Training Trail -- Initial Start Up Funds

TESSERA
We have a new name for the training trail. TESSERA

A word that has been used both in the arts and in commerce, tessera has multiple meanings and was even used as a term in path building in the last century.

We have been working hard to capture in words what Tessera is and what it seeks to accomplish. For many of us we have been living out Tessera organically for the last few years. But we believe it is time to really frame and structure this so more people can participate.

The objective of Tessera is:
To facilitate personal and community pursuits of radical discipleship
Sharing journeys and stories of change
Foster a global environment where radical discipleship can flourish

By doing this we believe people will be empowered to live out a missional spirituality bringing transformation to four primary sectors (spiritual, social, economic, and environmental)

Please partner with us as we continue to live into the work that God is calling forth!

A short history:
In 2003, God sparked in Shannon Hopkins, Jessica Stricker, and Andrew Jones a vision and strategy for something new. All of them were already passionate about mission and discipleship. Although the details were not yet clear, it was certain even then that it needed to focus on helping interested learners develop a missional mindset, reflective spirituality, and entrepreneurial skill set. Also, from the beginning they knew it needed to draw upon historical models of transformative mentoring and adventuring ancient-future paths to empower others.

As the seed of this vision grew over the next few years, the focus that unfolded was to catalyze a multigenerational, international networks to mentor missionally. The network grew to participants from numerous countries on three continents, with individuals and communities that demonstrate a wide range of passions. But it wasn't until this year that they felt it was time to really push and launch the training trail. Plus it needed a new name!

The word Tessera has multiple meanings, among which are the four-sided pieces of semi-precious stone, metal, tile, glass, or other material used in mosaics; and the small tokens made of stone, bone, wood, ivory, etc., used as tickets for the Roman amphitheatres and arenas.

God has allowed our "Training Trail" to incubate since 2003. Duringthese years of preparation, we have catalyzed a core group of missionalmentors/communities, refined a strategy for mutual learning andleading, and partnered in multiple kinds of Kingdom enterprises.

After prayerful discernment by key network participants, it is clear that we have matured into a stage for broader expansion. 2008 is the year for decisive action!

Severalfoundations are already interested in supporting our vision formissional leadership development. We have a good track record, but mustalso show that we have the necessary accountability and sustainability.

Please help us cover essential project and personnel costs thatwill make this entrepreneurial work last for the long run. We need toraise the funds for the next couple of months to develop strategies andimplement start-up details for this next stage. Thank you for sendingup your prayers, chipping in your support, and/or promoting us on yourblog!

Shannon Hopkins, Jessica Stricker, Andrew & Debbie Jones, & Mark Berry


ASHORT HISTORY. In 2003, God sparked in Shannon Hopkins, JessicaStricker and Andrew Jones a vision and strategy for something new. Theywere all already passionate about training others to ministersensitively at the leading edges of change in Western cultures. Thisnew thing was a "Training Trail" for global, mobile missionaldiscipleship. Although the details were not yet clear, it was certaineven then that it needed to focus on develop a missional mindset,reflective spirituality, and entrepreneurial skill set. Also, from thebeginning they knew it needed to draw upon historical models oftransformative mentoring and adventuring, "ancient-future paths" toempower others.

As the seed of this vision grew over the nextfew years, the focus that unfolded was to catalyze a multigenerational,international network to mentor missional leaders through severalstreams. The network has grown to participants from numerous countrieson three continents, with individuals and communities that demonstratea wide range of passions.

Activities created by Training Trail participants since 2003 have included:

• Art exhibits and exchanges (Doxology, Austin Summit)
• Social justice partnerships
  
• Intergenerational dialogues (WabiSabi, Houston Summit)
• Pilgrimages on the Camino de Santiago and other historic spiritual trails and sites
• UK Greenbelt Festival presentations on developing leaders who are under the radar
• Creating the Network of Entrepreneurial Talent
• Community support visits (Across Canada, Europe and the US)
  
• Short- and long-term apprenticeships in spiritual formation and catalyzing creative partnerships
• Several micro-businesses and cooperatives are in initial stages
• Consulted for mission organizations
  
• Trained missionaries and church workers

So we believe God is saying THIS is the Year to launch the training trail. Will you partner with us in this Kingdom work?

Please partner by praying for us and the project, passing the word and by giving. Every Dollar Counts.