By Garrett Stack
The Herald Bulletin
ANDERSON — The North American Convention of the Church of God ended Thursday on a conversational and promising note.
The week-long convention, which featured a gathering of members from the Church of God from all over the world, was celebrating its 123rd anniversary and its 100th year of sending out missionaries.
“This year went very well,” said Donald Johnson, a retired missionary executive who lives in Anderson. “The enthusiasm that comes with having 122 international guests gave real inspiration to the North American convention.”
Guests from all over the world were in attendance, including missionaries and converts from as far away as Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
“I enjoy it every time I come here,” said Joy Mallouh of Beirut, Lebanon. “There was a larger presence of international leaders here because of the anniversary, and it was nice getting to meet missionaries from other countries.”
Mallouh and several others from foreign countries participated in a a panel discussion, which was dubbed an “international conversation” where church members discussed the state of the church and the audience posed questions. The panel was made up of six speakers and two moderators.
“We chose the panel regionally,” Johnson said. “We tried to have a member from North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and South America.”
Problems were discussed, advice was given, and awareness was raised about certain issues that affect the church, not just in Anderson, but globally.
“The conversation was very informative,” Mallouh said. “It started as a dialogue, and hopefully that will continue and we can stay connected.”
Missionaries and visitors to Anderson gave lectures during the week-long celebration to help educate everyone to situations occurring outside the U.S., and to grow together in their faith.
“I gave lectures on theology,” said Eddie Viray of Manila, Philippines. “In my country we have been doing leadership training and participation in the field.”
Convention attendees had the opportunity to hear Viray share his wealth of knowledge, along with many other lecturers who came to Anderson to both share their knowledge and learn.
“We are all products of missionary work,” Mallouh said. “We started in Beirut that way. That’s how God spreads the gospel.”
While the convention has ended and the guests have departed for their home countries, many will leave with fond memories of their time in Anderson.
“I really like it when I come here,” Viray said. “I studied here from 1979 to 1982, so I like to come back. I always go to that Good Will store. That’s my place! It’s so cheap!”
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