Azmera STATESIDE Summit 2025

Schedule and Information

SCHEDULE

  • DAY 1 | Thursday, Feb 1

    3:00 Registration

    4:00 – 6:00 Worship, Main Speaker, Connection Circles

    6:00 Dinner

    7:30 Fun & Worship

  • Day 2 | Friday, Feb 2

    9:00 Worship, Main Speaker, Connection Circles

    12:00 Lunch

    1:30 Workshop Session 1

    3:00 Workshop Session 2

    4:15 Snack Break

    4:45 Workshop Session 3

    6:15 Dinner

    7:30 Extended Worship

  • Day 3 | Saturday, Feb 3

    9:00 Worship, Main Speaker, Connection Circles

    12:00 Summit Concludes

TCKs/Global Families Workshop Track

Room TBD

  • Session 1

    Friday, 1:30-2:45

    TCKs and Their Mono-Cultural Support Systems: Embracing the Challenges and Celebrating the Beauty of Cross-Cultural Bonds

    Donna Kushner & Holly Carter

    In this session, we’ll explore the cross-cultural dynamics between TCKs and their mono-cultural parents, educators, and mentors. The definition of a TCK as well as the challenges and strengths of this lifestyle will be briefly explained. Donna, a mono-cultural mother of four TCKs, and Holly, a TCK raised by mono-cultural parents, will share their stories and experiences, highlighting both the beauty and challenges of these relationships. Together, we’ll discuss how to foster greater understanding and connection, with insights drawn from a recent survey of TCKs and mono-cultural parents.

  • Session 2

    Friday, 3:00-4:15

    TCKs in a Hyper-Connected World: Generational Insights on Building Authentic Community

    Donna Kushner & Holly Carter

    Emmy Lopez, a parent of TCKs, notes in her blog post at A Life Overseas,  “When meeting youth from other countries, many Gen Z kids are finding a common baseline of shared slang, idioms, and humor as a result of a generation-wide digital narrative.”  This phenomenon has impacted the experiences of today’s TCKs. However, despite living in a hyper-connected world, many TCKs still struggle to form authentic community and connections.   In this workshop, we’ll hear from TCKs from both the Millennial and Gen Z generations, exploring how the generational traits that define these groups influence their search for community in a rapidly changing world.

  • Session 3

    Friday, 4:45-6:00

    Worlds Here and There: A Hands-On Workshop for Navigating International Transitions

    Donna Kushner & Holly Carter

    Transition can feel like being caught between two worlds, but by embracing both the challenges and gifts, we can make it more meaningful. This hands-on workshop will guide you through Worlds Here and There: An Activity Book for International Transition, offering tools for self-reflection and healthy transitions. Learn to facilitate debriefs for individuals or groups, or use the book for personal or family growth.

    Participants will need to purchase the activity book at the conference at a discounted price of $15 (cash, card, or check accepted; no shipping charge). For more details, visit worldshereandthere.com.

Member Care Workshop Track

Room TBD

  • Session 1

    Friday, 1:30-2:45

    BUILDING BRIDGES OF TRUST AND CO-CREATING A CARE PLAN

    Jamie Suel

    As part of the care network for global workers, it is essential to build trust with those we serve. Our goal is to encourage global workers to operate and make decisions from a place of honesty and peace with God. Developing an effective care plan requires transparency. The trust we establish creates a safe space for global workers to be open about where they truly are, what they need, what obstacles they face, and how they can authentically move forward. As care providers, we navigate the delicate balance of not making decisions for global workers, but instead empowering them to make choices and create care plans rooted in their reality and their relationship with God. 

  • Session 2

    Friday, 3:00-4:15

    THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WHOLENESS AND RESILIENCY

    Jamie Suel

    Resilience is a buzzword in global discussions, but being resilient doesn't necessarily equate to being healthy. Resilient individuals can become destructive if they are not functioning from a place of wholeness. In this discussion, we will explore the characteristics of resilient people, the limitations of resilience, and how shedding what hinders us—along with the sin that so easily entangles—while aligning with the truth, empowers us to run the race with endurance. This endurance comes from the overflow of who Christ is and who we are in Him. 

  • Session 3

    Friday, 4:45-6:00

    Combining with TCK/Global Families Track about Transition

Soul Care Workshop Track

Room TBD

  • Session 1

    Friday, 1:30-2:45

    RETURNING TO BELOVEDNESS

    Judy Nelson Lewis

    At two important junctures in Jesus’ life, the Father spoke into space and time. What did He say? “You are my Beloved Child.” It is a dangerous thing to be in ministry and not know who you are. At Jesus’ baptism and again before He set His face toward Jerusalem and the Cross, He needed to hear from His Father. Maybe you do, too. Come join Judy for a gentle reminder from the Word and a helpful practice to own a your belovednes a little bit more.

