Missions Conference
Breakouts
BREAKOUT SESSION 1
"Being With" Not "Doing For"
with Jc Nwobodo
Equal As One
Breakout Description:
In the face of overwhelming need and injustice, we look to Jesus’ ministry as a model for how to be His hands and feet. Jesus did many things for people, but some of the most counter-cultural moments of His ministry occurred when he chose to be with people. It is the same concept which is counter-cultural for us – “being with” rather than “doing for”. During this breakout session, we will discuss how our individualistic society can benefit from shifting to a spirit of kinship exemplified by Jesus, as well as how this can be used to address tremendous needs in our backyard and across oceans.
Join Dr. “J.C.” Nwobodo as he shares lessons about the journey to form the non-profit Equal As One, whose motto is “The Spirit of Kinship”, as well as his current work to provide medical care to Akpugo, an underserved and under-resourced village in Southeast Nigeria.
About the Leader:
Dr. Jereoha C. Nwobodo earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Iowa State University, followed by medical school training at the University of Illinois Chicago and residency training in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix. He is passionate about serving under-resourced communities both within and outside of the United States. As a result of this passion, he has had the opportunity to study and serve in countries such as Nepal, Cuba, and Nigeria. Dr. Nwobodo currently serves a field physician and Medical Director for Equal As One’s Kindred Clinic in Southeast Nigeria.
Bridging the Divide: How Understanding Culture is Key to a Better Witness
with Wil M.
Missionary
Breakout Description:
Drawing from the field of anthropology and studying first-hand experiences, we discover that pursuing a deep understanding of culture challenges our assumptions of what the gospel is and gives insight into why it is truly “good news” for all people. This breakout grapples with culture and diverse expressions of the gospel, giving practical tools for effective witness when it seems there is a great divide between you and those to whom you are called to witness.
About the Leader:
Wil holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College in Anthropology, a Master’s degree from Andalas University in Anthropology, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Andalas University in Development Studies. He is ordained in the Christian and Missionary Alliance and has served as an International Worker with the C&MA since 2017.
Wil has lived and worked in Southeast Asia for over 17 years, currently working in the region with his wife, Katie, and their two children, to emphasize culturally sensitive approaches to development and Kingdom flourishing among the people they serve. They are involved in maternal and community health initiatives and are doing action research with incarcerated youth.
Wil M. works in a “creative-access” country and parts of his identity are withheld here to keep him and his work safe.
Poverty and the Role of the Church
with Dell Simpson
Mt. Horeb Church
CIRCLES® Lexington County
Breakout Description:
Jesus’ life and teaching shows a deep compassion toward the poor and marginalized, and His messages often highlight the injustices shown to them. As His agent of change in the world today, we have a key role to play in poverty alleviation. But where do we begin so that we actually help and not harm? Dell Simpson will help us answer this question and offer valuable insight into how to build meaningful relationships with individuals and families in poverty and journey with them to financial self-sufficiency.
About the Leader:
Dell Simpson has been serving in ministry for 20 years. She served three churches as a Youth Pastor and used her teaching degree to teach high school English. She currently serves in conjunction with Mt. Horeb Church as the Coordinator for CIRCLES® Lexington County, a local chapter of a national organization working to increase upward mobility for individuals and families in poverty through a community-driven model. In addition to spending time with her husband, Troy, 3 adult children, 1 granddaughter, and their beloved Golden Retriever, some of her greatest joys include being outdoors in the beauty of God’s creation, good books, thoughtful conversation, authentic people, pursuing healthy living, and college football – especially the Clemson Tigers! She enjoys God’s presence through gardening, teaching, playing the piano, reading, silence, and walking alongside others in their faith journey.
Relevant Evangelism
with Bryce Holdman
Mt. Horeb Church
Breakout Description:
What comes to mind when someone mentions evangelism? Missionaries living in other countries? Evangelists like Billy Graham preaching to stadiums full of people? Or yourself going about your everyday activities? The Great Commission in Matthew 28 tells us that we all are supposed to make disciples of Christ wherever we go. But how are we supposed to do that? How can we shift our mindset about evangelism from trying to use a particular method to engaging in a relational model? This breakout will provide insight on winsomely engaging skeptics with the gospel as you pray, cultivate relationships, encourage faith exploration, and share your own faith story with others.
