15th-18th July 2024
Almost as soon as the conference began, it was all over and we were all headed other places. Like much of this trip, I didn’t take too many photos partially because I figured someone else probably would (and many others did) but also because I was so often just busy absorbing everything. I was filling my notebook and my Bible with notes. I was seeing where I could help out. I was having conversations, trying to pick up words in Portuguese, becoming more familiar with the accents from various parts of the world. I was also mentally going over plans for the future for the brethren in NYC/NJ/CT, as well as for the pastors and brethren in Malawi and Zimbabwe, and even for the Church of God as a whole in the coming years.
Jesus gave His disciples a great commission. We are instructed to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). This is an ongoing effort that, for individuals, changes through time and through circumstance in life. But the work must continue to be done before the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. It is part of the plans of our God to make disciples of His Son, to build up His family in preparation for His coming kingdom.
One thing that is always enjoyable about conferences is what some people call “networking.” Of course within the ministry we aren’t trying to network for the sake of growing our professional career or ensuring job security somehow. When we network with one another at conferences it’s about meeting more people who are experiencing what we are experiencing. It’s about encouraging and being encouraged to continue onward in the work God has called us to. It’s about creating and maintaining friendships that will last for the rest of our lives. This conference gave us a chance to do just that. I saw some old friends, some that I had never met in person. I also met some new friends who I already have an instant connection with since we share the same hope and the same passion.
Lena had to leave on Tuesday. Long before the conference dates had been settled we had planned to send some of the teenagers from NYC to one of the teen camps in the USA. One difficulty is that the schools in the city don’t let out for the summer until the nearest camp is already halfway done, or sometimes the week after. Lena and I try to always serve at that particular camp, and sometimes even get a chance to spend time with some of our own nephews and nieces who attend or serve at the camp. If we wanted to send these kids from the city to camp we had a couple of options. The option we chose was a camp in Oregon that was set to begin only days after the end of the conference.
Originally we had planned to both leave the conference early, fly home, and accompany the teens on what would be their first flight and first time so far from home away from parents. Eventually I decided that I wanted to stay for the whole conference, and we decided that Lena would still go to the camp. This meant that Lena was going to fly internationally by herself for the first time. She’d already flown internationally without me at least a few times so that was nothing new. As planned, we said our goodbyes, she jumped on the plane, and headed back to NYC where she had the chance to sleep in her own bed, clean her clothes, pack, and then jump on a plane with three others and fly to Oregon.
A few memorable highlights of the conference: Presentations from each of the countries (except Brazil) gave us all a chance to hear how our brethren and fellow ministers live. We had the chance to hear of challenges, their trials, their history, their successes, and to be able to relate. On the last evening there was a barbecue (called a braai in South Africa and some of the surrounding countries) when we had a chance to spend time together outdoors, with good food and warm fires. Another highlight was just the chance to eat meals with people and get to know them more individually.
When all was said and done, everyone packed their bags and prepared for their journey home. The pastors and wives from Zimbabwe and Malawi left early on Thursday before any of the formal lectures and activities. There was a large group scheduled to leave for Zambia and Angola just after lunch. The decision was made that all of us who were leaving that day would head to the airport at the same time. It turns out I was on the same route as the Myers and the Dowds so we ended up waiting for our airline’s counters to open, standing in the check-in line, and then enjoying some food and fellowship before it was time to fly. I was on the same flight as the Myers, but I would be getting off in London while they continued on to other places. I climbed onto the double-decker plane, found my seat, tried to get comfortable, and woke up the next morning in London ready (but sleepy) for whatever adventure would await me there.
I know there will be plenty more to do when I get back to NYC, but I’m already mentally planning my next trip to Africa. There’s just something about the place that draws people back.
– Lewis VanAusdle
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