Asia-Pacific Missional Leaders' Conference 2011

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.

David Naunga, Nazarene from Vanuatu

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.

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

PhilippinesNazarene College choir