LAC Global Workers, Than and Ruthina Veltman serve at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) which is a training ground for growth in skills, leadership, and character that each student carries forward into their local church and various ministries. Than teaches graduate courses. At the heart of the Veltman’s ministry are the passionate and dedicated students. The impact is a stronger local church, more effective and holistic ministries, and an overall investment into the future of Ethiopia.
Many EGST students express deep appreciation for the opportunity to study at EGST and its impact on them. For many, it positively transforms their perspective and commitment to advancing the work and ministry of their church. Than has been advancing the hybrid education program. There are many aspects to hybrid education that need significant development at EGST (online platform, local and online libraries, remote registration processes, and others). A lot of strategic planning is required. Thankfully, there are numerous resources to draw from to support this development and advancement.
Currently, Than is working with the NET Foundation, based in the Netherlands, to facilitate a partnership to provide affordable access to an online platform, support and training for EGST faculty and staff. Than also mentors students in Personal Development. This is a great opportunity to engage students, learn more about their lives and goals at EGST, and encourage and support them as they learn and grow in their studies.
TCK Training
Ruthina is on the Third Culture Kids (TCK) Family Care team at United World Mission (UWM). Currently, this ministry is focused on developing a survey to learn more about the needs UWM families are facing with TCKs so the Family Care team can focus their time and energy accordingly. Last year a research report on TCKs was published demonstrating the impact of transition, loss, grief, trauma, etc., on TCKs; these are unique experiences for TCKs who live cross-culturally outside of their passport country. The Family Care team’s aim is to equip families to navigate these transitions and experiences well so that TCKs can thrive.
Our involvement at our international church here continues to keep us busy. We’ve seen wonderful, continued growth this year. Than leads the services regularly, schedules preachers and service leaders, and assists the pastoral team in thinking through aspects of liturgy. Ruthina continues to teach Sunday School regularly and plans the curriculum and schedule. One of the things we love about our church is how there’s a place for everyone to serve. We have the opportunity to hear sermons from pastors from a variety of countries and backgrounds and it truly is a beautiful reflection of the body of Christ. We are praying for God to provide a part-time pastor for our church in an official capacity, but we praise Him for sustaining our church through the faithfulness of so many volunteers in this season.
Ruthina is also leading a Velvet Ashes Connection Group this spring with women serving around the world. It just kicked off this week. Pray that it will be a blessing and encouragement to these women, particularly those who are quite isolated in the locations where they are serving.
Charlotte, age 8, represented the country of Norway with one of her close friends in a Cultural Night event that her school class put on for parents. There are 12 different countries represented in her class of 18 students. The students put together displays and brought traditional food from the countries they represented. The entire class performed a couple of songs and dances, including Cotton Eyed Joe to represent America and a traditional Ethiopian dance. They worked so hard to put on this wonderful event and it seems like they had a lot of fun with it along the way!
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Save the Date • SUNDAY, JUNE 25
Join us for a lunch gathering with the Veltmans immediately after service at HH400 (Skyroom).
$10 donation at the door for lunch. No reservations needed, first come first served.