On August 9th, pastors and spouses from the Midwest Region gathered at North Manchester First Brethren Church to hear denominational news and highlights from General Conference and share food and fellowship. Larry Baker kicked off the festivities by giving away a few fun door prizes, offering some cool conference swag, and praying for the meal. Those attending enjoyed a delicious lunch of lasagna, salad, and breadsticks topped with do-it-yourself sundaes.
Lee Compson shared the highlights of the General Conference, including many decisions and the results of the vision conversation. Scott Soden, Brethren Global Partners, gave a brief report on the status of our partners in various countries. Scott also informed the group about the current status of our partners in various countries. Scott also informed the group about the current status of the Conference offering for World Relief, which is approaching $48,000. Praise God! Linda Immel shared about the current ministry in India and her excitement that the orphanage and school reopened after more than two years of forced closure because of the pandemic. There are at least nine children still seeking sponsors at $35 a month. Those wishing to become a sponsor can contact Linda Immel at linda_immel@yahoo.com or Global Partners Coordinator Scott Soden at scott@brethrenchurch.org Scott, Linda and Lorie Keck spoke to the group about the devastation brought on by the floods in Kentucky and the impact on Riverside Christian School and Drushal Memorial Brethren Church. Both ministries are facing difficult times ahead as clean-up and rebuilding begin. Lorie will be on the school campus next month.

Larry Baker introduced longtime Brethren Missionary and David Loi. David and his wife Jenny served many years as church planters among the Chinese people in Malaysia before retiring around 2012. David and Jenny worked with the underground church in China and Mongolia before Jenny's stage four cancer diagnosis and passing in 2017. David conveyed his gratitude to all for their love, prayers, and support over the years. He spoke of his burden for the Chinese people and call to continue spreading the gospel among those nations, including Taiwan. David will be speaking at South Bend Brethren on Sunday, August 14th.
The gathering ended by sharing a prayer time before heading home.