Mission conference focuses on spiritual

Speakers, Bible study and services will highlight the event.

STAFF REPORT

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — The 103rd annual New Wilmington Mission Conference from July 19-25 will attract some 1,000 delegates and staff from across the nation and around the world, who will come together for a week of Bible study, spiritual enrichment and Christian fellowship. It is estimated that another 1,000 regional residents will attend some portion of the conference, which is open to all.

The conference is focused on deepening the missionary spirit in the church. NWMC began as a Presbyterian mission conference for young people in 1906. It has retained its Presbyterian roots and connections while promoting the broader Christian witness in the world.

The theme verse for the conference is Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” Missionaries from more than 20 countries will highlight their work.

Two services will be at 11 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Joan Gray, immediate past moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA), at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Sunquist at Anderson Amphitheater. Missionaries and mission organizations will exhibit displays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in McKelvey Campus Center.

Dr. Edith Humphrey, professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the Rev. Bill Crooks, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer, who will teach the adult Bible studies at 9 a.m. daily during the conference. Humphrey will be at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church sanctuary and the Rev. Mr. Crooks, Mueller Theater at McKelvey Campus Center.

The Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell, director of the PCUSA World Mission Unit and career missionary, and the Rev. Jennifer Haddox, associate director of World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Seminary, will be the adult mission leaders at 10 a.m. each day. The Rev. Mr. Farrell will be at the church sanctuary and the Rev. Ms. Haddox at Mueller.

The college-age group will be led in daily Bible and mission study at Beeghly Theater by Charles Harvey, career missionary to neglected and abused children in Thailand. Recent seminary graduate and youth minister Carl Anderson of Iowa City, Iowa, will lead the high school Bible study. Kyle Joachim, mission worker among the Kurdish immigrants in Germany and now a seminary student, will lead the mission segment.

Evening programs, all at 7:45 p.m., at the amphitheater will be:

•July 20 will be Dr. Rodger Nishioka, professor of Christian education at Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta.

•July 21, Jim Martin, vice president of International Justice Ministries in Washington, D.C.

•July 22, global worship with the Rev. Corey Nelson of Lake Forest, Ill. Music and liturgy from five continents will be incorporated in this celebration.

•July 23, Dr. Kenneth Bailey, an author, lecturer and retired missionary from New Wilmington. The service will celebrate the years of service of Presbyterian missionaries.

•July 24, there will be testimony, song and dance.

•July 25, consecration night with summer service team.

For the complete schedule of speakers and locations or to register, visit www.NWMCmission.org or call the NWMC office at (724) 946-9770.