The term “basic training” invokes images of drill instructors yelling incessantly at short haired recruits to knock out the old and indoctrinate in the new. In some ways ISI’s Basic Training of new staff is not too different, though a lot quieter and gentler. Every year Dallas has the privilege of hosting ISI’s basic training for all new staff. These people come from all over to Dallas to hear about how ISI does ministry and how God can use them in their new posts. Most of these people are veteran missionaries or ministers and we often learn as much from them as they learn about us.

This year staff came from as far away as Virginia to learn from Regional Director and DFW team member, Derrah Jackson and National Training Director Gordy Decker and our DFW team in early April. It was held at Trinity Bible Church, Derrah’s and Ray and Laurie Cotton’s church. This is a tremendous honor, to be able to influence the tone of ministry throughout the nation.

This year’s Group included: Steve Braintwain (Charlottesville, VA), John Dugo (St Louis, MO), Mark Gray (Wichita, KA), Sherida Gray (Wichita, KA), Dan Kronstad (Wheaton, IL), Jeff Newpher (Houston, TX), Susan Wilson (Wichita, KA), Vinay Patras (Plano, TX), Sandy Shahdad (Richardson, TX)