On a beautiful May day in New Britain, Connecticut, forty or so New England church leaders gathered to sing, pray & discuss better ways to fulfill the mission of Jesus.  Included in our time was a slot focused on how to make teen ministry more of a complete family ministry.  These split men and women times were inspired by the International Family and Youth Conference recently held in Boston.

The morning began with a car ride of fellowship as leaders drove to Connecticut from all directions.  Rousing singing was led by Worcester’s Felipe Bascones and Groton’s new staff member, Floyd Grossette.  Groton’s Gary Sciascia, who oversaw the planning of the event, welcomed all and introduced new staff members.  Tom and Sydney Caswell have recently begun work in Worcester, MA.  Doug Arthur was in town as he is moving to Boston to serve as the senior evangelist.  Floyd’s wife, Tamarra, was also introduced.  Last, but not least, two elders from the Hartford congregation – Jim Fuda and Bob Oberle – passionately prayed to God for a successful day and lives of impact for God’s glory.

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The AM sharing and discussion centered on a presentation from representatives of the International Mission’s Society.  The IMS is comprised of board members representing every church in New England and Europe who contribute at least $10,000 to missions.  Jimmy Allen, from Hartford, gave a synopsis of “the New England picture.”  Everyone agreed that there is a need to begin planting churches again as soon as possible.  The where and the how are still being worked on.  Over the course of the next month, we’ll all gauge the interest from our home congregations as to providing the personnel and the finances to see God make that happen.  We hope to announce some exciting plans soon in our own part of the world.  The Burlington, Vermont, church had some good news - that they may be close to hiring staff.  Also, we prayed for and discussed how to help smaller churches in our area emotionally, spiritually and perhaps financially as well in the future. 

Val Koha, from Boston, then spoke from the perspective of “the European need.”  With a moving Power Point Presentation, Val showed us how far we have to go in terms of reaching an entire continent and numerous major cities with the gospel.  He inspired us to dream again for Europe.  He spoke of creative fundraising options and of evangelists now willing to go and serve, but simply lacking the money to do so. 

Following the mission focus, we heard an exciting report from the family and youth conference from Mike Lamb and Phil Arsenault, two of Boston’s teen ministry staff.  With 480 in attendance, the excitement had been high and the learning curve steep for all who attended.  The three-pronged focus of the weekend – parents, ministry staff/church leaders and non-staff teen leaders – pulled in many who do the work with teenagers yet have not always felt united or trained.  The connectedness will certainly help our young people all over the world.  Visitors had come in from Germany, Guatemala, South Africa and beyond. 

The next activity was a highlight for all – LUNCH!  The exotic pizza and salad spread mixed with multiple drink choices – okay, just water and soda – enhanced the fellowship that spread from table to table.  While eating, Glenn Petruzzi and Kevin Miller filled us in on Boston’s plans to host the worldwide campus conference this summer.  Also, Mike Van Auken substituted for Mike Fix in announcing details about the upcoming New England Christian Conference.

For our last session, the men and women split up.  In our groups we talked about what we learned at the youth conference and also how to make these ideas practically come alive.  Great thoughts on how to engage parents in their kids’ Bible studies, how to connect New England teens in better ways and how to meet needs even without staffing were shared.

And then we concluded to fellowship a bit more together.  Though several had long drives, many stayed late to laugh, encourage one another or even steal one last slice for the road.  We went back to our homes more committed than ever to God’s mission globally and having a heart for the next generation locally.