...un solo cuerpo (one body)!
Such was the responsive chant that echoed back and forth multiple times a day at the 2021 LAC regional missionary conference, whose theme was drawn from 1 Corinthians 12:12:
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
The fact that the conference happened at all is a testament to God's hand at work. Thanks to the efforts of many willing hands, though, a majority of missionaries from around the region gathered in Punta Cana, DR, for a few days of 1) rest, 2) study, and 3) fellowship. I say "majority," because COVID meant there were some notable exceptions who were dearly missed and prayed for by name one morning during Matins.
Speaking of Matins, we - missionaries, missionary kids, speakers, OIM executives, interpreter, and childcare volunteers - began each day together in the Word. A brief business session followed, and then a Luther study by the Rev. Dr. Erik Herrmann (CSL). The takeaway: we never pray alone. My fingers were too frozen to take pictures of any of the above. Not really, but it's always laughably cold in the conference room. I pulled my winter coat out of my suitcase a few times and wore it with no shame.
Each afternoon, the "Mission Ladies of LAC" soaked up 90 minutes of guided discussion on bearing one another's burdens with our sister in Christ Deac. Kristin Wassilak (CUC). We were also showered with love by women and women's groups around the country who provided gifts and snacks for us each day. Case in point: hand-sewn aprons.
Deac. Kristin (far left) with all of the LAC women present.
Missionary retention has been one of the primary foci of the LCMS Office of International Mission for the past few years. One morning during the business session, we recognized missionary service anniversaries: 1 year, 3 years (the Flores family, serving in Belize, and I), 5 years, 7 years, and 20 years.
The conference organizers employed short activities to nudge people back to their seats after breaks. On Thursday morning, I got to host a LIVE version of Trivia Wednesday, a morale-boosting pandemic activity that's become a LAC tradition. Here's me with the top 3 finishers: (L to R) Courtney [+ Lina + Jo], Herb, and Markie.
One obligatory beach picture. Just one.
A highlight of the conference is always seeing friends that serve in other parts of the region...and, OK, smiles, laughs, and good times with those who live in my neighborhood, too!
Seminarian Rafael upgraded his Cubs hat for one that gets this St. Louisan's stamp of approval.
With Rev. Osmel & Yolanda, serving in Peru.
Pit stop on the way to the beach with the Burches (Belize), Schumanns (DR), Neuendorfs (PR), and Fritzlers (DR).
Babysitting our Regional Business Manager's daughter, almost birthday girl Sophie.
The "Pretty & Powerful Planners," responsible for all of the thoughtful touches that made the conference special and memorable: Jamielynn, Courtney, me, Tirzah, Lizz, Danelle, and Christel.
Swinging the night away with Lydia and David, MKs in Belize.
With Ana, whose parents are church planters in Mexico City.
Toasting with Courtney, my volunteer coordinating right hand.
My last hurrah before home service was two days of regional meetings. The circle charged with providing oversight & direction for God's mission from the US/Mexico border to the southern tip of Chile celebrated recent successes in each of our areas; participated in the Missions Unpacked for Kids LIVE Mission Celebration; discussed upcoming events, policies, and finances; and had one-on-ones with our newly onboarded Associate Regional Director.
Monday morning, I walked on the beach, hugged everyone I saw at breakfast, and boarded a shuttle to the Punta Cana airport on my way to experience the Church's solo cuerpo in a very different way for the next 9 weeks...
Until next time, blessings!
Comments