Time of Refreshing Conference

TOR Conference
It was great conference this year. The weak economy in the U.S. showed it’s affect on overseas missionaries. The missionaries only had to pay their own transportation costs to Leysin, Switzerland, but only about 45 attended instead of the normal 70 or 80 missionaries. All the other conference expenses are paid by various supporters. Even the TOR Team member attendance was went down to 11 from the normal 25 members. Rev. Bill and Emogene Kaiser have hosted the TOR for 20+ years.

God showed up and blessed us. The intensity of each meeting may have been due to the smaller more focused group. Nearly all of the missionaries in this group are like me, have independent ministries that are not directly connected to a larger, well funded denomination or organization. We’re like “small business” missionaries. Anyone that is self-employed understands the freedom that gives, along with an abundance of challenges. This group is no different. There’s nothing wrong with solid denominational backing and support. God bless them. It is whatever works for the individual and led by God - works.

Under One Banner
The conference meetings are not theology but relationship based. They are not about teaching, training or learning. It’s not about discussing the nuance of a particular scripture. It is about building relationships, personal and spiritual restoration. It is about networking with the Christian missionary community serving in Europe.

We stand with each other to praise, worship, laugh, and cry. We gather together under one banner – our Savior Jesus Christ. That is the purpose.

A Different Perspective
Bringing a group together like this always gives someone a chance to take another look at their own situation and the challenges they face. Quickly you realize that your “challenges” may not be as overwhelming as the person standing next to you. You might have lost 50% of your support because of the economy. But you could be standing next to someone in a life or death struggle with health problems. Your problems — suddenly became smaller.

All Were Blessed
All agreed that it was a more intense than previous meetings. Every one there knew and felt the pressure of economic problems world wide. This was the week that was… Markets worldwide were collapsing by the hour and the day. Everyone wondered out loud where it was all going to end up. But we all agreed that our trust had to be in The Lord. He is our provider. He is your provider.

All of God’s blessings to you and your family,
Rev. Lawrence Blakeslee
Missionary to Europe and Asia