UPDATE for SEPTEMBER 2008:

National Conference ~  Every year, our National Conference is a time to be cherished and enjoyed.  This year was no exception.  Excitement built as people began to gather from all over the island.  Soon our campground was filled with people -- cooking, washing clothes, and fellowshipping with one another as they waited for the time to come.  At the missionary home, we prepared to receive our guests from the states.  Slowly but surely (after various delays of flights and baggage), they all arrived.  We were blessed to have Regional Director Jerry Richardson and his wife, Vickie.  It is always such a blessing to have them return to visit.  This year we were also honored to welcome the General Director of Foreign Missions and his wife, Rev. & Mrs. Bruce Howell.  We were proud to "show off" the country of our calling.  Also, we were privileged to have Pastor Gary Keller and Pastor Keith Sjostrand visiting from Ohio.  They blessed us with the Word of God and also in their fellowship.

We began the conference with special sessions for the ministers and wives.  The ministers had business sessions as well as teaching sessions.  While the men were busy with that, we had special sessions for the ministers' wives (pictured below).

By the time Thursday rolled around, and the meetings for the general assembly began, we were packed out!  Throughout the remainder of the week, an estimated 18,000 people attended the various sessions.  During the day, we had times of teaching and preaching, Bible School graduation (with 19 graduates), ordination service (with 24 couples ordained), each church division presented their programs and offerings (totaling over $45,000), and other times of singing and worship.  At night, a time of praise and worship, and evangelistic preaching.

Pictured above: the Class of 2008 and pictured below: the student wives

We were also honored this conference to commission our FIRST MALAGASY MISSIONARY.  Pastor Gistophe and his wife will be moving to Congo-Brazzaville (a country in central Africa) to establish a church there.  They are under the appointment of the Africa Regional missions program.  We pray the Lord's richest blessings on them during this great endeavor!  Please remember them in your prayers.

The Word of God went forth...and praise the Lord for 1,435 new souls born into the Kingdom of God.  Hallelujah!  His truth is marching on!