Asia-Pacific Region Conference

This past week we were privileged to attend a large gathering of TEAM missionaries from all over Asia!  It was a great blessing to be able to attend.

TEAM chose a large hotel in Pattaya, Thailand to host this inaugural event with hopes of continuing the event every 3 years.  The 3 ½ days were filled with worship, messages, discussion groups, workshops, and more.

The worship team leader grew up as an MK and had us singing powerful songs about God's work and His power working in us and through us and even singing in different languages.  A glimpse of heaven where every tongue and nation will worship our Lord Jesus Christ.  Some of my favorite songs were "I will Build My Life Upon Your Love", "Way Maker" and "Make me a Channel of Your Peace".

Seminars and workshops focused on ministry in Asia so we found them very timely and helpful.

Networking was a big part of the conference.  I (Kathy) actually went three days early for two reasons.  One reason was for Member Care training.  It was excellent training, helping us learn how to encourage our fellow missionaries, especially when they are in crisis.  With my new role in MK Care, I learned so much about helping missionary families with stress, etc as they navigate living and working in a cross-cultural setting.
Secondly, I arrived early to help prepare for the children's program that would take place during the conference.  We were blessed to have numerous volunteers who helped care for children both during the pre-conference seminars and the conference itself.  As liaison between the volunteers and the planning committee, I was able to help take some of the responsibilities away from the shoulders of those who had the greater responsibility of running the whole conference.  The kids (50 younger ones and 20 or so teens) had a wonderful DVBS program and had a chance to connect with other English speaking MKs living in different countries.  So many did not want to leave at the end.  Also, four of the children prayed to receive Christ on the last day!

It was also exciting for us to have our son, Caleb and his family there as well.  We shared some meals together and also did some babysitting so that they could visit and connect with others.  

This was the first time that TEAM has tried this.  Missionaries in attendance came away refreshed, encouraged, and with a new zeal to be better equipped and more effective in the ministry to which God has called each of us.   Here are a few more pictures from our time there.