Watkinsville to the World

This past weekend I was invited to participate in a conference with other overseas workers. Watkinsville First Baptist Church was the host. Watkinsville happens to be located right down the road from Athens, Georgia, and thus, the University of Georgia, so it was a bit of a homecoming for this Bulldog.

There were about 20 overseas workers based in no less than 13 countries with 186 total years of service. It was great to connect (and reconnect) with others who have served or are serving overseas. On Sunday morning, there was a special ceremony during the service and they we spoke to the different Sunday school classes. At lunch, the overseas workers ate with church members who had recently taken or were planning to take short term trips.

Sunday evening we spoke to other classes. My partner in crime for my speaking engagements was Eileen who served in Japan.

Monday morning, I had breakfast with some guy from the church (Mmmmmm, Cracker Barrel). Then, some of us taught short lessons about our countries of service to home-schoolers... for an hour-and-a-half. Needless to say, after a few rounds of 4 and 5 year-olds, I was drained.

We finished the night with a Thanksgiving banquet and a challenge to continue the mission that Christ left us with.
It was a wonderful weekend and it reaffirmed my desire to continue to answer the call that I sensed about 4 years ago- that everyone should have the opportunity to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It also confirmed how truly wonderful the Body of Christ can be. Many people opened their homes to us, fed us and loved on us in a way that brought glory to God.
I can't wait to see what what God will raise up out of this conference in the future- volunteer trips, career servants, new brothers & sisters in Christ, praise for His Name and so much more.


(Special thanks to my sister and fellow servant Stephanie for putting together a wonderful conference and putting her heart out on display for everyone including Our Father.)