Trip to Austria - Missions Conference August 2011

Joanie and I were looking forward to the fellowship and input from the Missions Conference. It started directly after Creation Fest, so we came home early, did some laundry, and repacked. 

We flew to Munich, Germany, to pick up a rental car and drive the rest of the way to Millstatt, Austria. This first picture is Holly and Katie at a rest stop before one of the five-kilometer tunnels through the mountains. I think they were a little tired of being in a car at this point.

Missions Conference 2 Holly and Katie’s Room

We got to stay in a local bed and breakfast for the conference. The girls got their own room, but had to sleep in the same (huge) bed. They moved happily into the large wardrobes from their suitcase.

Missions Conference 3 The View From The Room

Right outside our bed & breakfast window was Lake Millstatt, the Austrian Alps, the amazing houses and a lovely morning. This is not to say that it was placid the whole time. The weather changes often and quickly. So while you have a chance, take a picture.

Missions Conference 4 We Are Properly Lodged

Joanie reads her Bible in our slightly palatial room. Not quite Motel 6, by a long shot.

Missions Conference 5 Holly Plays A Bösendorfer

The owner of the bed & breakfast was learning to sing opera. He had two Bösendorfer pianos in his house. That means he takes his music seriously. He performed a concert for several of the guests during the week. 

Holly got a chance to try one out and see if she liked it. Her verdict? 

She wouldn’t mind if someone gave her one.

Missions Conference 6 Men’s Session

During the week the men and women were split into groups. Joanie helped with the women’s meetings. Rob taught one of the men’s sessions. The men also had time for certain ones to share about their work, how God led them, so we could pray for them. Here Dave Sylvester is about to introduce another speaker.

As we listened to the men share about what God is doing with them, we marveled. It makes you pray that God will do things like that where you are. Why not?

Notice half the men are certain they will be burned in the sun, and the other half don’t care.

Missions Conference 7 Riley Taylor Leads Worship

The missionaries meet mornings and evenings for worship and teaching. Both Joanie and I did some of the worship. Others involved were Riley Taylor, on piano and guitar, and his brother Nick on bass. Pictured here is one evening when Riley had arranged for violinists to augment his ensemble. 

The musicians are standing on the infamous platform in the meeting room. The back wall is curved, making the sound waves bounce in weird ways. It’s a difficult room in which to put monitors to hear oneself sing. It’s also hard to mix for the room. It’s been that way for more than twenty years. It’s somewhat of a drag for the musicians but it has never messed up the worship.

Missions Conference 8 Daniel Flores Ordained

One thing that can happen at a missions conference is that a pastor is ordained. There are enough pastors there to pray, and it’s a good time while we are all gathered together.

Daniel Flores and his family have started a work in Lyon, France. Before he did that he had worked with Pierre Petrignani in Nice (on the far left), and came out from Wayne Taylor’s church in Seattle (Wayne is third from left, Daniel is between them). With them, Tonio Petrignani (the slight bit of green in the back) and Dave Sylvester laid hands on Daniel and ordained him. 

We rejoice with Daniel, and pray for God’s richest blessing on him, his family, and on the work in Lyon.

Missions Conference 09 Difficult Journey Home

Did we have fun at the conference? Sure we did! Right up until the last leg of the drive to the airport in Munich. Then time stopped, and we crawled along in traffic, while a whopping storm blew up. It was right over the airport, and we would fly right into it. We kept watching the time, praying for God to split the traffic like He split the Red Sea. While not as dramatic as in Exodus, God answered our prayers and got us there in time.

Then we were bumped up to business class. Did we have fun? You bet!

Missions Conference 10 Is This England?

Yes, sunny skies, tranquil, with a gentle breeze. But wait! This is Heathrow Airport in London! Are we really home? 

Well, as I said earlier, when it’s nice, you take a picture of it.

The weather was deceptive. Even though it was nice, we came back to work like crazy, like the hill went straight up. A reminder that what we do is essentially warfare, and not a Fabulous English Vacation.

We do thank God that we are home.