BOLTON AND ROCHDALE METHODIST DISTRICT

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ATLANTA 2007

World Methodist Evangelism Institute – 8th International Evangelism Seminar

We had the tremendous privilege of representing the British Methodist Church at this 9 day conference in Atlanta , Georgia .  We really saw the Methodist Church in a new light as we met with 300 representatives from 60 countries, it was like having the whole world in one room.  We heard encouraging stories of growing churches, regular church plants and of Methodism expanding, as churches are planted for the first time in countries as diverse as Columbia and Lithuania .  There were also inspiring stories from people who today face persecution as they live out their faith with a quiet joy that many of us could learn from.  We made many friends and formed links which we hope will continue into the future.  On a practical level we benefited from excellent international teachers and preachers, learned of the evangelism going on in other countries and gained new ideas of what might work in our own setting.    

Whatever the context, growing churches display an emphasis on prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit and an enthusiastic approach to worship and service as they share the wonderful news Jesus with their neighbours.

Another aspect of the conference was an opportunity to speak in American churches on the Sunday.  Shirley went to Bethel View United Methodist Church with a similar style to Britain , while Christine found herself in a black Methodist church with a wonderfully challenging approach to worship. 

There was a lot of laughter and American food was everything we had been led to expect - as Director of the World Evangelism, Eddie Fox, said at the end of the conference - ‘We have certainly all grown!’  Our reputation was enhanced by our contribution to the cultural evening where we represented our country bravely in a folk dance which unfortunately was filmed!!!  For a small donation to a good cause we might be persuaded to show it to you. 

Shirley and Christine with the Director of the World Evangelism, Eddie Fox

Overall we both feel that we met God in a deeper way that will inform our ministries in the future.  We would love to tell you more and will be leading a number of services around the District in September to make this possible.       

 Christine Jewitt and Shirley Suthers

(Christine is a minister in the Bury and Heywood Circuit,

and Shirley is Lay Worker in the Rossendale Circuit)