With 1,452 years of combined service across 48 countries, 56 International Mission Board missionaries gathered near Richmond, Virginia, May 3–7, for the annual IMB Celebration of Emeriti.
Almost half of these dedicated gospel workers spent more than three decades on the field. All 56 missionaries were recognized during a service of celebration, May 6.
You gave Him your life’
IMB President Paul Chitwood opened the celebration service acknowledging the many in attendance, including new missionaries currently in their seven weeks of training. Family, friends, IMB leaders and alumni attended, as well as participants in the IMB Interview Conference who are exploring service opportunities with the IMB.
“It is indeed a unique crowd that has gathered together for one purpose, ultimately the purpose of worshiping the Lord and honoring Him, the One Who has redeemed us,” Chitwood said. “This is a very special group. It’s a very special time. We are thankful that we’re all here together to enjoy this time.”
The celebration ceremony featured the new emeriti sharing their testimonies. They spoke of their adventures, sharing times of praise and of prayer requests for the people and places they served.
Don and Pam Lynch described what they experienced while serving 26 years in Belgium and South Africa – two totally different cultures.
In South Africa, people smiled and were open to having Bible studies, they said. In Belgium, the Lynches noticed people avoided eye contact, and they had to use extra caution when sharing the gospel.
“We learned that people on opposite sides of the earth are desperate, often unknowingly, for the Lord,” they said. “People are dying in rapid numbers without hearing about Him. We, as called-out ones, need national believers in this work of reaching the lost in their countries. We have been blessed to help them in the task.”
Reflection and renewal
The week was spent debriefing with IMB leadership and with each other. Meetings involved hearing updates on IMB and how the IMB could assist them in their next chapter of life.
One truth was crystal clear: this group had witnessed God move powerfully, transforming lives around the world.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Chris Doyle and originally published by the International Mission Board.
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