Coffee Break follow up

“Missionaries are a tangible connection between the church and God’s mission.”

Stated on the General Board of Global Ministries website, this phrase echoes the sentiments of the latest Missionary Coffee Break, held on April 19, 2023. This was the second Zoom gathering I’ve hosted intended to bring together clergy and laity from local churches, Mission Committee folks, United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) groups, GBGM staff and missionaries to discuss the work of the GBGM in all its’ complexities. All are invited: friends, family, colleagues, partners, friends of friends, etc. It is amazing to witness whose photo will pop up - a truly wonderful surprise.

Tangible connection. That’s what I am working on. The first part of the connection is in my work as the pastor of La Siesta Evangelical Church here in Torrevieja, connecting a community of immigrants to one another and to God in a foreign land. But the other part of the connection happens when I can reach back to my “sending” agency - the General Board of Global Ministries - along with the annual conferences and local churches that offer me support, prayers and encouragement, These tangible connections are vital for the church, its growth and its understanding of our mission together.

During this April 19th session, I invited Rev. Courtney M. Randall to speak about her work as Mission Advocate for the Western Jurisdiction of the UMC. We were also joined by Rev. Üllas Tankler, the GBGM Regional Director for Europe and North Africa and Rev. Dan Randall, Courtney’s spouse and partner in the work of Mission Advocacy.

If you’d like to watch our conversation, click on the link below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b_UrJFTw-PrvArVq5BlPXqoEMG-8VzSP/view?usp=sharing

Many thanks to all who participated! Thanks for connecting!