|
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Wednesday, June 25, 2008 |
|
Transformational Trips
Church of God Ministries, Church of God - General
|
|
Conference focuses on the value of ministry and mission trips
By Ed Hyatt
 The conference on Eye on the World, Church of God Ministries mission and ministry team emphasis, began in a surprising fashion. Ruben Schwieger, co-presenter with Ed Hyatt, gave those attending a quiz. The quiz focused, as one might expect, on various aspects of mission and ministry trips. The thirty plus attendees were not intimidated; most have had extensive experience crossing the globe sharing Christ. Many of those in attendance have been on more than fifty mission and ministry trips.
Several of the freestanding mission groups had representation at the conference. As the morning progressed, a wonderful spirit of unity and oneness was present. The desire to work together, to support and to network with one another, grew as we dialogued.
A highlight of the conference was the testimonies of Susan English and Kodie Liniger. Their sharing underscored the transformational effect of mission trips. Susan, a career missionary, related how it was a work camp “that confirmed my calling to cross-cultural missions.” Kodie Liniger, a fifteen-year-old high school student from southern Indiana, humorously told the group that before going on her first trip, she was a very picky eater. As she prepared for her trip, she filled her suitcase with food. Once on the field, her attitude changed; she ended up returning with the food and is now able to eat most anything. She stressed how mission trips have transformed her life. Now her desire is to attend Anderson University and to use this time to consider where God might lead her.
The new Eye on the World video was premiered at the conference. It will be available to churches and individuals through the Church of God Ministries Web site by month’s end. The video is an informative and inspiring look at the value of mission and ministry trips in the life of individuals and churches.
Another important feature of the session was the introduction of the Eye on the World Web site: www.chog.org/eotw. Using an interactive question-and-answer format, the presenters were able to lead the group through the resources and opportunities available. They were able to see that the site provides a comprehensive Web resource for individuals or churches planning a mission or ministry trip. The site also lists Church of God sponsored trip opportunities.
In a serendipitous fashion, a discussion ensued around the importance of having young people participating in mission and ministry trips. The attendees acknowledged that mission and ministry trip experiences are fundamental in producing the next generation of missionaries and pastors.
A version of this article appears in the Thursday, June 26, 2008, edition of the NAC roundup/08 newsletter. To view the newsletter in its entirety, click here (1.57 MB). The document is in PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat in order to read and/or print it. If you do not have Acrobat installed on your computer, you can download a free copy of Acrobat Reader here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|