Catching the Mission Vision!

Mission Team, Oak Island Presbyterian Church

Mission Team, Oak Island Presbyterian Church

What a great weekend! Oak Island Presbyterian Church celebrated their first ever mission weekend on October 15-16, punctuated by an amazing Saturday evening during which their sponsored domestic and international missions were highlighted. Abby & I were privileged to be the keynote speakers Saturday night, and I then preached on Sunday morning.

Oak Island Presbyterian is led by the Rev. Walter Taylor with whom, along with his wife, Agnes, and his children, we have been friends for many years. Walter is blessed by a warm and Christ-centered congregation and a great Mission Team which is working enthusiastically to make Oak Island Presbyterian even more of a mission church than it already is. And they're doing a great job!

Abby & I also enjoyed a special surprise when we checked into the Hampton Inn in Southport. Scott Gilland, the Assistant General Manger, greeted us at the front desk. Scott had been part of our youth group at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Charlotte (1982-83) when Abby and I were volunteers there, just before we left for seminary. It was a wonderful blast from the past and a real encouragement to us. Scott then joined us after worship on Sunday for a time of reminiscing. He is pictured standing to Abby's left in the checkered shirt and jeans.

Abby & I cannot do what we do in Zambia and beyond without dear partners and friends like this. We're grateful to Oak Island Presbyterian for the privilege of partnering together in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)!