6 July 2017—Today is the culmination of several years of hard work and planning, the fruition of years of dreaming. A.One.8 launched today in Lake Wales, Florida. A.One.8 is Global Strategy’s answer to the need for a training experience for young leaders within the Church of God who are called to cross-cultural missions. Andrew Gale, from Global Strategy, is heading up this experience.

A.One.8 is short for Acts 1:8, a central verse for the training: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (NRSV).

A small group of young leaders (juniors in high school and older) from across the Church of God in the U.S. is assembling in to central Florida for two intense weeks, where they will learned cross-cultural skills and knowledge at h.e.a.r.t. and Warner University and serve throughout Lake Wales. The final week of the training will take place in the Dominican Republic in partnership with the Church of God in the DR. This experiences will include listening and learning from the young pastors and leaders of the growing and dynamic Church of God in the DR. While in the DR, students will also see the work of International Justice Mission, which educates churches and community leaders about human trafficking and provides aftercare for those who are rescued.

Please be in prayer for the work of God in the hearts and minds of these young leaders, for wisdom and insight for those leading this experience, and for safety throughout the entire three weeks. And pray for these young leaders as they respond to the call of God on their lives, that they might respond wholeheartedly and discern God’s direction.

Follow along with A.One.8 on Instagram or Facebook during these next three weeks. Or click here to learn more about A.One.8.