LIVING IN GRACE…

This is the name of a conference we are attending this week…or rather, our daughter and husband are attending.  We are along to babysit.  Since our grandson is not weaned yet he, along with a number of other babies, was allowed to be here at the conference…provided his parents brought their own childcare.  That’s how we ended up here in the beautiful North Carolina mountains (near Brevard) for the week. 

Who is attending this conference?   Future missionaries with Mission to the World-the world mission arm of the Presbyterian Church in America.  There are about 40 attendees at the conference (required for every short-term or career missionary) + babysitters for the babies + small group leaders so I’m guessing there must be about 60 people here.  For the most part, everyone looks young…but that’s the way it is for me these days.  I’m still guessing that most are younger than 40 (not counting the leaders).  So far, we’ve met some going to Peru, quite a few going to South Asia (a broad name for some restricted countries), Ukraine, border ministries/Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, Cambodia and more.  Because of the variety of ministries, these people represent a variety of profession: computer specialist, nurses, doctors, campus ministries, seminary trained to train pastors and counselors and a number of housewives in addition.  Some don’t even know how they will function after they arrive and complete their language requirements because of their weird visa situations. They just know that is where God wants them for now.  Small group leaders include former missionaries to Japan, Australia/Puerto Rico, France and Mexico.  

We’ve met people we have known before as well as new people along with some who have connections to people we have known in the past.  All in all, it looks like an enjoyable week.  Occasionally, when we have to take our grandson to a meeting for our daughter to feed, we get to sit in a portion of a session.  That is fun… and encouraging too.  To be reminded of God’s grace to us and the out working of it in so many ways.  That is always encouraging!

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.  II Corinthians 9:8-9