World Missions Conducts Pre-Assembly Conference
By Terrah Brinson
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS–Excitement was in the air as international delegates began registering for the 72nd International General Assembly World Missions pre-assembly, Saturday, August 2, 2008. Missionaries from around the world came with anticipation. “We are so excited to be here,” many missionaries said as they arrived at the Hyatt Regency in downtown San Antonio.
The World Missions pre-assembly kicked off with a 7:00 p.m. service on Saturday. The missionaries sat with eagerness as the service began, hoping for a blessing. After praise and worship, conducted by R. Terrell Brinson, administrative assistant, the Nations of Praise Choir from Reading, Pa., blessed the congregation in song.
The special speaker for the night was James O. Davis, founder of Cutting Edge International and Second Billion Movement, a growing coalition of Christian ministries and denominations working together to build a premier community of pastors worldwide to facilitate a global thrust to plant five million new churches and lead one billion people to faith in Christ.
The theme of the service was “Running the Race…Together.” Davis shared how it is possible to finish what is in God’s heart—the Great Commission. But, we cannot finish the race alone: “We must keep passing the vision on to every generation because one day the race WILL be finished!”
Sunday morning the World Missions pre-assembly continued with two general sessions in the morning and a banquet in the evening.
The 8:45 a.m. service Sunday, with a theme of “Sprinting to the Finish…Together” began with praise and worship from the Martin Mutyebele family followed by special music from Wayne and Elizabeth Goodine. Douglas LeRoy, assistant director, shared his heart about keeping our focus on Jesus: “We run not by ourselves but sprint together toward the finish.”
“The Finish Line in Sight” was the third session at the pre-assembly with a heart-felt message from Roland Vaughan, general director: “For 100 years the focus of World Missions has been fulfilling the Great Commission. For the first time in the history of the church, it appears we now have the realistic potential for finishing the Great Commission.”
Many once-closed countries are now accessible, and those still closed are often open to electronic communication. At the same time, travel has become easier and quicker. We can fly today from Atlanta to Europe and the next day, arrive in Timbuktu. “God has set the stage for the Great Commission to be finished,” said Vaughan.
The highly anticipated World Missions banquet was held Sunday, August 3, with music from the Nations of Praise choir followed by a short awards presentation. Douglas LeRoy recognized local and state churches who have given to World Missions and special recognitions were made by Vaughan.
A special tribute was made to Roland Vaughan and his wife, Carole, as outgoing general director. A video presentation was shown to honor his time of service.
