“The best conference we’ve had!”  “What a blessing to see the heart of the missionaries for their fields of service.”  “The dedication of these missionaries is such a challenge.”  These and others were some of the comments that were made after our annual missions conference, September 5-9.  The theme this year was “Lift Up Your Eyes” from John 4:35b.  We had the opportunity to lift up our eyes to seven of the Lord’s harvest fields with the missionary families that were our special guests:  Tom & JoAnne Franzen, Albania; Carl Gormley, Philippines; Alan & Beth Hill, St. Vincent; Jim & Karen Mackiewicz, Brazil; Lonny & Jennifer Schmid, Ontario; and Steve & Janelle Swann, Bulgaria.  Each missionary was able to present their work in one of the services, preach in a service, and spend time with classes in Bible Baptist Christian School.  The men also shared their call to the mission field with our men and their sons at a Saturday breakfast.

One of the highlights each year of the conference is the “International Dinner” missions banquet on Saturday evening.  We greatly enjoyed the wonderful variety of international foods brought in by the ladies (and some men) of the church.  Following the banquet, we had the special privilege of seeing and hearing how the Lord worked in and through our Pastor and his family during their mission trip to Europe in August.

The week ended with stirring services on Sunday along with a biblical challenge to faith promise giving for our missions program.  What a wonderful opportunity we have as a church family to be a part of the Lord’s harvest in His fields around the world.