Living in unshakable pursuit of God means that we chase after Him with everything we’ve got. As Christ followers, we are called to live intentionally in pursuit of His mission, His Word and His glory. This call impacts our personal discipleship and personal evangelism.
Liz Encinia
Today’s society challenges us to press in to the Lord with every part of our being. As we grow closer to the Father, the better we will come to know our purpose. As we accept God’s unconditional love for us, we can better reflect His love to others. This love urges us to go and make disciples who make disciples. Together with an intent on growing in Christlikeness, we can advance the Kingdom for His glory.
On April 5-6 at First Baptist Church Bowling Green, 365 women and men were challenged to live in unshakable pursuit for God. They were encouraged to step out of the mundane, engage their role in God’s story and pursue people in Kentucky and throughout the world for the sake of the gospel.
The missions celebration featured speakers including Linda Cooper, 23rd president of National WMU from Bowling Green; Eric Allen, KBC Missions Mobilization Team Leader, and John Barnett, KBC Ministry Consultant for Missions Mobilization. The general sessions highlighted IMB missionaries A&B serving in Central Asia, Ann Tennison serving in Indonesia, and NAMB MSC Missionary Kerri Johnson serving in the South Bronx. We also welcomed in a new group of Kentucky Baptist missionaries during Friday evening’s commissioning segment. The commissioning was led under the direction of Eric Allen, KBC Missions Mobilization Team Leader and Teresa Parrett, Missions Mobilization Coordinator. Worship was led by Justin and Hollye Hornsby, who are Kentuckians serving in worship leadership at First Baptist Church McKinney, TX.
Submitted photo
Pictured (from left) are Jenna Oldham, 2018-2019 Kentucky Acteens panelist; Bree Brown, Acteens Activator, and Katelyn Parmley, 2018-2019 Kentucky Acteens Panelist.
During the business session, Roetta Vaught of Oak Grove First Baptist Church was re-elected as president of Kentucky WMU; Pat Callan of Sparta was elected vice president, and Marcia Ballard of Winchester was elected recording secretary.
Throughout the weekend, conference sessions offered attendees information about ongoing missions opportunities, ideas to expand programs within their own churches and the work done by WMU in the past year. The Marketplace featured exhibits from ministry partners and a silent auction to support the Kentucky WMU Heritage Fund. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience a Refugee simulation, where they encountered a glimpse of what is it like for people, around the world, who are forced to leave behind their entire way of life and face the daily realities of uncertainty and distress.
Our hope is that WMU all over the commonwealth can step out of their comfort zones, and obediently live in unshakable pursuit of God. Make plans to join us April 17-18, 2020 at First Baptist Church Richmond for the 2020 Kentucky WMU Annual Meeting and Missions Celebration.
Liz Encinia is executive director-treasurer of Kentucky Woman’s Missionary Union.
Liz Encinia