Happy March!
We are in the middle of the spring class of Candidate Orientation. ISMK has had meetings with all the new families that are being interviewed this week, and it has been a very hectic week. Although the spring class is smaller than the fall class, we have a great group of families going through. Many of you will remember your interview with the Executive Committee. Most Candidates are in the middle of those interviews today!
We have recently mailed out our newest Communiqué to your MKs. They should be receiving it in the mail soon. If they are not receiving the mail from our office, please let us know – we may not have the correct address for them in the official database here!
I have 2 things I want to make you aware of – the new discipleship program (ISMK Fired Up), and the Annual MK Update form that you all fill out.
I want to make sure that you are all aware of the discipleship program. Our recent Communiqué is all about the Fired Up program. We want MKs around the world to join us in reading the Bible! We have alumni (we have screened them) who would like to be mentors to current MKs. Our goal is to set up small groups online, where MKs can connect with each other and with an alumnus to discuss the Bible and other relevant topics. The discussions will be in a closed “internet” room with alumni as the leaders. ISMK will also be in the discussion rooms. Our goal is to read about 4 chapters of the Bible each week, and discuss what we have read. I believe we are going to be able to create some great small groups and truly have a greater role and presence in the spiritual lives of MKs. I also believe it is going to strengthen the sense of community within our MKs.
As parents, I ask that you encourage your MKs to be a part of this program. I believe it will strengthen everyone that is a part. I also believe that it could be a great launching point for family devotions! If you ever have any questions about the program, or any aspect of it, please feel free to contact our office. MKs have until August 1st to apply for the 2009 – 2010 school year, and applications are now online at the ismk.org website. They will each be assigned a small group and leader before the launch on September 1st.
The next area I needed to address with you is the Annual MK Update forms. Each year we send out a form for you to fill out that keeps us up to date with the MKs. When we receive the forms, we type in the data and change what needs to be changed. Well, you may have noticed that we are trying to do this electronically now…. And we failed miserably! L The computer that tried to send it out crashed almost immediately! I know that many of you fought your way through the online document, and some of you were not going to fight with it. First let me say… SORRY! Trying to send out 1400 emails that are all merging with your account information here was just too much for the system. We are now working on another solution which will be web-based. We hope to have it up and running within a year. Know that we are working on it. However, also know that we are not programmers and will have to rely on outside to complete the necessary work. We appreciate your feedback – even your frustrations! We took that feedback to the “web guys” and worked on solutions. Although it is a long process, it will be done!
Funniest response – “Your form doesn’t work. You need something more 21st century, like an online link.”
