MOORE—It takes just one person to connect another person to the call of missions. And then another. And another. Soon, the entire church connects to God’s heart for the city, the nation and the world. These are the connections that change the world, according to Kelly King, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Women’s missions and ministries specialist.
The Women’s Office is offering its annual Missions Celebration on Mon., Nov. 12, at Moore, First, but this year, there are added features and opportunities to help leaders learn how to connect believers to the call of missions.
From a morning breakout for healthcare professionals to a variety of afternoon sessions, King said this year’s celebration offers flexibility and multiple options for those who are passionate about missions.
“While this event normally gathers the attention of WMU leaders and former missionaries, we also wanted to offer topics that would catch the attention of pastors, church staffs and women leaders,” said King.
The general session will begin in the senior high room at 1:30 p.m. and feature Ginger Smith, the executive director of Mission Centers of Houston, Texas, which serve impoverished communities in the inner city of Houston by providing for the physical and spiritual needs of people.
“Ginger has been instrumental in starting initiatives that combat human trafficking in Houston, which is the critical issue we have focused on for the past two years” said King. “Not only is she inspiring, but she also will discuss ways we can move forward in fighting trafficking in our own state.”
Following the general session, a variety of breakout sessions will be offered, including sessions on chronological Bible storying, Baptist Global Response (BGR), partnership missions, WMU leadership and international human trafficking.
“By offering a variety of sessions and breakouts, more people can choose to attend part or all of our celebration,” King explained.
In addition to the afternoon breakouts, a morning session for healthcare professionals will be led by Rebekah Naylor. Naylor, a former missionary surgeon to India, is a leading advocate for medical missions and continues to be an instrumental leader for BGR, which connects Southern Baptists with relief and development needs worldwide. BGR responds to people with critical and chronic needs such as extreme poverty, contaminated water or endemic hunger. This session is open to all healthcare workers or anyone interested in medical missions. It will begin at 10 a.m.
Opportunities for fellowship with missionaries round out the events for the day, including a closed luncheon for Missionary Parents and then a Missionary Appreciation Dinner beginning at 5 p.m.
“The dinner is open to anyone who would like to attend, but it is a special honor to host those who are serving or have served with the International Mission Board,” said King.
Registration is required for the dinner, and the cost for non-missionary personnel is $15 per person.
There is no cost to attend the Missions Celebration, and childcare is provided by reservation only. Visit www.bgco.org/women for a complete schedule of the day’s events.
