More than 200 missionaries from Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in January for the 2024 Missions Conference hosted by the South American Mission Society (SAMS) at the Broward Church in Davie, Florida.
The conference kicked off on January 22 with daily 20 minutes of prayer in small groups, and a call to stay open and receptive. The opening devotional by Pedro Garcia asked, “Can you see clearly what God wants to do through you?” The answer was found in Mark 8:22-25. Just as this blind man admitted he needed a second touch from Jesus to see, so we too, in humility, need to ask God more than once to help us catch a clear vision for individual growth and to develop our local ministries.
Spiritual transformation
The conference challenged participants to read the Bible for transformation, not just information, and to ask God for revelation. With spiritual formation, and a renewed connection to God as the central themes, seasoned kingdom teachers with ministry-related academic degrees offered guidelines, book resources, contemplation of God’s goodness and biblical examples to dig deeper into practising the presence of God, and heed the nudge of his Spirit in our lives.
Classes inspired a renewed hunger to know God more deeply and to continue learning together so that we discover our potential to be more like Him, and to actively transform our suffering planet.
Fellowship and thanks
The conference also provided spiritual fellowship, good news sharing, and sincere thanks to a retiring missionary. Young and experienced leaders sought advice from and encouraged one another throughout the week.
Participants also learned more about LendHOPE worldwide, a new program by HOPE worldwide that offers micro-funding and entrepreneurial training for small business owners in under-resourced communities around the world.
John Reus retirement
The conference concluded with expressions of profound gratitude and recognition of One Miami Church evangelist and elder John Reus upon his retirement after 41 years in the ministry. John served in Tampa, Boston, Mexico, and Brazil for 12 years, Argentina, Chile, and the past 21 years in Miami. John also served as the SAMS missions director for many years.
Gabriel Parker is a member of the One Miami Church and an interpreter. He served as a translator every day of the conference, which gave him a unique perspective of the annual gathering.