  • Session 2

    Friday, 3:00-4:15

    FINDING FREEDOM AND LOVE

    Judy Nelson Lewis

    Two of the pillars of our formation are self-awareness and God-awareness.  David Benner suggests: “There is no deep knowing of God without a deep knowing of self, and no deep knowing of self without a deep knowing of God.” How do we practice such knowing and why does it matter? Join Judy in a simple, repeatable practice that centers us in reality, able to name our longings and raise our eyes to meet God’s kindness.

  • Session 3

    Friday, 4:45-6:00

    SIT DOWN AND BE QUIET

    Judy Nelson Lewis

    So many voices. My head is full of them. Sometimes I want to stand on the desk of my forehead and command them all to be quiet! Join this workshop to help name the loudest voices, notice what they want and then gently lead them to Jesus. He knows just what to do. Find a quieter place to experience Him.

Wholehearted: Healing in Community Track

Room TBD

  • God, a unified community of three persons, created us to become whole people with Him and with others. Join the Chronic Hope + Healing team for a sweet dive into reflections and practices that invite your spirit, soul, and body into a wholistic experience with healing in community!

  • Session 1

    Friday, 1:30-2:45

    RELEASE: Lighten Your Load

    Yvonne Biel & Melissa Crutchfield

    When Jesus asks the question, “What is it that you want me to do for you?” what comes to mind? The response that rises up is an invitation for you to press into your longings and heartache with Him. Together, we will engage in various spiritual practices to embody the inner heart work of identifying, expressing, and handing burdensome weights to the Lord, in exchange for His offering that is easy and light.  

  • Session 2

    Friday, 3:00-4:15

    MEND: Healing Attachment Within Community

    Yvonne Biel & Melissa Crutchfield

    You were created for lasting, secure attachment to God and others, but the Fall disrupted that ultimate reality. This has resulted in insecurity and perpetuates painful dynamics in relationships. Learn how you can move from insecure attachment toward security in the presence of God and community.  

  • Session 3

    Friday, 4:45-6:00

    FLOURISH: The Neurotheology* of Walking in Wholeness

    Yvonne Biel & Melissa Crutchfield

    What are the necessary elements for breakthrough when spiritual stagnation hits? When you have tried everything and still feel stuck, what hope is there for healing? Let’s dive into the most frequent blocks to healing and which ingredients are necessary for a community that is whole: spiritually, emotionally, relationally, mentally, and even physically. We will engage in spiritual practices taken from The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks. *(Neurotheology is a fancy & fun word for “the brain science of spirituality.” It’s pretty mind-blowing, pun intended!) 

Experiencing the Holy Spirit Track

Room TBD

  • Session 1

    Friday, 1:30-2:45

    WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT: WHERE IS HE IN SCRIPTURE?

    Veronica Gatling

    The Holy Spirit came upon particular people at particular times for particular tasks in the Old Testament, New Testament, and today in you and me. Let’s search scripture for the names and character of the Holy Spirit. 

  • Session 2

    Friday, 3:00-4:15

    WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE HIM?

    Veronica Gatling

    The Holy Spirit desires to refresh and empower you daily. Just as the early church experienced the Pentecost outpouring, seek the Spirit’s continual infilling, empowering you for daily tasks. 

  • Session 3

    Friday, 4:45-6:00

    HOW CAN I BE SURE I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?

    Veronica Gatling

    Praying in the Spirit Eph 6:18; through the Word of God, Through the Church, In Our Gifting, In Our Spirit, Through our Circumstances. Being Filled with the Spirit of God is a continual experience that we must practice. There are ways that the Bible refers to being filled with the Holy Spirit.  

    Experiencing the Holy Spirit in everyday life means to engage in daily practices that foster a deeper connection with the Trinity. 

Leadership Track | Chick-fil-A Partners 

Room TBD

  • Session 1

    Friday, 1:30-2:45

    EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

    Kathy Wonderly and Amie Beth Beadling

    In this session, we will define what Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is and the crucial role it plays in personal and professional success.  We will dive into the four domains of self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, and relationship management, and how to work towards mastering them.  We will explore how to not bottle or brood after a difficult situation and how to manage your relationships by learning what you can and cannot control.  Lastly, we will measure our empathy level in our connection to others.  There will be activities and table discussions, as well as a take-home resource. 

