When Ruth Siemens founded Global Opportunities now Global Intent, in the 80’s after a few decades of being a tentmaker pioneer in the Spanish-speaking world, little did she know that in 2021, our focus would once again turn to Spanish speaking people. I am sure she is smiling from heaven in seeing her work continuing under Phill Sandahl’s leadership.

Here is the report from Phill Sandahl, Director of Global Intent:

Global Intent in Latin America

We are most excited about expanding training into Spanish for Latin America.

Dateline: December 1, 1998, Vaasa Finland

The Journey

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. It received its charter in 1606, during the reign of Charles IX of Sweden and is named after the Royal House of Vasa. Finland’s first library was founded in Vaasa in 1794.

I had received an invitation to speak to university students at an evening seminar. The four-and-a-half-hour train ride was so pleasant, especially since I was able to ride in first class. Quiet, smooth and a workspace for finalizing the first ever talk to this demographic. In my mind they would be ideal candidates as future tentmakers.

Onni Haapala Jr. picked me up from the train station. He was the pastor of the local church that was hosting the seminar.

I’ve been a speaker at Missions Fest since 2001. Hundreds of people first heard about tentmaking there. Over one hundred of them trained and left for unreached areas using their profession to gain legal entry.

This year, the annual conference is virtual for obvious reasons. On short notice I had to set up a studio in our living room. The end result is a 30 minute unpolished video but the good news is anyone in the world can take part in this seminar. Mark the date and link below.

2020 has not turned out like anyone expected when the new year began. First COVID. Then lockdowns and isolation. Meetings cancelled. Remote meetings. People lost jobs. Students missed school and social contact. Friends and loved ones succumbed to death without even the opportunity to gather and mourn together.

The Year that Was

As a result, there has been increase depression, drug use, and even suicide. There have been many disappointments. Many news stories have provoked fear and anxiety.