Recap of World Partners Meetings, SHIFT Conference, and Retreat

The World Partners Regional Strategy Coordinators from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East/North Africa (MENA), and North America gathered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from July 1-5. The discussions at the meeting revolved around discipleship and how disciples are being made in their areas. During discussions it was discovered that nine areas of the world have been added where disciple multiplication is taking place, increasing the number of countries to 131.A World Partners Regional Strategy Coordinator is an individual who strategizes with the World Partners staff in a specific region in regard to their discipleship ministry. They are also commissioned to develop movements within their region.To develop movements, strategies must be implemented for identifying, equipping, networking, training, and releasing discipleship leaders into the RSC’s region. The RSCs are leaders in the discipleship-making movement.At SHIFT National Conference, the World Partners RSCs and staff from around the world gathered to participate in business sessions and attend workshops.World Partners handed out a new World Partners brochure, a “missionary map,” which locates each missionary, and new prayers cards, all of which are still available upon request at the World Partners office.The World Partners Advisory Committee met on July 12-13 to discuss the understanding of World Partners’ mission by the United States Missionary Church family. The Advisory Committee is made up of one representative from each district or region within the Missionary Church and are advocates for World Partners within the Missionary Churches in the United States.During the third week of July, Refresh, Reconnect, Renew was the theme for the World Partners staff as they met at the Amigo Centre in Sturgis, Michi­gan, for their annual retreat. All World Partners staff who are in the U.S. on Home Ministry Assignment (HMA) and those who serve in the U.S. were invited. Some staff met for the first time while others renewed old acquaintances.Mornings were com­mitted to spending time both alone with God and in groups discussing what they discovered during their quiet time with Him.  Afternoons were free and evenings involved worship, devotionals, and fellowship. Guest speakers included Mark and Sheryl Douras of Refreshing Ministries; Dixie Beard from Guidestone, a company which provides financial services to our staff; Rev. Joel Greenwood from Fairview Missionary Church, and Rev. Bill Barnwell from Royal Oak Church. Each speaker brought an inspiring message to our staff during our evening sessions. Julia Pelmear and Becky Riemenschneider provided a mini-Vacation Bible School for the Missionary Kids while their parents were in the morning sessions. World Partners staff John Gerig provided a Bible study and games for the teenagers each evening.We would also like to thank Crossroads Missionary Church in Mendon, Michigan, for providing a delicious and plentiful meal to all of our staff on the first evening of the retreat.On the final day, Missionary Church president Steve Jones presented a message to the group and led them in communion.