What happens when you can’t go to the field for a PVT? You go to a virtual PVT of course!
The pandemic has forced us into so many “pivots” – shifting to new ways of doing the things we love to do. One of those things we love is Parent Vision Trips. For 8 years, we took parents to the field to experience the World Race in person. To get the feel of what their Racers experience on a day to day basis. It was a time for parents to be reunited with their Racers to see their growth and to hear their hearts. It was a chance to pull away from the familiar and to allow the Racers to be the leaders and the parents to follow. These trips were powerful in many ways, relationally, missionally, spiritually, and internationally.
Our disappointment when Covid caused us to cancel these trips was overwhelming. We had to find a way to at least try to give parents a glimpse of what life on the Race is like and to hear the testimonies of what God is doing on the field. We knew we had to develop an alternative plan. One of our ministry hosts suggested a virtual PVT, and the idea was born. The first one was a success so we adopted the model for all the others, and while it isn’t the same as being there in person, it has proved to be a wonderful alternative for the time being.
Here’s how it works.
The squad leadership and parent ministry select a date near the original PVT time. Once the time is selected you will receive an invite to a 3-hour zoom PVT. Just like the in-person PVTs, you will meet your Racer’s team. You will be a part of a Racer-led worship time and get to see the passion they have for praising God.
Probably the favorite part of any PVT is when Racers share testimonies of what God is doing, with them, with the local community, and with the ministry hosts. You can see his hand moving in their lives and it encourages your faith to see theirs. You see your son or daughter growing and believing God to intervene on the behalf of the people they meet. Your own heart will desire to see God move in that way here, in your own community.
There will also be a teaching time and the squad may invite you to do something special like a virtual communion. Each squad designs their own PVT and each one is unique with different elements. Some groups may have a chance to speak words of encouragement and blessing over the whole squad or your individual Racer. Others may have their Racers speak over the parents. Because each squad designs their own virtual time it can look differently for each group, however, no matter what the plan is, the interaction is beneficial and exhorting for all who participate. These times together begin the shift from a parent/child relationship, to an adult to adult one.
Squad Mentors have been overwhelmed with how good this has been for their squads. Parents have said how great it was to have time to interact with their Racers and see how well they love one another. Everyone comes away feeling refreshed and encouraged. It’s a win-win situation. Different from in-person, but still inhabited by the Spirit of God and meaningful for both Racers and their parents. We are grateful for the technology that allows us to do things virtually and for parents who make the pivot with grace and excitement.
This year, covid requirements – and the uncertainty of international travel – means that we have switched to virtual PVTs for all of 2021 and for some squads whose PVTs are in 2022. All squads that launched in August 2021 will have a virtual PVT.
As soon as a date and time is set, you’ll be hearing from Parent Ministry about all the details. We are excited to see what God will do in your time together with your Racers!
