If you’ve ever wanted to meet International Ministries (IM) global servants for a shared time of prayer, worship and opportunities for one-on-one discussions about global Christian mission activities and world events, there this no better venue than the American Baptist Churches Biennial Mission Summit.

The Biennial Mission Summit will be held June 21-23, 2019, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Registration is open now. For a discounted rate, register by March 15.

IM will be well represented by 24 global servants, plus IM staff and short-term volunteers.

IM Global Servants scheduled to attend:
David and Laura Parajón – Nicaragua
Kit Ripley – Thailand
Corenne and Phil Smith – Brazil
Becky and Larry Stanton – Hungary
Kyle Williams – Thailand
Deb and Kyle Witmer – Thailand
Mylinda Baits – Iberoamerica and the Caribbean
Lauran Bethell – Global Consultant
Ruth Fox – Southeast Asia and Japan
Deb Mulneix – Southeast Asia and Japan and East and South Asia
Ray Schellinger – Global Consultant

IM Endorsed Global Servants (not yet in the field):
Alise and Mark Juanes – Thailand
Stacy and Tim Reese – Haiti
Jae Stockton – Mexico
Faye Yarbrough – South Africa

IM Development Workers:
Amy and Joseph Vo – Vietnam (not yet in the field)
David Sagar – India (associate)

In addition to many events, IM will conduct these special gatherings:

A Bible Study on Saturday, June 22 will be led by Kyle Witmer, IM global servant in Thailand entitled, “Fleeing to the Sea: Jonah’s Prophetic Journey.” Additional Bible studies will be conducted in Burmese, Spanish and French.

An Academy Track on Saturday, June 22, will offer  a special 4-session event for those exploring a personal call to join God in global mission or for church leaders who can encourage those considering a call to serve. This interactive series will answer questions and tackle practical issues regarding what’s involved in becoming an IM global servant. Led by the Rev. Dr. Rodney Ragwan and the IM Mission Mobilization team made up of global servants from around the world and IM staff.

An Evening Program hosted by IM will be on Saturday, June 22. The theme, “Across the Seas,” will feature a keynote by the Rev. Elijah Brown, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. He will base his comments on Isaiah 11:9, “They will neither harm or destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as waters cover the sea.”

The IM Luncheon will be held from noon to 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 23. Tickets are $25 each and may be ordered when registering.

The Biennial Mission Summit, located in family-friendly Virginia Beach at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, is the national biennial event of American Baptist Churches USA. It will offer inspiring speakers and preachers, opportunities for education from experienced professionals and leaders through the ABCUSA Biennial Academy, chances for connection with both long-time American Baptists, and also new-to-ABC ministers and seminarians, Baptist Talk Conversation topics that directly affect local church ministry, and much more. Learn about American Baptist and partner ministries and experience the diverse family of American Baptist Churches USA! You are invited to bring your family for the event and plan to come early or stay after to vacation in Virginia Beach.

In addition to the IM track for those interested in global mission service, the ABCUSA Biennial Academy Tracks will include: Social Media, Technology and Ministry; Transformational Leadership and Renewal of the Church; Practical Resources for Churches and Leaders; sessions focused on social justice; Bible Study; Financial Wellness; Transition Ministries Training and more!

Admission to the ABCUSA Biennial Mission Summit admits you to all the programs, unless otherwise noted on the website. View a full agenda here.

For a discount, register by March 15.
Online registration ends on June 7.
Onsite registration will be available at the event.