and slow. So how did the early disciples get around that problem? They wrote letters! A significant portion of our New Testament is, of course, comprised of letters written by people like Paul, Peter, and James that explain the essentials of what it means to walk with Jesus. The New Testament writers encouraged believers and taught them by letter when they couldn’t be there in person. Travel today is much more convenient and safe than it was in the times of Peter and Paul. Still there are occasions when time, finances, or other factors make travel impractical. But the need to encourage and instruct new believers remains critical. So how do modern day disciples deal with the problem of long distance discipleship? Navigators Dave and Shirley Sneller, in Austin, Texas, take advantage of technology! Recently Shirley had Bible studies via Skype® (free video conference calls) with two separate women in Asia. Dave had two Skype conversations with men to whom he is engaged in a discipleship relationship—and nobody left their home! |
  Three came to Christ because of two obedient Navigators and a restaurant Bible study. Joe Komarek ministers with The Navigators in the Twin Cities area and is committed to putting biblical truth into action. Joe focuses on a specific passage for a year and felt God wanted him to apply the following verse: Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. –1 Timothy 4:13
When Joe and his friend Matt were reviewing Scripture verses and discussing the Bible at a restaurant, their “public reading of Scripture” was noticed. Every week, Mary,* a waitress, served them and chatted with them. “We listened a lot, and prayed for her,” says Joe. After weeks of observation Mary commented, “You guys have so much fun doing your Bible stuff. I wish I could learn more about the Bible. I need to know more about faith and God.” Joe and Matt invited her to their community at church. Mary brought John* and her mother with her. “Eight weeks and 100 great questions later,” Joe explains, “they realized they were separated from God and needed Jesus. They entered the Kingdom before Christmas and are growing like crazy.” *Not their real names |
  Alan and Becky Andrews are still making disciples, but in a brand new context. Becky works in the thrift store about 10 hours a day. She’s in continual contact with people who need to be loved into the Kingdom. The Andrews see the potential of relationships that are developing as God gives her favor with those around her. “Navigators talk about ‘laborers for the Kingdom next door to everywhere,’ “ Alan says. “We have the privilege of being next door to the people of this community of Neighborhood Ministries. It’s a perfect place for seeing the Kingdom advance through family networks.” Alan and Becky are reminded of their early days of ministry at the University of Illinois. “We’re back doing what we love—immersing ourselves in the lives of people, ‘living and discipling among the lost,’ building community, building relationships. We’re exactly where we want to be, doing exactly what we want to be doing.” |
 What makes someone a “Navigator”? The simple answer is: anyone who is committed to our Calling and Values and is contributing to our Navigator movement in some way.I love how Paul honored the Roman believers. Most held no formal leadership roles: Rufus’ mother, who has been a mother to me, too (Romans 16:13). Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis—who, Paul tells us, work hard in the Lord. Many laid down their lives as martyrs. Whether men or women, leaders or followers, none were marginal to the movement of the Gospel. Paul paints a picture of what we long to see—men and women caught up as partners in the advance of the Gospel.  Mike Treneer International President of The Navigators Whether someone has an “official” Navigator title or not, we value those who quietly, without formal recognition or organizational roles, labor faithfully as part of our movement. Our Vision Statement describes these people as: Ordinary people, in many walks of life, joyfully leading integrated lives as fruitful insiders among the lost. The Gospel spreads naturally and powerfully, as believers share Christ, life upon life, family to family. Who is a Navigator? All those who contribute—in whatever way—are valued members of this movement of God. We rejoice that you labor with us, living out the mission of Christ in a world that so desperately needs Him. |
