International Ministries will be a partnering sponsor of the first-ever online Biennial Mission Summit this June 24 – 26. New features at the summit will help participants “Imagine” a world of possibilities as they seek to respond to God’s call.

New in 2021 is the online hub that will enable attendees to enjoy live workshops, caucus meetings, and the virtual exhibit hall, where they can meet with each other, staff from American Baptist Churches, and IM global servants. The virtual exhibit hall will be open daily from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm ET on Monday, June 21, through Saturday, June 26. Dates and times for the large group meetings and other opportunities will be listed on the IM website.

Attendees can sign up for one-on-one appointments, convenient to their time zones, to talk with IM global servants. The list of global servants who will be involved includes: Madeline Flores-López (Dominican Republic), Sue Hegarty (Costa Rica), Gordon and Lee Ann Hwang (Japan), Carmella Jones (Hungary), Nora and Pieter Kalkman (Czech Republic), Katie and Taku (South Asia), Jill and Mike Lowery (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Jonathan and Thelma Nambu (Philippines), Ketly and Vital Pierre (Dominican Republic), J.D. and Rhonda Reed (Bolivia), Rovaughna Richardson (Ghana), Paul Rollet (Philippines), Brian and Lynette Smith (Dominican Republic), and Katrina and Kyle Williams (Thailand).

As God continues to call new workers, even during a pandemic, participants will also have the opportunity to make appointments with future IM global servants growing new, vibrant ministries. Aaron and AmyEstelle Trout plan to use their gifts and experience in art and administration to resource and support local churches in the Philippines, while also helping small business owners. Stacy and Tim Reese’s background in retail management and marketing will help them develop disciples in the Dominican Republic while encouraging innovation through mentoring, education, and fellowship.

In addition to one-on-one appointments, participants can attend larger group meetings focused on geographic regions around the world to learn about the work of IM’s global servants and how IM’s international partners are responding to COVID-19, with opportunities to ask questions.

Rev. Dwayne Doyle, IM’s Mission Partnership Coordinator, will lead a group meeting for members of Mission Partnership Teams. Those interested in exploring what is involved in becoming an IM global servant can attend a meeting with Rev. Dr. Rodney Ragwan, IM’s Director for Mission Mobilization. IM Executive Director Rev. Sharon Koh will also host a large group meeting to talk about the future of International Ministries, as IM’s 120 global servants and 250 global partners work together in 70 countries to bring God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.”

On Saturday, June 26, at 4:00 pm ET, International Ministries will offer a workshop called “IM in Focus: the Caribbean and the Philippines,” led by Rev. Sharon Koh, with stories from future global servants just beginning their journeys overseas. “I hope you can join me for this fun and engaging workshop, as we see how God continues to work through IM’s global servants and partners from the streets of Manila to the settlements in the Dominican Republic,” Rev. Koh says. Attendees must pre-register for this event.

Another new feature of the online Biennial Mission Summit is the on-demand library. IM and other ABC partners will fill it with a wide assortment of resources for churches as well as personal spiritual development. Visitors will be able to explore videos to use in Sunday school, youth groups, or mission events. The library will also include videos from global servants unable to participate in the summit. The on-demand library will have an assortment of worship elements related to the “Imagine” theme designed to help churches continue the Biennial Mission Summit experience into their worship on Sunday and beyond.

All of the main sessions of the Biennial Mission Summit will be recorded, including the workshops, so that attendees who couldn’t participate live will be able to view those sessions later. The on-demand library is accessible 24/7 for up to 90 days after the Biennial Mission Summit.

To register for the online Biennial Mission Summit, go to:

https://www.abc-usa.org/2021/03/online-registration-opens-for-2021-biennial-mission-summit/. Once registered, participants can use a confirmation code to make modifications to their schedules.

International Ministries, also known as the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, works cross-culturally to invite people to become disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim, through both word and deed, God’s reign of justice, peace and abundant life for all creation

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