Mini missions festival grows from pastors’ gathering
HAMILTON, ON - What began as a way for mission agencies to bless pastors has turned into a mini missions festival.
The idea started when WEC International Canada director Henry Bell returned to Canada after working in the Middle East for 15 years. Linking up with Linda Haist from MECO International, the two decided to find out how many missions agencies had a presence in the Hamilton/Halton area. They found close to 30.
"We invited them to come together for a meeting - and over 20 came," recalls Bell. From the meeting arose a desire by the agencies to find ways to bless local pastors. Seven years ago that turned into a yearly breakfast that included a speaker talking about how to reach out to a different faith group.
Bell says they realized that they should also provide congregations a chance to hear the same speaker and, four years ago began a mini missions festival.
The basic format includes "living books" - people who share their personal God stories and take questions - as well as worship, mission agency exhibits and a guest speaker. This year Stephen Hawkins of Operation Mobilization will speak about Judaism.
"It's low key but every year it grows," says Bell of the gathering.
For more information about the Hamilton Halton International Missions' The World at Your Doorstep call 905-529-0166 or 905-335-7329.
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