Why Should You Attend PFO?
Why are teachers, boarding parents, administrators and their families encouraged to attend this two-week program sponsored by ACSI? Because PFO helps them assess, examine, identify and understand TCKs and the international Christian school community. The invaluable training you’ll receive at PFO will equip your whole family for the adventure that lies ahead!
Don't just take our word for it, hear what past participants had to say about PFO when asked what they would share with future participants.
"I was not at all looking forward to spending two weeks away from my family and friends in my last precious moments before moving around the world, but I ended up loving my time there and the people that I met. My attitude totally changed and PFO ended up helping me a lot!"
"We had been involved with missions and missionaries for many years and thought we had reasonable knowledge about some of the issues we would be facing with TCK's on the mission field ourselves. We were looking forward to some new information that would assist us with our responsibilities. The fact of the matter is, we were completely overwhelmed by the amount and depth of material and the professional presentation of it all. It was like trying to get a sip of water out of Niagara Falls. The blast was refreshing and overwhelming at the same time. So what would we tell them—sit back, relax, hold on, enjoy, learn, participate and then go out to do what God has called you to do with enthusiasm."
"As a mother and a teacher PFO was great preparation for us as a family and for me as a professional. The sessions helped to prepare me professionally so that I came to China confident, with at least a little idea of what I might face. As a mom, I can't tell you how much PFO helped my girls and me. Because they were excited and prepared, I was able to focus on my job and all of the millions of details of getting situated."
"Thank you for talking about doubts we might have related to the validity and necessity of PFO. I didn't feel like I needed extra guidance or information in this new stage of my life, but PFO expanded my relationships with others—both at Alliance [Academy International] and at other international schools—and with God. It was the beginning of many good things that have come with this new ministry. Thank you for addressing our doubts right away; it opened my heart and mind and allowed me to learn so much."
"Pray that God will open your heart to what He has for you throughout your time at PFO. Try to allow the busyness of the summer to fade from your mind and focus on what God is laying on your heart. Take time to self reflect each day (you may be surprised how much you end up learning about your self...even more so than learning about what is to come). Make new friends, they are a great support to have as you are all embarking on the same sort of journey! It’s great to have brothers and sisters in Christ whom you can call friends living worldwide doing the same thing you are doing—sharing the love of Jesus Christ!"
"When I look back on my experience at PFO, I will always be encouraged by the fact that I was surrounded by almost 200 other individuals, committed to carrying for TCKs. Even when we don't know where or how God is going to provide for the staffing needs, it's a joy to know that each year PFO is preparing and sending out more individuals committed to the care and education of TCKs."