 On a snowy Tuesday in February, over sixty staff disciples from New England and beyond gathered for inspiration, information and the consummation of food. Though most arrived at the Crowne Plaza Hotel without much challenge, the trips back home were snarled in slow-moving traffic through the 3-4 inches of snow that fell. But those efforts were more than worth it - as we got great fellowship, new ideas and a renewed sense of going after it together.
(Click here to go to a slideshow of the event)
The day began at 11 AM with some rousing singing, led by Felipe Bascones and Glenn Petruzzi. Following that, many introductions were made as some staff was present for a first time and a couple of special visitors came in from New York.
Then Douglas Arthur preached the Word from Mark 1. His simple call was to live the life we have been called to in the ministry. Evangelists (and wives) are called to lead evangelistically, and discipling is what will change our churches for the better. It was Jesus’ style and the only way to go as we follow Him.
Next came lunch and some meaningful dialogue together. The sandwiches and salad were quickly snatched up as the entire group headed to a round table. Some old friends and many new began to swap ministry stories from the past, present and future.
The lunch hour flew by and was followed by an IMS (International Missions Society) presentation. First, a powerful DVD was shown about the Boston teenagers’ efforts to raise money for missions. Valdur Koha, Director of the Board for IMS, then gave an overview of the European work (438 million plus souls). Jimmy Allen proceeded to describe the New England plans, specifically the desire to plant a new church in Portland, Maine, in September of 2010.
The last section saw several brothers and sisters share about meeting the needs of all kinds of disciples. The singles, single moms, elders and more have retreats coming up for training, input and help. The campus has an outreach event featuring Douglas Jacoby. All of these events are attempts to pull New England disciples into one another’s lives and to touch the lost.
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