By Bill MacLeod, Executive Director
From its modest beginnings in 2001, every aspect of Mission ConneXion, from prayer and planning, to persuasion and production, has been carried out by volunteers committed to its vision and mission. Volunteers carry the bulk of the hands-on work needed to operate as many as seven separate ConneXion events throughout the year, as well as our signature event in January.
So, what motivates over a hundred volunteers to invest their time, talent, and treasure to this cause? Answering the question, “Why do you volunteer with Mission ConneXion?” Let them tell you in their own words…
“Because …I know God is allowing me to use the gifts He has given me to be a part of His plan, fulfilling His purposes.” Wendy, member of the Steering Team, and Prayer ConneXion.
“Because…I get to meet interesting, capable and motivated people from all over the Metroplex and the rest of the world who expand my network of contacts…giving an opportunity to use God-given abilities while providing a benefit larger than the effort made.” – Dean, retired engineer serving on the Steering Team.
“Because… Mission ConneXion is a community that will pray for you, care for you, and encourage you to live a life worthy of the Calling – to take the Gospel to all nations.” – Katie, Missions Coach with TEAM; serving on the Steering Team.
“Because…the idea that I’m part of something that influences so many people, is exciting – especially when it relates to missions and imagine the ripple effect as leaders apply what they learn in their sphere of influence. Wow!” Brian, CEO at Delta Ministries International; helps coordinate an annual ConneXion event.
“Because… passionate about seeing people trained and mobilized to serve effectively in God’s global mission; I find it to be a terrific opportunity to prepare God’s people for missions and ultimately serve our Lord.” Greg, Global Studies Chair, Multnomah University, serving on the Board of Mission ConneXion.
“Because … my wife and I believe that Mission ConneXion is the best event in the Pacific Northwest to educate and mobilize individuals for global missions. The January event does what no individual church could do alone.” Steve, Pastor of Gospel Fellowship Community Church, Portland, serving on the Board, and on the Steering Team.
“Because… I love the vision of Mission ConneXion, and have seen resources and the network opportunities it offers churches, missions agencies, and mission minded individuals; and because I have personally seen dozens of specific instances where Mission ConneXion has not only called people into missions’ service, but also provided them the knowledge, experience, and support to get them on the mission field!” Matt, Mobilizer with Open Arms International and facilitator for an annual ConneXion event.
Ephesians 2:10 says: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. “
1 Peter 4:10 says: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
These volunteers are just like you, desirous to do good works using the gifts that God has given you as good stewards. If you would like to meet those quoted above, mark your calendars now, and please plan to join us for our next Steering Meeting, Thursday, June 15th, at 9:00am, at City Bible Church (9200 NE Fremont St., Portland, OR 97220) in the upstairs conference room.
Perhaps you’d like to know what specific areas we are needing volunteer help with? Please sign up here so we can begin to get you connected to your area of service. We can’t promise you that you will become a cross-cultural worker, but, like these volunteers, we can guarantee that your life will be enriched.
