The International Missions Team was lead of the Lord to attend this Global MissionFest primarily to glean how they executed this missional event as well as to speak with the various missionaries on the field in the USA and abroad. We also wanted to hear how God is working in their lives and what He is doing in the regions and areas they serve. We were informed that this church, which is about 80 years old, supports about 97 missionaries. Nineteen from 12 countries were present. Of the 97 total missionaries, half have come directly from their congregation. They are considered a “sending church”. They not only send and support missionaries, but have short-term missions teams (called Go-Teams). In regards to how they presented the Global MissionFest, they informed us that over the years they have learned to plug into existing activities rather than to have special services. The reason being was that attendance would drop with the latter.
We attended Tuesday and Wednesday nights activities, respectively. Ericka and I attended Tuesday night activities which was their women’s Bible study. There was a meal for $3 and great fellowship with the women at our table. They were very welcoming. To accommodate the missionaries, they deviated slightly from their existing format. There were 11 women missionaries highlighted and of the 11, three were interviewed by a moderator. Each shared how God called them right where they were in their careers to use that for mission work- many serve in supporting roles both in the USA and abroad. Those roles include photography, business such as mutual funds industry, IT, and administration. These specific ministries were highlighted. And, a question which surfaced during the interviews was to ask God the following. How do you (Lord) want what I have experienced in my life used in your mission?
The three missionaries highlighted covered how God used their professional backgrounds to spread the gospel in places such as Ecuador now serving stateside in CO, Kenya, and France. The first missionary interviewed revealed how God was using satellite Christian radio to broadcast the gospel. She reported that a recent survey indicated that roughly 1 million people were hearing the messages in Arabic countries! She also stated that they were being heard 60% in Asia, and in other countries such as India, Bangladesh, Turkey and Indonesia (she requested special prayer for that country as it is becoming more militant and the door may be closing).
The second missionary has served in Kenya now for 18 months and is a Psychologist. She stated that she serves in several capacities with a focus on the HIV/AID ministry and dealing with the stigma associated with persons being tested. Her prayer request was that HIV treatment would not stop. She conveyed that there were some 65,000 orphans and that many were living in the garbage dumps with all that that environment entails. She concluded by saying that Kenya was the largest refugee camp in the world and to pray for the Muslim women. They each spoke of the highs and lows of being in full-time missions. They all said to “find out what God is doing and to begin doing your part! (this is of course within the context of global missions).
The last interview was from a missionary based in France. This church is embarking upon a new church-wide initiative called The Move Initiative. They are partnering with Greater Europe Mission to reach out to North African immigrants. They are challenging their members to consider relocating to France for an initial three year commitment beginning in January 2011.Their prayer is “that God will move in their hearts, calling some to move to France and the rest of them to send and support them.” Ericka and I spoke with several missionaries and took photos with the only African American one there from Missions Adventures. We also met the Director over the women’s ministry who showed us their Global Outreach Center. I will talk about the center further down in the report.
On Wednesday night, Susan and I attended. We went to hear a panel discussion where 6 missionaries discussed their backgrounds, their lives prior to missions, where they serve, and the highs and lows of missions. We met the Missions Pastor, who indicated his support as well as others who offered their support. Shannon, who I had been speaking to about the Perspective course was there and indicated briefly the process for payment which she had emailed to me that afternoon. We then went to their prayer tower and prayed along side of others interceding for the salvation of Muslims and the missionaries assigned to those regions where they reside as well as in our local communities. What an experience! We also visited the Global Outreach Center where every Sunday, the children ministry’s goes into this room and they are taught about people in other countries. Their teaching is country theme driven. Susan and I took pictures there as well as with two missionaries. Photos are spread throughout the article above and two below. 
Note: Don and grandson, Amiri dropped by briefly on Thursday evening. They met one of the missionaries from Germany. They spoke briefly.
