Portugal
Seika Ito '20 & '21
Seika capturing photos for an event
Disciples of All Nations: How Cross Cultural Interns Are Advancing the Great Commission
Seika (Portugal) As a student from Japan who attended the Bible Institute in New York and is completing CCI in Portugal, Seika Ito loves getting to expe- rience other cultures and people groups. When describing the events leading up to where she is now, Seika emphasizes how God gave her the desire to pursue CCI and opened doors for her to go. “I wanted to not just learn about ministry, but also experience it. I also wanted to learn how to do ministry in another country, because my first purpose for coming to the states was to see Christianity in a different country.” Because CCI gives students the opportunity to gain ministry experience and learn how to share the gospel in other cultures, this was the perfect fit for her. Seika is currently in her second year of CCI in Portugal. Her responsibilities look different every day, from helping at youth events to playing musical instruments for worship ministry and even capturing stories through photography and social media. “I’ve learned a lot about commu- nication and being intentional with people,” she shares. “I have no idea how I could do ministry without this type of experience.” She sees this learning process as vital to preparing for a life of service to the Lord. She is excited to take what she has learned through CCI back to Japan, where she will continue serving the Lord through local church ministry.
Matthew 28:19–20 records Jesus’s closing words to His disciples in what is one of the most well-known passages in all Scripture: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” Word of Life brings its unique emphasis on youth evangelism into this calling, building bridges for the gospel into the hearts of children and youth around the world. There is one particularly unique and effective strategy Word of Life is using to advance the good news on a global scale. Through a program called the Cross Cultural Internship (CCI), Bible Institute graduates spend two years working with full-time missionaries on an international field while completing their degree online. The lives of those who have been part of the internship give overwhelming evidence that this short-term opportunity is a catalyst for long-term furtherance of the gospel worldwide.
Seika with a child in the Portugal youth ministry
Seika with her group in children's ministry
Portugal Street
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