About the Leader:
Bryce Holdman is the Evangelism & Outreach Pastor at Mt. Horeb Church. He holds a M.A. in Biblical & Theological Foundations from Asbury Theological Seminary and is passionate about equipping others to share their faith.
Who's Your Neighbor: A Bible Study Resource
with Todd and Pam Attaway
TMS Global
Breakout Description:
As followers of Jesus, how do we live out our faith and speak about Jesus in a multi-faith, multi-cultural, or skeptical world? Contributors and former global missionaries Todd and Pam Attaway will show you how to lead your group toward a better understanding of cross-cultural barriers and building bridges for the gospel, so that all people can love their neighbor well, using Who Is My Neighbor?, a three-part series produced by TMS Global, a mission sending community.
About the Leaders:
Todd and Pam Attaway currently live in Greenville, SC. They served in Thailand in student ministry with their family and are now in the U.S. serving in mobilization with TMS-Global walking alongside others called to serve in mission. They have a passion for helping those discerning a call to serve, whether it is around the world or in their own neighborhoods.
BREAKOUT SESSION 2
The Gospel Comes With A Housekey
with Eric and Jessica Coates
Mt. Horeb Church
Breakout Description:
Award-winning book The Gospel Comes With A House Key by Rosaria Butterfield presents a “radical, ordinary hospitality”, helping us to view our homes not as our own, but as God’s tool for the furthering of His Kingdom as we welcome those who look, think, believe, and act differently from us into our everyday, sometimes messy lives―helping them see what true Christian faith really looks like.
Eric & Jessica will walk us through the book’s important principles and what it means for your household and church.
About the Leaders:
Eric is a neo-natalist practicing in our community for 17 years and Jessica has a masters in Christian Education and is on Mt. Horeb’s Family Ministry staff. Eric and Jessica have been members of Mt. Horeb for 17 years and have served the church in many capacities as leading voices for all things children, students, families, and beyond. They have been married 27 years and have 5 beautiful children and one daughter-in-love.
Human Trafficking Trends & Advocacy
with Lisa Kejr
Lighthouse for Life
Breakout Description:
Whether we want to believe it or not, human trafficking is happening here in South Carolina. Not just in slums or big cities, but average neighborhoods, in average families, with average people. Maybe even to someone that you know and care about. Together we can make a difference when we arm ourselves with knowledge, know the signs, and join the fight.
About the Leader:
Lisa Kejr has been the CEO of Lighthouse for Life since May 2021. She joined Lighthouse for Life in Oct 2015 as their first paid employee and has worn just about every hat in the organization since that time. Lisa graduated from Columbia International University in 2004 with an education degree and spent the first 10 years of her career in the public school system working with students with emotional disabilities and behavior disorders. Lisa believes that every individual is valuable and should been seen, known, and cared for.
Mentoring Your Village
with Sally Brown
Ezekiel Ministries
Mt. Horeb Church
Breakout Description:
Today’s culture can be brutal for children to navigate. And with the current trend of children lacking quality time with nurturing adults, we’re seeing an overabundance of anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behaviors among those same kids. Studies show that when loving adult mentors make a long-term investment in children’s lives, kids make better decisions, families units become stronger, and communities are forever changed. This breakout will explore Christian mentoring – the qualifications of a good mentor, ways to get started, and common pitfalls to avoid.
About the Leader:
Sally Brown is an enthusiastic advocate for mentoring! She has had experience with parents, students, school staff and mentors as a Parent Liaison for Lexington School District 2 and as a Site Coordinator for Communities in Schools. Sally is currently the Director of Mentoring for Ezekiel Ministries, a Christian non-profit in Columbia whose mission is mentoring kids from hard places in partnership with local churches.
Sally and her family have been active members of Mt. Horeb for over 5 years and are leaders in several ministries.
Missional Culture in the Workplace
with Chris Condon
Mungo Homes
Mt. Horeb Church
Breakout Description:
We all have influence to lead in our workplaces, even if we’re not the one in charge. Believers have a great opportunity to introduce a mission culture that permeates throughout every part of the position in which God has placed them. Learn how your work has meaning and purpose that benefits a larger goal when you leverage your influence for the sake of the Gospel.
About the Leader:
Chris Condon is a member of Mt Horeb Church with his wife Gina and three grown children. Chris has served as Finance Committee Chair at Mt Horeb for several years. As Regional President of Mungo Homes, Chris has spent 24 years helping develop a culture of Faith, Family, then Company.