Together to the Ends of the Earth
EFM’s Latin American Missionary Sending Learning Conference, held in the city of Chiquimula, Guatemala, where God allowed us the privilege of being part of working on the planning and logistics, was a true blessing, motivating, edifying, and challenging for the representatives from nine Latin American countries. 98 registered participants, plus several listeners, made a strong commitment to stay focused for eight intensive days of listening and learning from the sending efforts of others. Some of the participants shared testimonies of their arrival despite the obstacles they encountered; their presence at the event was a miracle of God. We thank God for allowing us to also have representatives from Africa, Nepal, and Cambodia.
Each Yearly Meeting had the opportunity to share their stories, successes, and challenges in sending missionaries to the field, some within their own countries and others already sending workers to other nations. The main challenge of the event was to encourage each Region to begin more intensively the developing of a framework for the efficient sending of more workers to the field. There were even conversations on possibilities for alliances with other Yearly Meetings and with EFM. Praise God!
We give all the glory and honor to God for allowing this important event to take place. It was a one-of-a-kind event for Friends in Latin America. God’s presence was manifested in the unity of thought, spirit, and heart felt throughout the days we were allowed to gather in His name. It was so beautiful to see that differences in practices, cultures, and liturgy were put aside, and that the main focus was on how to continue obeying the Great Commission together and with greater intentionality as Evangelical Friends Churches. We praise the Lord for allowing us to feel the unity of a people gathered for the purpose of honoring Him and moving forward, learning from one another. We recall the prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ when he asked the Father in John 17:21, “That they may all be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.”
We want to give special thanks to Guatemala Yearly Meeting and their leadership for accepting the great challenge of hosting this impactful event. Thank you for all the efforts, work, hospitality, food, everything. Also, thank you to Global Disciples for supporting us with the small business workshops. Thank you to those who supported us with worship, video, and photography. And a huge thank you to all of you who supported us with your prayers. It was an excellent teamwork done! We pray that one day God will allow us to gather again.
Without a doubt, this event had a big impact for the kingdom of God and for eternity.
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