CULTURELink trains and prepares individuals, team leaders, and team members to successfully integrate into new cultural environments.
Making disciples of those who make disciples of all nations, our ministry is to enhance cross-cultural effectiveness through education, equipping, and exposure. Whether moving to another country long term or visiting short term in order to provide disaster relief (earthquakes, floods), correct social injustices (illiteracy, s*x trafficking), meet physical needs (AIDS, hunger, housing, medical) or
expand and develop Christian ministries (church planting, discipleship programs), CULTURELink enhances cross-cultural effectiveness.
01/17/2022
An Update on Our Director, Larry Ragan
The most concerning of Larry's injuries was the collapsed lung. It continued to be stubborn, necessitating the insertion of a chest tube upon arrival in Miami. However, he has progressed well and after six days in the hospital, the doctors released him yesterday. The lung was able to function on its own strength and he was finally "full of hot air once again" (Larry's own words; his sense of humor never suffered throughout the ordeal).
The doctors have restricted him from flying for at least a month, and they do not want him behind the wheel of a car for several weeks as well. As such, they had to rent a car and Karen began the 12-hour drive back toward Atlanta yesterday. Larry's in-laws live in South Georgia, where they stopped to break up their trip and rest. They will spend a couple of nights before returning home, most likely tomorrow. Thankfully, in time, all of his injuries will heal.
Join us in continuing to pray for his recovery and that he would be able to rest well despite the lingering pain. The Ragan are deeply grateful for the encouragement and support expressed during this ordeal. And we are all deeply grateful for the Lord's faithfulness.
If you have any questions, please direct them to CULTURELink's Assistant Director, Ryan Hurlburt, by email at [email protected].
Thank you,
CULTURELink's Staff and Board of Directors
01/13/2022
Important Update on Our Director, Larry Ragan
On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, our Director, Larry Ragan was involved in an accident in Florida, where Larry and his wife, Karen, were on vacation. While out for a walk, he was struck by moped that lost control. After being admitted to the Emergency Room, he was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Miami and admitted into the trauma unit.
He sustained a fractured scapula, five broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and his head needed sutures and staples. To relieve pressure from his lung and help it recover, a tube was inserted into his chest. The doctors have finally been able to help get the pain under control today. The collapsed lung is also improving already and he is able to get out of bed and walk. Thankfully, he sustained no injuries to the brain, neck, or spine. He will likely be in the trauma unit at the hospital a few more days.
Please join us in praying for quick recovery. He is in good spirits and his wife, Karen, is able to be with him in the hospital.
We do request that you limit the calls, texts, emails, and messages over the next few days. If you are friends with Larry on Facebook, he will likely post updates on his personal profile. Any updates going forward will be limited, and will be shared here on CULTURELink's page and via email.
A quote from Larry: "Do me a favor, do not make me laugh or cry or cough or sneeze or even burp, my ribs can’t take it. I am grateful to all of you. AND I am in good spirits because of all of [you prayers]!"
A related ministry update: We will be postponing our training seminar in Atlanta that was to take place next weekend. New dates will be determined soon and information will be sent out.
If you have any questions, please direct them to CULTURELink's Assistant Director, Ryan Hurlburt, by email [email protected].
Thank you,
CULTURELink's Staff and Board of Directors
12/30/2020
*Celebrating Our 10-Year Anniversary*
// MATCHING FUND INCREASED //
Our generous Matching Fund donor has pledged another $5,000 due to the overwhelming response! This brings the total Matching Fund to $15,000!
To give to the Matching Fund, read stories of our impact (see below), or learn more about CULTURELink, visit https://culturelinkinc.org/10years.
// 10 YEARS OF IMPACT //
As we continue to celebrate our 10th anniversary, we'll be sharing a few stories from our partners on the impact we've had around the globe. Read below...
GLOBAL WORKER CARE:
"CULTURELink is uniquely Spirit-led in their approach to worker care. I met the Ragans during a volatile season of life. Larry spoke into the most sensitive areas of brokenness caused by my ministry experience. He walked with me through a spiritual process that was healing. The Lord used those conversations and prayers to mend these wounds, find forgiveness for the person who was the cause of the pain, and draw me deeper into the Father’s arms. Thank you for your joyful, empowering ministry!”
