SonShine missions leaders called to work in ‘one accord’

By Lauren Urtel
April 11, 2008

LEESBURG (FBC)—Called to act in “one accord” at the 2008 SonShine conference nearly 250 Florida Baptist mission leaders came together to focus on the needs of missionaries and missions education.

“Sonshine,” formerly known as Celebration of Missions, was held at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center in Leesburg April 3-5. National and international, short- and long-term missionaries spoke during the three-day event. In addition to group worship times, breakout sessions on specific topics were offered.

The conference was designed to make an impact on the mission field by encouraging missions leaders work in “one accord,” said Cindy Goodwin, director of the Florida Baptist Convention Women’s Missions and Ministries Department (WMM) who hosted the event.

“When we take ownership of the responsibility God has given us and work together to accomplish the purpose Jesus has called us to, then missionaries will be sent to places we never imagined and accomplish what we never though possible,” said Goodwin. “Our task is to be committed to reaching unbelievers, nurturing believers and developing leaders.”

Keynote speaker Diana Davis, wife of the executive director of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana, one of Florida Baptists mission partners, shared the importance of working in “one accord” through the partnership.

“The partnership of Florida Baptists has changed whole churches and whole towns,” said Davis. “The help gives struggling churches confidence. It is amazing what encouragement and accountability can do.”

Davis encouraged leaders to accomplish missions goals by acting in “one accord.” Holding up a rope frayed at one end Davis challenged, “This is not the way this rope was meant to be, it is not the way the body of Christ was meant to be. Do everything in one accord because people are watching the way you fellowship. It is your responsibility to out love the unloving people.

“Christian men, Christian women, you are not supposed to be blending in with the dark world,” said Davis. “What makes you different is you are in one accord. If you are Christian it is your job to shine. Get busy and shine for Jesus.”

Davis, author of Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry, taught a break-out session based on her book in addition to presenting the theme interpretation. In her session, Davis advised leaders to plan for a full year for their ministry. While cautioning the women to consult their pastor, Davis advised, “Everything you can do, do it and publicize it well.”

“I never had a clue that people in the Southern Baptist Convention knew so little about missions,” said Davis, as she encouraged leaders to start an educational women’s ministry. “We have a lot to be proud of in a good and holy way and our women need to know.”

Eddie and Janice Ray, International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries to Mozambique, shared positive results of work being done. Florida WMU has been in a prayer partnership with Mozambique missionaries for more than a decade.

“Knowing that we are in this together, working with the body of Christ makes a difference,” said Eddie Ray. “We can’t do what we have done without the people at home praying.”

Other missionaries who spoke included Archie Jones, retired IMB missionary to South America, IMB Journeymen and volunteer missionaries who have participated in short- term missions to Belgium and Haiti. During the conference over $2,000 was given in an offering to help support 11 young missions volunteers lead in missions camps in Belgium this summer.

Jane Bishop, director of missionary mobilizations for the North American Mission Board (NAMB), led a break-out session on the Annie Armstrong Offering of National Missions, “How do You Spend Annie’s Money?” Other breakout sessions ranged from “The younger face of WMU” where camp WorldLight leaders answered questions in a panel discussion to “Before, During and After the Trip” where leaders were given information on planning a mission trip.

“I have learned so much about how God is working,” said Cindy Crews of West Hillsborough Baptist Church in Tampa attended the conference to hear more about how God is answering missions prayers. “I have also been encouraged that we can all be a part of missions, at home or abroad, no matter your age. I believe God can use anyone as long as they are willing to go.”

“We need to be of one accord in a higher call, in family, priority, ministry, through death and life, and in habits as we build and work together,” said Goodwin as she concluded the conference. “Don’t let us forget what we have seen, heard and been a part of. Our task is to work together to push back the darkness”

Christian Recording artist Kate Campbell began the conference with a concert Thursday night. Campbell is the daughter of Jeanette and Jim Henry, retired pastor of First Baptist Church of Orlando. Other musicians include “Three16” from Plantation’s First Baptist Church and “Higher Call,” a quartet from Stetson Baptist Church.

The conference also featured the parade of flags; a presentation from the Historical Commission; a reception for WMU President Carol Vandeventer of Salt Springs, who was elected to a second one-year term at this year’s annual meeting.