From the desk of Gary V. Nelson, General Secretary

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This is my last letter to you as General Secretary of CBM. Sadly, I’ll be leaving CBM this June after 10 years of service to become the President of Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto. However, I want you to know that I am continuing my support of CBM’s work and I hope you will join me in making this commitment.
 

Please allow me to share one last story with you. It illustrates why what we do at CBM is so important. It’s about my friend Jeremiah.

I met Jeremiah on one of my first trips to Kenya. This was long before I became the General Secretary of CBM. He was part of a class I was teaching on urban ministry for about 30 men and women in the African Christian Church and School (ACC&S). He was one of a smattering of younger leaders in the class, not yet recognized for his giftedness, but whom I recall showed great potential.
 

Jeremiah had been a matatu driver in Nairobi (matatus are the cramped little vans that whisk through the city picking up people ahead of the public buses). He is now the head of the Education Program for the ACC&S.

Over these last years, Jeremiah has worked hard to gain an education and develop himself as a leader. He started by enrolling in CBM and Carey Theological College’s Certificate in Ministry Program (C.Min). From there he earned a bachelor’s and then a master’s degree at a Kenyan theological seminary. Along the way, he has also served the church in various pastoral roles.
 

In places like Bolivia, Lebanon, Kenya and Rwanda, few have the opportunity to ever obtain an education. Access is a sacred trust and a door of opportunity that cannot be taken lightly. If possibilities are hinged on being provided access, then Jeremiah’s story reflects this reality. This young leader would never have had the possibilities of education and pastoral training open to him without that first door of opportunity. And CBM was there, providing access and support by opening the door through our C.Min Program.
 

We believe that access is a critical key to the future of the global church and its witness in word and deed. Not simply providing education, but opportunity!
 

Leadership development is one of the most strategic things we do at CBM. We provide access to opportunities that many would otherwise never have. Access to Diploma in Integral Mission programs – providing countries with trained and equipped development workers. Access to scholarships – helping men and women with limited funds earn degrees so they can become well-equipped pastors and church leaders. Access to innovative distance education and web-based training programs – enabling church workers serving in remote places within the Middle East and Eastern Europe to continue their studies.
 

I must admit, these amazing young leaders are the reason I feel deep sadness that I am being called away from something I love to serve elsewhere. I have loved the challenge of nurturing leaders and culture makers for the church, both in Canada and around the world.

Recently, when Jeremiah heard I was leaving CBM, he sent me an email. His words confirm why CBM’s work is so important. “We are well…in the service of the Lord at ACC&S trusting God all the way. I am grateful to God for seeing me through my studies. I struggled and, through God’s abundant grace, graduated on July 4, 2009. For this I am humbled by God’s benevolence.”

Though I am leaving CBM as General Secretary, I remain committed to Jeremiah and others like him.

Please click here and join me in pledging support for these current and future leaders. A gift of any size is deeply appreciated by the men and women who will benefit from your generosity.

When you support CBM, you provide access for people of potential to develop their gifts for use in God’s Kingdom. You make more opportunities possible in places around the world, from Pontianuk to Istanbul to Cochabamba.

There are many Jeremiahs. You will continue to hear about them as they grow into the culture makers in the countries where they serve.

May God bless you in this commitment to His work and His people.

Shalom,
Rev. Dr. Gary Nelson
General Secretary, CBM

P.S. It is often difficult for CBM to obtain support for leadership development and I’ve never understood why! I can’t think of a more impactful place to invest than in the lives of God’s people.