We welcomed 37 missionaries to Birmingham, ministry partners from local contexts, church planters from across North America, and missionaries from three continents. We embraced church members who have been called through GIC as they returned to help us celebrate 20 years of a global legacy at Shades.
One of our goals for the week was for our missionaries to be replenished. We aimed to give our missionaries space to recharge emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. After a taxing year serving through COVID restrictions, many of them in their cultural contexts for multiple years since they last came home. You helped us accomplish that goal, church family!
We heard from many of our partners who left rejuvenated; ready to return to the communities, cities, and countries their hearts long to see come to Jesus.
On behalf of all the missionaries, way to go Shades for helping us accomplish that goal!
You've heard the numbers signifying 20 years of Global Impact Celebration: 300+ missionary units have visited us, 205 individuals have been commissioned from Shades to serve on the mission field, and God has graciously allowed us to give $42 million to mission causes. Only God!
But what I think is more inspiring is the way you care for these men and women. Sunday School classes rally together to provide needs through donations, fundraisers, auctions, and more. Oftentimes, our mission partners walk away from the week, with fresh passion for their ministry and even new ideas about how to accomplish their mission in their context!
There are a few things to note:
GIC propels us each year to continue living sent. That begins right here in our community; the light that shines the farthest shines the brightest at home. Below are some partners with which you can get involved in our city.
My prayer is that this experience would move us to pursue the "ONE," and then join him in sharing the Gospel with the "ones" in our world and around the world.