– Russ & Rachael | Ethiopia
As of today, December 30, we have raised $9050 toward the Matching Fund, meaning a total of $18,100 has been committed! Thank you to those who have generously given!
12/24/2020
We love our friends at Royal Kids Kenya and all of our Kenyan family! We have learned a great deal from Grace Ngao Kea's unwavering faith and selfless service to their community. Our partnership began over 8 years ago and we are so thankful for and blessed by them.
As they shared with us earlier this year, our partnership has resulted in "a ripple effect throughout the local churches and community of Mikindani, Mombasa, Konza province, Nairobi, and Kenya as a whole."
To our international & church partners, donors, alumni, and friends around the globe, Krismasi Njema – Merry Christmas – from CULTURELink! We celebrate the birth of Jesus with you and the life we share in Him.
12/16/2020
*Celebrating Our 10-Year Anniversary*
As we continue to celebrate our 10th anniversary, we'll be sharing a few stories from our partners on the impact we've had around the globe. Read below...
BUSINESS FOR TRANSFORMATION (B4T) NETWORKING & WORKER CARE
"When serving in the Middle East for decades, there are critical moments when we need a boost to overcome insurmountable hurdles. CULTURELink is our emergency hotline in these times. During an overwhelming season in 2019, they came to humbly work beside us and invest in our staff for two weeks. They also brought a small team of fellow B4T leaders for networking in the fall of 2020. CULTURELink trusts God with us, walks with us when we need it most, and helps us remember why we do what we do."
– C & A | The Middle East & North Africa
*Quick update on our $10,000 Matching Fund*
As part of our celebration, a generous and faithful friend of CULTURELink has committed to match designated donations through January 31, up to $10,000.
As of today, December 16, we have raised $6450 toward the Matching Fund, meaning a total of $12,900 has been committed! Thank you to those that have already given generously!
STARTING NOW: $10,000 Matching Fund for 10 Years of Making Disciples
In celebration of our 10-year anniversary, a faithful friend of CULTURELink has committed to match designated donations dollar-for-dollar.
Starting today, December 1, which also happens to be , and running through January 31, 2021, all gifts designated for our anniversary celebration will be doubled!
Your generous investments into the nations will result in $20,000+ toward our 2021 Operating & International Budgets and our mission to "make disciples of those who will make disciples of all nations."
Click the link to GIVE, learn how your generosity makes an impact, and view our Best Practices of Financial Accountability.
From December 1, 2020, through January 31, 2021, CULTURELink will celebrate its 10-year anniversary. Keep your eyes open for social media stories over the next two months and an exciting opportunity beginning on Tuesday, December 1.
As part of our celebration, a generous and faithful friend of CULTURELink has committed to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. They have even hinted they would go beyond this level if donations exceed this amount! Your investments into the nations could result in $20,000+ toward our 2021 International and Operating Budgets.
This Saturday at 9:00 AM, we are hosting our new seminar for the first time in the Atlanta area –– Intentional Living: How to Be the Church as Jesus Intended in Everyday Life.
Jesus never intended for His Church to focus their energy and attention primarily on weekly services. Instead, He invites His followers to be the Church in their everyday lives.
This is a FREE event and there are still a few spots left. Details and registration in the link below.
Information Regarding COVID-19 The host facility, Eastside Baptist Church, is allowing CULTURELink the use of a space designated for socially-distanced seating. Capacity is limited to 30 people to allow for adequate spacing. Surfaces will be sanitized between each seminar. Masks are not required but...
08/25/2020
The quotes captured in the images of this post are from our international partners working in Lebanon, Kenya, and among the "Kiln" people (location withheld).
From East Africa to the Middle East, to Latin America, and elsewhere, the opportunities presented to us during these challenging times allow us to fulfill our mission in unique ways.
Our investments into our international partners are doing more than providing material resources—we are investing in the credibility and the long-term reputation of our partners in the eyes of their respective communities. By assisting our partners financially during this global crisis, they are experiencing incredible favor that we believe will pay dividends in the months and years to come.
We're grateful (and pleasantly surprised) to see our curriculum recommended by Catalyst Services in their monthly Postings article. If you are involved in Christian missions in any capacity, check out and subscribe to their updates every month. Their articles are always insightful and practical.
