Three missionaries from around the world will make their way to International Falls next week to participate in the 45th annual Missions Conference “Local Vision, World Mission” at the Evangelical Covenant Church.
The conference runs from Sunday through March 21.
Andy Anderson, chairman of the church, enthusiastically discussed the benefits of having foreign missionaries attend and speak at the conference.
“Not only will they bring the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but they will share with us what is going on around the world,” he said.
The missionaries and their families will travel from Bangkok, Thailand; Medellin, Colombia; and Grenada, an island in the Caribbean.
“These missionaries will bring with them reports on the state of Christianity in their respective country,” Anderson noted.
He added that the community is more than welcome to attend the conference and that those who choose to come will hopefully benefit from the experience.
“Anyone who comes can expect to get some information about other parts of the world, a little inspiration, and of course, good fellowship,” Anderson explained.
Peggy Puckett, who attends the Evangelical Covenant Church regularly, said she is anxious about the conference.
“I’m very interested in what the missionaries have to say about what they’re doing, trying to accomplish and what is going on in other parts of the world,” she said. “It is always very interesting and informative. It helps me know how I can be praying.”
Throughout the conference, Anderson said individual workshops will be held showing slides and addressing questions or concerns.
While staying in International Falls, the missionaries and their families will be welcomed into the homes of members of the church’s congregation. Carl Groot and his family from Thailand will be staying with the Andersons.
“We will be treating him like a tourist and look forward to being good hosts to him and his family,” Anderson said. “We are excited to show him our town.”
The family-oriented conference begins Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with Groot administering adult Sunday school followed by a worship service.
“It will be a week full of finding out about conditions in other parts of the world and how fortunate we are here in International Falls,” Anderson concluded. “As a result of this conference, we hope people find compassion to become involved in educational and humanitarian aid as well as spiritual guidance for their lives.”
“Local Vision, World Mission” conference schedule
Sunday, March 13:
Carl Groot (Thailand)
• 9:30 a.m.: Adult Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m.: Worship service
• 6:30 p.m.: Evening session Monday, March 14:
Carl Groot
• 9 a.m.: Mission coffee Saturday, March 19
Reuben Mains (Grenada) and Cathy Campobello (Medellin)
• 9 a.m.: Men’s mission meeting
• 10 a.m.: Women’s mission coffee
Sunday, March 20
Cathy Campobello
• 9:30 a.m.: Youth Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m.: Worship service
• 2 p.m.: Good Samaritan service • 6 p.m.: Teen pizza session Reuben Mains
• 9:30 a.m.: Adult Sunday School
• 6:30 p.m.: Evening session Monday, March 21
Reuben Mains and Cathy Campobello
• 9 a.m.: Mission coffee