  • Session 2

    Friday, 3:00-4:15

    NAVIGATING CONFLICT: TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE RESOLUTION

    June Lowe and Jenny Courville  

    This session is designed to enhance participants' skills in managing and resolving conflicts effectively. The workshop covers key topics such as understanding the nature of conflicts, principles and tips for conflict resolution, and maintaining positive relationships post-conflict. Participants will engage in role-play scenarios to practice their skills and learn strategies for effective communication, empathy, and neutrality. The goal is to equip attendees with practical tools to navigate conflicts constructively and foster a collaborative environment. 

  • Session 3

    Friday, 4:45-6:00

    COURAGE OVER CONFIDENCE: LEADING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

    Barb Waring and Elizabeth Harper 

    In this session, we will explore how to differentiate between courage and confidence and gain an understanding of the power of courageous leadership.  There will be table discussions and activities in this session. 

Workshop Speakers

  • Donna Kushner

    TCK/Global Families Workshop Track

    Donna and her husband Yale live in Colorado Springs, but they have served in many locations with Cru, both internationally and in the US. Donna has a passion for families and TCKs, especially those in transition. She founded mk2mk, a ministry of Cru focused on a flow of care for TCKs and their families, and led the team for 17 years.  She is a co-author of Finding Home Again, a Path for Refugees, Immigrants, Resettled Families and Those who Help Them, and most recently, of Worlds Here and There, An Activity book for International Transition. Currently Donna serves as Outreach Director of her church and as Affiliate staff with Cru. One of her favorite things to do is spend time over coffee with her TCK friends, including her own adult children. 

  • Holly Carter

    TCK/Global Families Workshop Track

    Holly grew up overseas in Kazakhstan for the first 12 years of her life. She now lives in Denver, CO and works as a pediatric ICU nurse. After being raised overseas, her heart has continued to grow in serving Third Culture Kids (TCK). She has seen how God can use her story through understanding the value of being a TCK, what it means, and how to overcome the unique challenges. Holly has been involved in an organization called mk2mk (Missionary Kid 2 Missionary Kid) for a little over 11 years. Mk2mk focuses on caring for teens and their families. Currently, Holly loves mentoring and discipling TCKs as they navigate life's transitions and have grown up viewing the world through a different lens than many of their peers. 

  • Jamie Suel

    Member Care Workshop Track

    Jamie’s passion is to create space for people to stand in the light of God’s love and grace, throw off what hinders, and live fully the life for which they were created! One of the primary avenues she has been able to do this for the past seven years is through being the Care & Development Director at via (vianations.org). She and her husband and 5 children served in Kenya for 7 years. She now has 3 grandchildren and calls Texas home, but loves getting to travel to visit face-to-face and leading retreats with people serving overseas.

  • Judy Nelson Lewis

    Soul Care Workshop Track

    Judy Nelson Lewis is a writer, spiritual director, and retreat leader. She holds a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Direction & Formation and is a graduate of the Renovare Institute of Christian Spiritual Formation. A long-time staff member of Cru (34 years), Judy lives in Atlanta with her husband Bob and puppy Biscuit. Her book EXHALE is available on Amazon. You can find her at  JudyNelsonLewis.com  and AtlantaExhale.com. 

  • Yvonne Biel

    Wholehearted: Healing in Community Workshop Track

    Yvonne Biel is a creative pastoral teacher. She served as a missionary teacher for five years in Vienna, Austria. In her writing and teaching, she loves to create Kingdom encounters to make God accessible to others. She has an MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Denver Seminary and is trained in Spiritual Direction and other faith-based trauma interventions. She can be reached at chronichopeandhealing.com.

  • Melissa Crutchfield

    Wholehearted: Healing in Community Workshop Track

    Melissa Crutchfield was on staff with Cru for over eight years, ministering in Italy, Texas, and Colorado. As an LPC, she walks alongside individuals struggling with spiritual and identity-related trauma. She received her counseling degree from Denver Seminary and is trained in trauma resolution therapy techniques. She writes and teaches on brain science, psychology, spiritual formation, and navigating life challenges with the light of God’s presence. Connect with her at chronichopeandhealing.com.

  • Veronica Gatling

    Experiencing the Holy Spirit Track

    Veronica currently serves as the Minister to Women at the Scottsdale Bible Church. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her husband and best friend Timothy for 35 years. They have 3 adult children and 1 precious grand baby girl Zeriah. She retired from a fulfilling career in Christian school education in 2020. She has a master's degrees in education and Christian ministries and an earned doctorate degree in educational leadership. She now uses these skills in full time ministry to teach Bible studies and recruit women to serve in their gifting. She loves the ability to serve hands on and be a small part of what God is doing in the lives of women wherever He places her.