I have always desired to participate in a discipleship program, as it is hard for me to grow in my Christian walk without someone beyond my years in experience to help guide me. Since I became a Christian in 2000, the types of programs I experienced were lacking long-term effectiveness, as well as the willingness to go deep spiritually and emotionally. The Discipleship Encounter (DE) program with Mission Encounters International (MEI) has been one of the best, if not the best program I have found in achieving these goals.

It is typically easy to find a church program which offers a small group that fits your particular niche. However, it is hard to find a program where people can actually grow, because they are being pushed beyond their comfort zone, and are being taken on a deeper journey to understand themselves and God more. The DE program does this with some amazing books, discussion, and applications. On a quick side note, I am not “academically inclined,” so when I initially found out about the reading aspect to the D.E., I was a bit overwhelmed and a bit frustrated. How I imagined it was more living life side by side and less, if any, book work.

I am glad I stuck with it though! It was rewarding by the end of the program. Not only did I garner a lot from the books, but the day-to-day life (which was what I initially wanted) had a focus that went deeper because of the books. Couple that with the relationships with Larry and Sheila, and I had a new sense of pride in completing the readings and going beyond my own comfort zone.

Having a limited knowledge of how the mission’s world works, and how other cultures do life, the materials we went over in the DE were very helpful. I was able to learn how to see more things as different, not right or wrong, which has been extremely helpful since we have arrived in Honduras. Also, the Experiencing God materials were so beneficial for me in seeing God in a fresh way. So instead of just coming on a trip and hoping I make God look good, I have learned to identify where He is working around me, and am now able to join Him in that process.

Larry and Sheila were very encouraging throughout the entire process. They opened their doors and made us feel welcome, as if we were a part of their own family. Their words and actions were able to help us transition smoothly. As people who have many years on the field, and as people who are willing to share their life experiences with humility and grace, their involvement in my transition has been invaluable.

If ever there was a difference between thriving and surviving, the D.E. process is it!