Foreign Food Festival 2017

What is it that keeps us from getting involved with missions?
Whether short term or long term?
I understand the folks who are elderly and can't travel.
I understand the folks who are care-givers for very sick children or 

other family members.

I understand folks who have found their mission field right in their

own neighborhood or their own family.
But I really believe that two reasons people never even consider

going somewhere outside of their own community are:
1.)  Fear
2.)  Unfamiliarity

 with  (or an unwillingness to learn about) cultures

other than their own

One of the single most powerful events that our church puts on

 during our annual Missions Conference is the Foreign Food Festival.

What better way to showcase the beautiful diversity of cultures in our world

complete with costumes and food tasting and decorated booths
in a fun, non-threatening, educational environment.
You can't help but catch a love for the people

 of these different cultures and realize

that they need Jesus just like the rest of us!!

An event like this familiarizes people with the food found in different countries

and gives you an opportunity to try the new flavors and textures

and erase the excuse that "you wouldn't like the food there."
An event like this teaches people the fun traditions and whimsical sides

of places we might otherwise know very little about.
An event like this helps people learn about the traditions

 and dress of other cultures.
It transports you to another country.

It breaks down walls of fear.

The theme, or focus, at our church this year has been to "Make Disciples."

What a transformative theme it has been for our faith community!!
We have seen families surrender to adoption.
More people than ever before giving to our scholarship program

 enabling more teens and families

to participate in the short-term mission trips offered during the summer!

We have witnessed more people pouring through the doors and our Sunday

School classes maxing out this year because people are sharing the love of Jesus

and discipling friends, family, and neighbors!!

We spent our entire day here setting up our class booth, participating

in the Food Festival, and directing the missions drama to follow.

All of us participated in some way (except for my husband and a daughter

who had to work), and had an absolute blast all day!
In fact, I had no idea where my children were unless they

came running back to report to me the fun they were having.

Which explains why I'm missing some pictures of my boys!

 

I am so grateful that the Lord led us to this body of believers who are passionate 

about sharing the gospel with ALL!
I am so grateful for our pastor who has a vision for missions

and creating ways for more of our people to go to these countries

where there are people who have never heard the good news of Jesus!!
Where we have been challenged with the truth that every believer

has been commissioned to go and tell and make disciples.

Not just a few with a special call.

We all must go.
We all must be about sharing Jesus!!!