Our 2009 Global Impact Conference in August was attended by seventeen different missionaries this year. They came to us from near and far, including Brazil, Italy, Romania, Zimbabwe, Israel, Canada and several local ministries.

The kick-off Evangelism Banquet on Friday evening, August 14, contained a powerful message shared by Pastor David Storey from Miramichi Valley Church in New Brunswick, Canada. As a result, many church members made a decision to enter into FAITH Training to become witnessing disciples for Christ.

The Senior Adults hosted a Saturday luncheon for the missionaries and enjoyed a great word brought by Bill Becton, an IMB missionary to Israel. The Adult Small Group classes hosted in-home fellowships for the missionaries and learned of all the great work God is doing through each of these faithful servants. Then Sunday morning, August 16, the missionaries shared with the Small Groups again and presented specific prayer requests for each of their ministries.

It was a tremendous blessing for each one of our congregation who took part in this yearly event. What made this so evident was the response that was received on the evening of our closing ceremonies, Sunday, August 16. Dr. Paul Negrut from Romania gave us a challenging message that inspired all to answer God’s specific call to them. The service then closed with a petition and prayer from our own Pastor Mercer. He encouraged all those in attendance to respond in obedience in the area we were sensing God’s leading. 

As a result, a multitude of the church congregation came forward. Mission team members, manning easels holding foam boards, were inundated by those eager to seal their commitment to “Touch the World” by pinning a commitment card on the boards with their handprint and signature. 
The total count who agreed to obey Christ by expressing a desire to serve on short term mission trips and prayer came to over 200, with 23 committing to full-time Christian service. God sent out the call to serve and First Baptist Oviedo responded. We would like to thank all those who participated in making the 2009 Global Impact Conference a resounding success. God bless you all!