2008 Concordia MO OAFC New Years Gathering Report
Under
the theme "Created in Christ Jesus" 91 youth and adult Ambassadors
gathered from 14 states for the annual OAFC New Years Gathering enjoying the
hospitality of St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri. By starting
a day earlier on December 28, the group was able to serve 8 area churches on
Saturday by canvassing their communities. In a few cases they were able to cover
entire towns. Sunday morning the teams worshiped with the churches they served.
During
the canvass we were able to talk to 586 people and left Gospel and church
literature at 777 houses where no one was home. 188 people were able to tell of
their faith in Jesus and 7 persons were found for follow up by the area
churches. Another 33 persons who were not active in a church heard the Good News
of Jesus shared in a simple way. Many who joined the canvass participated for
the first time as we trained 18 youth and 5 adults.
On
Sunday afternoon 5 area care homes were served. Teams shared the Good News of
Jesus in Word, puppets, dramas, and song.
Mr.
Brian Young of the Creation Instruction Association was our speaker for 3 daily
sessions. We were challenged in our trust in the Bible and thoughts on evolution
especially concerning creation and the flood. Mr. Young also led a couple
smaller workshops. Other workshops included Hints for New Ambassadors; Beginning
Guitar; Dressing Modestly; and Sex, Love & Relationships.
Team
Time for the 8 teams began with Bible Study beginning Friday night at the school
and also Saturday morning at the host churches. Teams also prepared to witness
during the survey, worked on worship and care home presentations, and developed
original skits for the New Years Eve OAFC Theatre.
On
New Years Eve we returned to participating services for their New Years Eve
worship. The year concluded with OAFC Theatre which was stretched for 8
presentations. There was a pizza break and reminders of the arrival of the New
Year in both the Eastern Time Zone and then at our location in the Central Time
Zone. Following a New Years breakfast and devotion most headed for their homes.
OAFC Board Members would remain for 2 more days and their annual board meeting.
We are thankful for the work of Mr. Art McLain who worked with OAFC staff on arrangements at St. Paul Lutheran High School including preparation of the meals at the school and Pastor Andrew Kennell who worked on support from Concordia area churches. Supporting churches included: Trinity, Alma; Immanuel, Higginsville; Faith, Knob Noster; Immanuel, Sweet Springs; Grace, Lexington; St. Paul, Concordia; Peace, Slater; and Holy Cross, Emma. Concordia Seward students Ben Triplett and Emily Moyer served as event coordinators.
One 2009 New Years Gathering is being planned at Christ Lutheran Church in Stevensville, MI. Another more western site will be welcomed. How about one in the Southwest in addition to the Southwest corner of Michigan?
