First Baptist Church hosts Global Mission event

Friday, March 2, 2012

Mission work, particularly in other countries, dealing with other cultures, "can be a life-changing experience," said First Baptist Church education pastor Steve Russ. "To go somewhere else ... can give you a sense of how God works outside of the world we live in, here in Nevada."

In an effort to raise awareness and educate local people about worldwide mission efforts, some of which already are receiving financial and prayer support from the Nevada congregation, First Baptist Church in Nevada is hosting a Global Mission Celebration, through March 4.

"We're bringing in people from nine different missions," Russ said last week. Some are ministering to people at U.S. locations, others are from countries throughout the world.

Missionaries attending are Joel and Charlotte Brandhorst, Brazil; Don and Pat Barger, Panama; Chaiwat Chawmuangman, Thailand; Philip and Heather Enoch, Africa; Ron Goombi, Omaha, Neb.; Alan Locke, South Africa; Amy Martindale, Texas; Gary and Carolyn Miller, Hungary; and Peter and Sue Westrum, Indonesia.

On Wednesday, a kick-off celebration began at 6:30 p.m., with displays about the various missions available for viewing.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, several opportunities were slated for attendees to interact with the missionaries and learn more about the work they do.

"There'll be different opportunities to meet with them and hear stories," of the missionary families' experiences and how they serve in different countries, Russ said.

"This is the first time we've done anything like this," Russ noted. It's the church's hope that, in the end, people in the congregation will be inspired to support the missions in a variety of ways.

"What Baptists have been good at is supporting missions with money and prayer," Russ said, "But we haven't been that hands-on."

"It really could be life-changing for someone, in terms of being open to God's call," to missionary work.

To help bolster inspiration in the hearts of those interested, and provide opportunities for local people to experience such work first-hand, a mission trip is planned to Canada this summer, and Russ said they're hoping for another trip to an Indian reservation in Nebraska in the future.

At the end of the event, there'll be a challenge for commitments to do such things as praying, making monetary gifts, making a life commitment to serve as a full-time missionary, committing to serving on a short-term mission like the one planned to Canada, or participating in outreach efforts in the local community.

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