July 2020 | Volume 15 | Issue 7 A missions 101 resource list for churches’ global outreach leaders
05/20/2020
Another opportunity to come alongside one of our international partners has presented itself during the pandemic, this time with one of our friends in El Salvador.
In 2016, Miriam Sanchez started a ministry and resource center in San Salvador called the Samaritan House to serve some of the most destitute and at-risk in her community. The fallout from COVID-19 has posed challenges to all of us in some way. However, countries with greater financial and security challenges like El Salvador are being impacted especially hard, and the community around the Samaritan House is no exception.
Read our update on the blog to learn more about how you can come alongside the Samaritan House to serve those in need of basic resources. (If you want to give to this opportunity, you can designate to "International Projects" on the same screen where you enter your gift amount.)
To Our Supporters, Ministry Partners, and Friends, Miriam Sanchez served as the ministry coordinator for several CULTURELink teams and is one of our primary contacts in El Salvador. In 2016, she started a ministry and resource center called the Samaritan House to serve some of the most destitute and...
05/03/2020
COVID-19 and CULTURELink:
CULTURELink’s mission is to make disciples of those who make disciples of all nations. Whether the world is open or shut down, we remain focused on our mission. We want to keep you informed about the doors God has opened for us in the COVID-19 pandemic, give you a glance at how 2020 is unfolding, and update you on our finances during these uncertain times. Click to read our update on the Blog.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when CULTURELink, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
In 1995, leaders at the U.S. Center for World Mission and the Fellowship of Short-Term Mission Leaders approached Larry Ragan about writing a discipleship-based training curriculum for short-term mission teams. The first version of our curriculum was written and a training seminar was created. During the first phase of CULTURELink‘s development (from 2000–2010), more than 2,500 leaders from over 500 churches across the United States and around the globe were trained.
After becoming a licensed nonprofit organization in 2010, CULTURELink broadened its focus to expand its impact on the global community. By revising the curriculum, adding consulting services, hiring full-time staff, and providing specialized short-term trips, the ministry has broadened its influence in the world.
Our seminars are recognized by Perspectives of the World Christian Movement and numerous Bible colleges that offer college credit to seminar participants. Since 2010, CULTURELink has conducted over 70 seminars and trained over 2000 additional leaders. These alumni have mobilized multiple teams to 122 nations. Team leaders have been equipped for ministry with churches and organizations such as Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), Habitat for Humanity, International House of Prayer (IHOP), International Mission Board (IMB), North American Mission Board (NAMB), Operation Mobilization (OM), SCORE International, Youth With A Mission (YWAM), SEND International, The Anglican Church, Business for Transformation (B4T), and many more.
The purpose of our organization is to provide practical training and resources to enable churches, mission organizations, and corporations to impact others as they effectively serve in cross-cultural settings. Our ministry trains and prepares individuals, team leaders, and team members to successfully integrate into new cultural environments & enhance cross-cultural effectiveness.
CULTURELink’s ministry has three primary expressions: Equip through seminars and resources, Educate through consulting, and Expose through short-term trips.
Equip Through Seminars
Our seminars are highly relational, informative, and interactive. CULTURELink works with mission organizations, churches, and humanitarian groups to equip leaders to master team development, spiritual readiness, and cross-cultural challenges—with confidence. While simulating the process of equipping a short-term team, our seminars are informative, interactive, and highly relational.
Each participant receives a Team Leader’s Manual complete with lesson plans for training sessions, step-by-step guidelines for discipling team members, and directives for planning the logistics of a short-term mission trip. Participants also receive a Team Member’s Manual filled with a collection of articles, devotions, and worksheets that cover all aspects to develop effective cross-cultural servants. CULTURELink’s curriculum provides a systematic, interactive training approach to preparing a short-term mission team for ministry.
Educate Through Consulting
CULTURELink designs solutions for churches and mission organizations to build and enrich their mission programs. We come alongside church staff and mission committees, church planters, and global agencies to create and analyze policies and procedures, budgets, strategic partnerships, and missionary care in order to maximize human and financial resources.
Expose Through Short-Term Trips
Through short-term trips, CULTURELink gives seminar participants the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in their training. We match churches & organizations with credible ministries worldwide to facilitate impactful cross-cultural experiences.
CULTURELink is available to come alongside a church, youth group, or organization to lead short-term trips on their behalf. During the process, we mentor your team leader through our curriculum.
