During the 32nd Annual Global Missions Conference, First Baptist Atlanta hosted a week of events focused on having “a heart for God and a vision for the world.” The theme verse, 1 John 4:21, instructs believers that loving other Christians is a commandment inseparable from loving God.  Christians’ love for God results in outward obedience to God’s moral law, specifically by demonstrating love towards humankind.  Later, John deduces in 1 John 5:2 that believers know they are children of God because they obey God’s commands. Thus, love for people is a fruit of faith, rooted in love for God, marking Christians as children of God. This command to love is meant to transport this transformative love all around the world, sending disciples to make disciples of every nation.

Beyond challenging our church to live out the two-part commandment found in 1 John 4:21, the heart of the FBA’s Global Missions Conference is to minister to the attending missionary families.  After all these families sacrifice in ministry, FBA’s Mission Conference offered fellowship, prayer, encouragement, and resources to enhance effectiveness in their ministries.

Through Worship Services and Sunday School Classes, the missionaries shared stories of how the Word of God is transforming lives around the world, challenging all believers to join in their proclamation of God’s truth to make disciples of all nations.  Other highlights of the 2011 Global Missions Conference included a Counseling Seminar; a Global Media Outreach Seminar; and a Meet, Greet, and Network Event, which gave the missionaries opportunities to connect and learn from each other’s struggles and successes in ministry.

Specifically for the women missionaries, the Shower of Love enabled the women of First Baptist Church Atlanta to shower the missionaries with love, encouragement, and prayer. The Shower of Love, which included a meal, speaker, and a time of prayer, provided fellowship for the ladies and an opportunity to honor these faithful sisters in Christ. Over 100 men gathered for the Men’s Fellowship Night. Beginning with a BBQ meal, the highlight of the evening was a variety of game shows that allowed the men from First Baptist Church Atlanta to interact with the missionaries, learning more about their ministries on the field.

Witnessing the 37 visiting career missionary families’ heart for God and hearing of their faithfulness in fulfilling this command significantly impacted believers at First Baptist Church Atlanta.  Our church body expressed how the missionaries caused them to examine their lives, asking themselves how to join in making disciples by intentionally presenting the Gospel in their everyday lives.

Response from the Missionaries:

“What a blessing! Words do not adequately express my gratitude for the love, support and encouragement that I received.” –Gail Boemker, The Seed Company (USA)

“We are grateful for being part of the FBA family - we appreciate all the hard work you guys do to have such a large conference each year! Thank you for allowing us to be part of it!” –Kirk and Cindy Flanegan, Wycliffe Bible Translators (USA)

“I really enjoyed the conference. I appreciate being included as a Faith Promise missionary and for being able to participate. It is always the highlight of my year!” –Cathy Wilson, North American Mission Board (USA)