By Margaret Anderson • BMA Global
At the end of April, a decades-old dream came to fruition when our BMA missionaries and church planters from around the world came together in the same location at the same time for the same purpose. The 2023 Global Care Conference in Hot Springs was a time of spiritual renewal and fellowship for all who attended.
Stan Scroggins, who retired from missionary status in April but still serves as regional coordinator for Asia Pacific, described the conference as “masterful in every way! It was obviously spirit-led by the entire missionary care team, especially Jonathan Montgomery and Drew Cline.”
Director of Missionary Care Jonathan Montgomery planned and executed the event, and South City Church of Little Rock provided the sessions, worship and kids’ ministry each day.
Jonathan said, “The focus of our Missionary Care ministry is to come alongside our missionaries with the aid, encouragement and support they need to better allow them to carry out the Great Commission. The Global Care Conference was a special blessing for our care team to encourage our missionaries, church planters and their families while also allowing them to meet and encourage each other.”
Our overall goal for the conference was to encourage our people who are so faithfully serving on the mission field, but we also wanted to give our missionaries an opportunity for mutual encouragement as they fellowshipped with one another. Most of them had never met in person, so it was an excellent opportunity for them to make connections that will continue to grow as they return to the field.
Landon Risner is a high school senior, and he and his family serve in Romania. He said, “In my opinion it was very uplifting and a really good way to connect with other missionaries I have never met.”
Creative Access Missionary AJ described the conference as “such an encouraging and relaxing time.” She said, “It was so special to spend time with and meet other missionaries from all across the globe. It was special to spend time in prayer, worship and fellowship with them. One of my favorite parts was getting to play mini golf with missionaries serving in four different countries!”
The dream for a global conference is one that has long been on the hearts of Jerry and Sue Kidd. Bro. Jerry said, “For many years, God has placed a desire in my heart to set a time when those called of God to minister globally could come together for worship, prayer and relaxation. I could envision missionaries sitting around the table sharing their burdens and aspirations for ministry while praying for one another. I could also see the missionary wives in a similar setting sharing their burdens and blessings. At the same time, the missionary children would be loved on and well attended, learning both socially and spiritually.
“This dream came true in Hot Springs when South City Church of Little Rock led 100 missionaries and church planters from 17 countries and 10 states on April 27-30 at our first Global Care Conference. To God be the glory!”
Mrs. Sue was equally gratified by the conference. She shared, “The recent Global Care Conference was a tremendous blessing to me and, according to their testimonies, all who attended. We are immensely grateful to the Lord and to Jonathan Montgomery and his host of helpers for making it happen.
“What a joy it was to meet with missionaries from around the world and to observe their interaction with fellow missionaries. No one can understand a missionary’s struggles and triumphs better than another missionary.
“I’m confident the missionaries would each join me in voicing a most heartfelt thank you to all churches and individuals who contributed to the success of the conference. God bless you all!”
