Milan, Tennessee

October 20th-26th

This week was our second missions conference, this time at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Milan, TN. While we were eight hours from home, we still had the privilege of being around long-time friends. Ironically, we had never met these friends face to face. Our relationship formed and has been sustained online through email and social media. It was such a joy to finally meet in person and to have time to spend with them in their neck of the woods.

The Meetings:

The conference lasted from Sunday through Thursday and involved meetings Sunday morning and every evening thereafter. There were twelve missionaries and two guest preachers in attendance, so the Word of God was preached many times each day. We were also blessed with a lot of wonderful music, including that by the church’s pianist who just celebrated her 90th birthday (though she didn’t look or act a day over 65). The church family was warm and welcoming and made us feel right at home.

The Food:

Like all good missions conferences, there was enough food to feed several small armies. The church provided a full breakfast (like the kind my grandmother used to make) and a potluck dinner every day. It seemed like we would finish one meal, then it was time to eat again. We ate and ate and ate. Of course, the meal times were the perfect setting for some great fellowship. We had the opportunity to meet with the church family and the other missionaries, and what a blessing that was!

The Lodging:

The church was kind enough to set us up with lodging, and we couldn’t have asked for a nicer place to stay. Our humble abode for the week was literally a cabin in the woods. It was quiet and comfortable and definitely our kind of lodging. We shared the two-bedroom/two bath cabin with another missionary couple, and it was like a home away from home. While not at the meetings (or another meal), we would kick back in the recliners in the spacious living room. Jason finally had the opportunity to make some phone calls and schedule a few meetings while I caught up on some paperwork and other ministry needs. When we tired of sitting, we went for a walk around the grounds, enjoying the pond, the trails, and the altar set up for prayer time and reflection. It was heavenly!

Our Part:

Jason preached and presented our burden for Wales on Sunday evening. He was happy to be one of the first of the missionaries to do this because it allowed him to get it over with so he could enjoy the rest of the meeting. This is still very new to us, and the nerves can get the best of us if we’re not careful. Such was the case when I sang Tuesday evening. I was so nervous I could barely get the words out, but the people were gracious and told me I did a wonderful job. Thank you, Lord!

Beyond what we were able to do “on stage,” it was joy to have the opportunity to pitch in away from the meetings. We were able to help prepare and clean up after breakfast each day as well as to do the “little things” that helped and encouraged others, bringing a smile to our lips and joy to our hearts in return.

All in all, it was a great trip. I have to admit, it was tiring, but it was definitely worth it! Many thanks to Pastor Powell and all those at Immanuel Missionary who went above and beyond to make our stay a pleasant one!