I moved to China at age 27 with the plan to return to “real” life after two years. Enter the angelic laugh track. Eighteen wonderful years later—okay definitely sixteen wonderful years and a few that were iffy—I transitioned back to the US.
When I went to the field, it was with the best of intentions and far too much information front-end loaded for me to absorb. At that time, the only option was to spend weeks together in California learning about life in China.
And you know what, it worked. It really did.
Front-end loading worked because that was what was available.
But today we are accessing a fraction of what technology makes available. God has called us to his Great Commission, which truly is the call of a lifetime. But it is also ordinary, lonely, tedious, and involves laundry; all the while trying to spiritually, personally, and professionally grow, as we work to see the kingdom of God here on earth.
In a recent survey, 62% of cross-cultural workers reported a high tension between tending to their soul (being) and the work that they do (doing). In response to this tension, Global Trellis was formed. Like a garden trellis, Global Trellis exists to support you where you are, allowing you to flourish and grow further than you could on your own.
Too many cross-cultural workers become unnecessarily worn out on the field. What if exhaustion, creeping bitterness, and stagnant personal skills were replaced with refreshment, contentment, and growth? This can be your reality.
Global Trellis Helps in Three Ways
1. Monthly workshops
No travel time, no need to wait. You have access to training, support, and empowerment at your fingertips. A new workshop is added at the beginning of every month. For a small fee you can learn from experts from the comfort of your own home. Once purchased, the workshop is added your personal portfolio and you can revisit any time. You can also browse through the growing list and participate in more than just this month’s workshop. See below for a special ChinaSource offer.
2. Articles
To foster refreshment, contentment, and growth as a steady trip, enter the Tuesday and Thursday articles. Tuesdays are called Soul Tending TuesdaysSkill Building Thursdays and you will be offered tips, insights, and suggestions to help you personally and professionally develop. You can receive the articles here.
3. Quarterly challenges
Every quarter you can join in a free challenge designed to keep your “Some day!” list short. Currently I’m writing a seven-day challenge designed to help with newsletter list maintenance because I’ve been meaning to do it forever! Join others this month when the challenge goes live and for seven days in a row you will receive a short email with the task for the day. You will also have the opportunity to connect with others going through the challenge and share how you did with that day’s part of the challenge. You can be notified of the next challenge here.
Grow and Flourish Where You Are
Global Trellis also has a robust library that contains resources for those who are doing well and those who need to find help where you are. In the “book” section of the library you will find a book lovers dream: books to peruse! Currently there are five categories—leadership, cross-cultural, relationships, faith, and personal development—with over 100 books cataloged.
Because this may be the first time you are hearing of Global Trellis, you might have missed out on the discounted price of the first workshop. While God knows what this year holds for you, you will probably deal with some surprises on your team, in your family, or with your work. The very nature of your life in cross-cultural service involves an ability to recalculate and the “Recalculating to Change” workshop provides theological and practical help. Use the code “chinasource” and the first twenty people will receive 50% off. The offer expires on September 22nd.
You need a place for your soul to be breath, your head to be engaged, and your heart to stay tender. You need Global Trellis.
Image credit: Global Trellis
Amy Young
Amy Young, MA, LPC loves a good story. She served in China for nearly 20 years (plenty of stories there!). As the founder and CEO of Global Trellis, her current story involves helping great commission workers have tended souls and expanding skill sets. Amy has written six books for great …View Full Bio
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