By David Sanford, Corban University, Director of Institutional Marketing

Thank you so much Mission ConneXion! What a privilege to be able to present back-to-back workshops titled “Loving Your Neighbor: Surprise! It’s Not What You Think” this past January!

For the first workshop I had people standing, sitting on the floor, and several in the doorway. The second workshop I had only two empty seats. Both times the sense of anticipation before I started was electric. I’ve rarely had so many workshop participants talk with me and then write to me afterward. A few examples …

Bryan wrote: “Hi, Mr. Sanford, I was at Mission ConneXion and I didn’t have the chance to tell you a story. Here goes. Two years ago, I really liked a girl. She was super nice and pretty, but there was a catch — she was a Mormon. So we started talking, and it was nearing the end of the school. The local youth groups were getting together to put on an end of the school year party, and I stepped out of my comfort zone and invited her. Surprisingly, she came and enjoyed it! She also met the real Jesus that night and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior! She has been getting involved in the Church including Wycliffe’s Race to 2025 and Mission ConneXion. She feels God is calling her into missions. It’s truly amazing how God works through small acts of stepping out.”

Valerie wrote: “Hello, David! My daughter and I just got home. It was a tough ride home [to Grants Pass] but it was SO worth it. I think the highlights for me were 1) meeting and talking with you and 2) the message by Bob Goff. The Lord has been so good and kind to me. He knows what I needed. And what I needed most, I heard from you. Thank you so much for being a true servant. He used you tremendously in my life … thank you!”

Lauren wrote: “My husband Matthew and I enjoyed what you said and have been talking about it. We’re going to tell our friends about it all tonight. I am thinking it may need to turn into a series of evenings talking about it all, which would be great!”

With responses like that, no wonder so many people volunteer to come back and present more workshops at Mission ConneXion. Keep up the good work, Mission ConneXion Northwest team!

Editorial note: Plans are already underway for Mission ConneXion Northwest 2017! Please watch for opportunities to register as a volunteer in upcoming newsletters…because we’re starting our recruitment early! Registration, hospitality, mailings, recording, parking lot, team leaders – the list goes on and on; and we hope you will pray and consider how God may allow you to be one of the hundreds of volunteers to work at MCNW2017!