Spirit Filled Missions Conference

We were a part of a wonderful missions conference in Lexington, North Carolina on Monday, June 23rd thru Wednesday, June 25th. Brother Tony Howeth, Deputation Director for Macedonia World Baptist Missions preached. The messages challenged us all to not just give our money in the offering plate, but "to give our own selves to the Lord." (2 Corinthians 8:5) It is so easy for us to give a little money, but many times we hold back things. We say here is my faith promise offering, but You can't have my kids. Or, here is my faith promise offering, but I am not willing to give up my Thursday night for visitation. Brother Howeth reminded us all that God wants us to have a part in His plan to reach the world. He wants us to be able to say "so that's what it feels like to be used by God!"

The Holy Spirit moved through the congregation, and many responded to the invitation. In one service, the Pastor had all of the missionary families kneel in the alter. He then had his congregation come down and pray all around us. It was truly a humbling experience to have so many come down and lay their hands on us and pray for our ministry.

There were over 24 missionary families at this conference throughout the week. We were able to get to know some that we had not met before. It is such an encouragement to talk to others who are experiencing the same things we are. We made some dear friends at this conference. The Pastor and his wife are our age, so we enjoyed a special relationship with them as well.

The church treated the missionary kids to horseback riding and a picnic in the local park. Katie & Josie said that this church is their favorite deputation church so far!

After the conference, we ate at the "world famous" Lexington Barbecue (recommended by Brother Don Cheshire). It was really good BBQ. We even tried a "slice of skin." The slice of skin was kind of like fat back. It was okay, but it is not something I would order again!

After leaving Lexington, NC, we were on the road again. Our next meeting was in Glenolden, PA (right outside of PA).