World Partners Regional Staff Conferences Report

In November, much of the World Partners office staff traveled to Cullera, Spain, to participate in the regional staff conferences that were held for Western Europe (November 6-9) and Eastern Europe (November 13-16). These conferences, organized by Regional Strategy Coordinator for Europe Jeremy Tice, was a time for missionaries to come together and report on what God was doing in and through their various ministries. Office staff went from Fort Wayne to hear these reports and to give updates on news from headquarters. In addition, Jeremy led discussions on various ministry topics that the missionaries indicated were relevant to their situations. Each day a devotional was shared and time was dedicated to worship and prayer. During the reports we heard a wide variety of updates on God's work in Europe. One staff couple reported that just a year after locating to their new field, doors have opened wide for them in several different venues in the community. Another couple reported that though soil remains hard in their field, they continue to see their people take small but encouraging steps toward Jesus. Some are working with nominal Catholics; others with Muslims; still others with atheists in post-Christian or post-Communist cultures. We heard about degrees completed and books published by our staff people. We introduced new staff members-some who are already serving and others who are raising initial support. We cried together over shared struggles, and praised God together for the victories He has accomplished through our staff.