Connecting and Representing

I have had a wonderful week in Northern Ireland, mostly at the Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention. It was a privilege to be part of the annual event that has been going for decades and continues to inspire and encourage individuals and churches in their missions involvement. 

In particular it was wonderful to be able to share something of Latin Link - I am very conscious as International leader that I represent all our members and so tried to bring some of their stories and reflections to the Convention. I especially wanted to share testimonies from our Latin American members, as we celebrate their contribution to global missions. 

The theme of the week was of Christ's love compelling us - from 2 Corin 5:14, and I was glad to be able to share Pipe's story of ministry amongst young people from many different cultures in North London - how Christ's love fuels his passion and motivates him beyond human love and disappointments. And Gisele's story of helping Portuguese speaking migrants in Somerset to experience God's love and purpose in the midst of loneliness and isolation. Or Raquel's desire to bring dignity to her own people in Brazil to be transformed by God. And Miriam's experience of sharing God's power to heal the hurts of the past for women in Cuba. Or Carmen's testimony of God's provision and faithfulness throughout the Covid pandemic. And Maria's work mobilising Peruvian churches for greater involvement in missions. All these stories connect us to what God is doing around the world. 

It was also lovely to be able to meet so many of the Northern Irish Latin Link team - old members, new members, those preparing to serve with Latin Link and so many volunteers and friends. A real sense of being a community with a calling! 

 

I leave Northern Ireland with a full heart as well as a VERY full belly!