Highlights from Orientation 2025
It’s been an exciting year of welcoming participants from around the world. So far in 2025, 3 Orientation events have been held with one still to come. The theme this year again is “Belonging at the Table.”
In June, 68 participants and 29 children gathered in Wheaton, Illinois, USA. They’re now heading out to 20 different countries.
Our Global Online Orientation in July had 44 participants from 17 countries, who are now serving in 24 countries.
Our UK Orientation used a hybrid model. Some sessions were online and others were in person. There were 8 participants.
Heather Brown, Director of Global Mobilization, shares a story from the Wheaton event.
Despite the best laid plans for Orientation, I always know there will be last-minute twists and turns that come up during the week. One such change this year was a thunderstorm in the forecast for our scheduled picnic day...the one day we were praying it wouldn't rain!
I waited as long as I could to make the call, but when it was clear that the forecast was getting worse not better, we decided to pivot. Pulling together our core logistics team and the picnic coordinators, we drafted a new plan. We knew we'd need to use the same buildings we'd been in for several days straight (which were starting to feel stifling), so my one request was that the classrooms wouldn't feel like classrooms.
Somehow Hawaiian leis and strips of fabric were the doorway to an upbeat night of fun team competitions! With chairs and desks pushed aside and upbeat music playing, the classrooms had been transformed. Whole families played together, and staff jumped into the fun, too.
This picture of flexibility, fun, and enthusiastic participation conveys what we hope participants will experience as they join the organization – that they would feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie as we are on mission together.
Many participants, whether seasoned missionaries or brand new to missions, commented that Orientation confirmed and aligned with their personal calling, and helped them feel connected and supported as they anticipate continuing or beginning in ministry.
“One thing I learned this week is that the Lord is sending people of ALL ages to ALL the nations.”
“That TeachBeyond puts such an emphasis on caring for kids…when they are in transition and even when they leave home. We love how big of an emphasis it is!”
There is one more Orientation event planned for this year. Brazil will host theirs in October.
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