One hundred people milled in the meeting room, voices rising as greetings and conversations grew in number and intensity.  The M.C. of the day attempted to draw their attention but with little affect. Soon, a few caught on and sat down; others stopped talking and quickly followed suit.
Happy sounds of missionaries visiting!
Walter was the M.C., using his loud voice to project over the other ninety-nine equally vocal ministers and preachers.  With a wide grin, Walter addressed the group for the first time as their new General Director.  A little nervousness and a lot of joy filled Walter as he welcomed the NCEM staff from as far as Ft. McPherson, NWT and Whitehorse, YT to Cumberland Bay, NB!  One single woman and her adopted Inuit daughter also joined the gathering from Purvungnituk, PQ!  This was an exciting occasion that only happens once every three years.
To look out over the crowd was an amazing privilege.  To communicate the love for the mission family and the vision for First Nations ministry was the desire both of us had as we met with these dear folks.  The butterflies settled down as we recognized so many faces and were met with smiles of encouragement and support.  The week started off positively.
I was also privileged to be "up front"and lead or co-lead the worship times.  Having practiced with Rollie and Sue at the Headquarters back in June, we had met for a brief warm-up before this session.  I enjoyed making music with the team and was so blessed to hear the folks singing their hearts out and raising their hands in praise!   The rich harmonies and glorious volume filled the room and filled my heart; God was here.
Some of the conference had been pre-planned before we came on the scene of leading NCEM.  So the speaker and some of the schedule was in place.  But clearly God had been pre-planning because the messages by Tim Whatley of Ethnos, Canada, were right on!  He spoke four times on a Servant's Heart and the truths in Scripture of serving in missionary work as sincere and humble servants.  He reminded us of our call, of the sacrifice and of the need to be teachable and correctable as leaders.  With his wife, Kathy also at this conference, we listened raptly to the tales of their missionary service in Indonesia and how Jesus redeemed a village.  It was riveting and inspiring.
We also heard reports from the various Bible camps, Tribal Trails and FirstStory Ministry as only a portion of the missionary outreach strategies to reach First Nations.  I personally felt more connected as we listened to the latest lives being impacted by the Gospel.  That never gets old!
By the closing service, we were becoming tired out and ready to head home.  But again, the Lord gave a special communion time and the opportunity for Walter and myself to show our longing to be servants to the NCEM family.  Walter knew from early on that the Lord was asking us to wash our former director's feet, along with his wife's, as part of the ceremony.  This is not a tradition common to our group, nor to our own ministry experience.  But in John 13,  Jesus powerfully demonstrates His heart to serve and our calling to follow His example.  Through tears, we knelt before them and washed their feet.  I looked up and both of them were also openly weeping.  May this be an impactful moment that inspires our staff to go and do likewise.
There were hard conversations and many side meetings throughout the conference. Some are not thrilled with the new directions Walter and our executive team are introducing.  Some are looking forward to a future of fresh ideas and opportunities.
"By Faith to Establish Strong, Indigenous, Multiplying Churches" ~ may God empower us to be faithful in this calling!