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| World Mission Director Dr. Louie Bustle speaking with Rev. Michael Mann translating to PNG Tok Pisin. |
"That the 'event' would become an
'encounter'…." This was our prayer for the Asia-Pacific
Region's Missional Leaders' Conference held October 26-30 in Manila, Philippines.
The vision was cast and the planning
began. Themes were discussed and speakers were invited; participants were
registered and flights were booked; venues were scheduled and a myriad of
details were attended to.
And you began to pray with us.
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| David Naunga, Nazarene from Vanuatu |
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| Vanuatu leaders with Rev. Acy Lodja serving in East Timor |
During the opening gathering on
Wednesday evening, Oct. 26, the Parade of Nations entered the great
hall where we were gathered and praise filled the hearts and mouths of
everyone present as we encountered anew the hope of a Day -- that Day when
all prophecy will be fulfilled and Every Nation will be called before the
throne to lay down their crowns at the feet of Christ Jesus our Lord. The
worship that followed in that evening and in all the gatherings throughout
the week was filled with the vast varieties of color, sites and sounds that
make up the Asia-Pacific
Region. If God inhabits the praise of His people
- He was surely present in a mighty way in those meetings!
Throughout the 5 days we were
together, it became evident that the Holy Spirit had been the Master
Coordinator of the entire event. The keynote speakers, the plenary
speakers and those that gave of themselves to serve in the many workshops
all were woven together into His plan to speak His heart into the hearts of
those that had come together. We were invited and even compelled to open
our eyes in brand new ways to encounter God as He shared His ideas, His
vision, His creative plan for reaching the unreached in our Region. We were
inspired by fresh expressions of ancient truths about the Body of Christ,
Incarnation, Becoming Missional, Redemption and Restoration, Empowerment of
Every Believer. Workshops brought clarity and new insight to relevant topics
such as attending to our spiritual health, our response to disaster and
poverty, ministering to those with special needs, methods of ministry,
spontaneous Christ-centered conversation, and more. We were blessed with
just the right balance of theological foundation and practical tools to
make this truly an inspirational and effective conference.
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| David and Sylvia with Rev. Peter Kui, dear friend from PNG days |
We also encountered one another. Aside
from the planned sessions, the Spirit of God was so very obviously present
in the many reunions, conversations, and gifts of relationship shared during
our time together. As participants filtered out into the business
community, we heard stories of people coming to Christ through the sharing
testimony of conference participants. We were also blessed by the presence of
the Manila congregations that were
invited to join us for the evening and Sunday sessions. What a taste of glory
we share in our fellowship with one another.
The prayer: "That the 'event'
would become an 'encounter'".
The answer? "Now to Him
who has done in these days immeasurably more than all
we asked or imagined, according to His power that is at
work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout
all generations, for ever and ever! Amen"
Thank you for praying for the
Asia-Pacific Missional Leaders' Conference 2011
written by - Cindy Schmelzenbach
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| PhilippinesNazarene College choir |
