$1.5 Million and Counting – Changing the World One Life at a Time

In 1969 Christ United Methodist, Parkersburg established the Faith Missions Program. They invited other area churches to partner with them, and together have given over $1,500,000 to support missionaries and mission projects around the world. They are currently supporting 27 missionaries and projects. Many have also traveled to visit and work alongside some of those we support.

Many gathered for a 50thAnniversary Celebration at the annual Missions Conference on April 13-15. Don and Chiqui Donaldson did chalk drawings and shared stories from their 50 plus years as missionaries in Guatemala. Jim and Pat McInnes have been supported by Faith Missions for 45 years. They shared about their work in Costa Rica and introduced us to a couple whose lives were changed by that work. Erick and Amarilys Flores reached out for help during a very difficult time in Costa Rica, and their lives were radically transformed through their new-found faith. Erick quickly began serving as a translator for Jim, and both are now very active in their church in Florida.

Harry and Lydia Boekell were with us from Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Jon Tobelman spoke of how and why it all began. We shared games, music, worship, and food from around the world. There were also special events for area children and youth. Those with us during the conference also went out to area churches to share their stories and encourage others in their involvement. Priscilla Leavitt from Christ UMC has held steady in her commitment to missions and the conference over the years, and she and the team from several churches hope to keep things going far into the future.