What MCNW Has Meant to Me
I believe it was David Moore, currently working with Wycliffe in Indonesia, who introduced me to Mission ConneXion Northwest some years ago. Since then, I have attended over a dozen conferences. Each year I have come away with a heightened sense of the vastness and variety of the missions’ movement. I have been challenged, informed, and encouraged.
Besides the informative workshops, the motivating speakers, and the inspiring music, a side benefit is re-connecting with friends from years past. I especially look forward to speaking with representatives from Black Forest Academy where my wife and I spent three significant years.
A special blessing occurred when a former student of mine at Faith Bible High School, Laura Hewett, became a missionary teacher at Black Forest Academy. MCNW played a part in this as I remember Laura talking to a representative from BFA at MCNW.
I attend Laurel Community Church, where I serve as the Missions Deacon. We encourage our members to attend MCNW so they can realize the scope of Christian missions and the impact it has had and is having on the world.
Three things that I have learned at MCNW that have helped me are the following:
- 1. God is at work today in some of the most difficult places in the world.
- God can use whatever abilities a person has on the mission field.
- God is at work in one of the least churched cities in America, our own Portland, Oregon.
Thank you, Bill and the many others, who continue to provide leadership for this modern day missionary endeavor.
Sincerely, Chuck Felton
First Women’s Track for Mission ConneXion Northwest
What an honor being invited to be a part of the first Women’s Track at Mission ConneXion Northwest! It was an easy decision when Wendy Palau called and asked me to be a part of this event, as I always look forward to opportunities to help encourage and support women in ministry. Little did I know the impact it would have on me. What a joy it has been to see Mission ConneXion grow throughout the years and continue to be forward thinking on how to steward the conference experience.
The challenge given to us was “Who is Able” and in Christ we are! Whatever the ministry or mission we feel called to has to be rooted in our identity in Christ. The Lord pressed on my heart the first track of this event should be encouragement in how to be rooted properly in our identity in Christ before we do anything. The ministry we commit to does not define who we are; God does. What a great reminder in a world which suffers a real identity crisis.
I walked away from this weekend challenged. I was reminded to get up each morning and live the day God gives me, whatever that might look like. Live with great joy knowing that everything in our day matters, the big and the small.
I was also reminded that I am not alone. We have so many brothers and sisters in Christ who are committed to spreading the gospel and uniquely gifted in ways that I could never imagine. I loved seeing and meeting so many different ministry partners being used by God all across the world. I look forward to listening to the tracks that I could not attend, to be encouraged and equipped in my own walk with the Lord.
Psalm 145:3-7…
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds.
I hope to see you next year! ~Sheri Lozano
Editor’s Note: You can listen to and download Sheri’s session, entitled, “Ma’am, Can I See Your I.D?” here.
