The Power of Gathering

You may have heard of the recent persecution of Christians and churches in the northeast portion of India, in a border state called Manipur. The numbers vary, but by all accounts, hundreds of churches have been burned and at least 100 have died. Many thousands are displaced and homeless and desperate for food.  

Please pray. Even though we do not have churches in that region, there are many HBI alumni that live there.  Some of our current students are from there and cannot get to campus for the new term because they are without resources to travel or are in hiding with their families. We are currently investigating the best way to help them.  

All of our pastors are very aware of the risks they take as they give themselves to unashamedly preach the gospel in difficult regions. Many have been persecuted. Some have given their lives. Yet they continue to advance God’s kingdom with boldness.  

It cannot be underestimated therefore, the impact of the week in August when hundreds of pastors will come together for the Annual Pastors’ Conference in India. We refer to them as pastors, church planters and missionaries. All are true. They are trained to go into regions where there are no churches, lead and disciple people to Christ, plant churches, pastor them, and go to the surrounding villages and repeat the process.  

This is not without great sacrifice and high-level dedication. Because much of this work takes place in remote villages, persecution is always around the corner. And for this they must be prepared.

These times together are like warriors coming back to the base camp for healing, to regain strength and encouragement.

Their training is sharpened. Their sense of connection with one another is strengthened. The mission and vision are clarified. The presence of God among them fills the heart and motivates them to action. Then they are sent out yet again for another year of spiritual warfare. They intently pursue taking this gospel of the kingdom into every part of their world and being witnesses of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to help fulfill the Great Commission.

Please be in prayer with the staff and leadership of HBI as they make plans for this climactic event. If you would like to serve them through your resources, the cost of the conference is projected to be about $75,000. That is more than in years past. Expenses have increased due to the economy and the increase in the number of attendees. In the last twelve months we have added about 200 participants to the previous numbers.

You may contribute on our web site by clicking HERE and following instructions. Or you may write your check to HBI Global Partners and put “Pastors’ Conference” on the note line. Send your check to HBI Global Partners, P.O. Box 3037, Broken Arrow, OK 74013.

These funds will be included in the $400,000 goal for the training of church planters this year.  This conference is a key component to the training.

Thank you again for being the kind of partners that rise to the occasion. You are such a blessing to those who labor on our behalf. Many will come to Christ as a result. Thanks for being on the team to help get the job done.

Fulfilling His mission together!

Craig McLeod

Director of National Mobilization

HBI Global Partners