What a wonderful week we had at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, VA. It was a privilege for our family to participate in their annual Global Impact Conference. The Theme was Here + There: At home, across the nation, around the world.
We enjoyed sharing our story, vision, model and our love for the people and city of Harrisburg PA. We all had many opportunities to share in front of a variety of groups and venues throughout the week. We enjoyed the time spent with many church members, staff and the other missionaries. There were missionaries from Winchester, VA (fellow church planters), East Asia, Europe,China, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Russia, Cambodia, Petersburg,VA, Nicaragua, S. Korea and many local ministries as well.
To God be the Glory of how is moving among people at Colonial Heights Baptist Church to make an eternal impact "Here and There."
At Home.Across The Nation. Around The World.
Acts 1:8
They kicked off the conference Wednesday night with a rockin' worship service. I only wish I had tissues in hand! The Gospel Choir from VA State University joined the kick off as well as guest speaker Bob Sjogren. What an awesome time of worship and teaching.
We had the opportunity to talk with many folks who stopped by our booth to learn more about Harrisburg and PA. It was a privilege to pray with many folks whose hearts were being pricked by The Lord to make difference for the Gospel.
We were so blessed by the other missionaries. We spent time with many talking about the cultures in where they have served, serving and going to serve. We were challenged and our love for the people in Harrisburg and beyond grew deeper. This is Jack and Janet Burns, they have served in Brazil, South Korea and many other nations.
So many faces across the world represented.
We took a day trip with the other missionaries to the original Jamestown Settlement and to Williamsburg Friday afternoon.
Maddy and Logan watching the glass being blown in Jamestown.
The kids spent time talking to the missionaries about different people groups and culture. Here Maddy is walking with Sue Singleton serving in Cambodia with Khmer people. Sue has faithfully served and is looking forward to returning to the field as she is in the process of building a new school in Cambodia.
We quickly switched gears after we returned from our day trip in from Jamestown/Williamsburg. We headed off to "The Dinner with a Mission." Billy had the opportunity to be interviewed about church planting in the North East and to share the scattered to gathered model for planting.
He also participated in a game during dinner. A very creative staff! He and Andy, the Middle School pastor were smashed by the Pastor and his son. It was probably wise to let them win since he is in charge.
The kids fell in love with Mike and Trish serving in East Asia. The kids are ready to take up the invitation to visit them and the Tibetian people they serve.
Maddy...Maddy....she just can't get enough of learning all the different cultures. I pray they will grow up to know life is not about serving themselves and that they will have much more joy and indescribable peace by loving and caring for others because of the love Jesus has shown to them.
It was great to spend the week with Nana and Papa and getting to know many of their friends at church. Debbie coordinated the food for the entire event and they certainly took very good care of us on that end.
So many opportunities to share. This was the World briefings luncheon with a couple Sunday School classes from the church. Billy and I had the opportunity to share at a mens and ladies breakfast as well. God is so good, so faithful.
It was a privilege to share our stories and for the Lord to challenge many to serve "here & there."
Breanna had an opportunity to share at the Youth Coffee House: World Edition Saturday night. (God is going to use many of thier teens talets/gifts to add to HIS kingdom) She was interviewed about being a missionary in the States and what is it like moving to be part of a church plant. God certainly continues to work in each of the kids hearts and have expanded their view of knowing they have a clear purpose with sharing the love of Jesus.
We wish we would have snapped a few pictures of Maddy and Logan sharing with peers at the dinner around the world. We were getting the kids ready for bed that night and I asked Olivia our 4 year old. "What are missionaries?" and she replied "Us!" while pointing to her chest. I followed up with a second questions and asked her what do you do when your a missionary? She responded by saying ..."they hang out!" Love her
Thank you for the prayers and we appreciate the prayer partners as we continue to minister in Harrisburg.
We shared in a few Sunday School classes as well. Many prayed for the work in Harrisburg as well as the Shays as they transition to PA this week!
Although very tired at this point in the weekend....it just never gets old sharing the story of how the Lord is moving and the work HE is doing.
Nana was very busy feeding the group all weekend. Now we must get to the gym!
Breanna practicing her Spanish skills with the missionaries from Costa Rica.
Maddy and Logan learning how to use chopsticks correctly with Mike..
We had a special and unique time of prayer with all the missionaries. We had the opportunity to listen to our prayer request in the the different languages from the countries represented at the conference. It was very moving and special time that I will not soon forget. I do believe I could sit around and listen to all the stories from everyone but.....we have work to do!
Breanna enjoyed talking with Trish from East Asia.
During our weekend away, several times we cought ourselves missing our neighborhood and community in Harrisburg. We had a wonderful time visiting, sharing and participating in the conference and we look forward to seeing how the Lord orchestrates His plan with the people at Colonial Heights to be part of the work in the Northeast and beyond. But, it is good to be back home! We love this city and all of our friends here.
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation"
Mark 16:15
