Connection PRESIDENT 'S PERSPECTIVE


by KEVIN STONE, PRESIDENT


If you have been read- ing this magazine, my monthly letters, or listening to me speak for the past few years, you have probably heard me


use the word “connect” more often than any other. Connection has been my theme because I believe the Fellowship exists to foster connection. We connect churches and church leaders with others who can offer support, encouragement, and prayer. We connect pastors and leaders with resources to help strengthen their churches. We connect global partners with a network of support. The list could go on, but the point is, we are all about connection.


The event we call Connect (our annual meeting) is


also about connection. Our stated goal is to connect you with people, information and resources that will help you do ministry better. So, our gathering at Connect19 included a relevant and timely keynote speaker, breakout sessions that were informative and helpful, as well as time to brain- storm with other church leaders about ministry.


We look forward to offering you this type of con-


nection again, but unfortunately, it will have to wait another year. At the time of this writing, the border between Canada and the U.S. is still closed, and several areas are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, re- sulting in tighter restrictions. The FEBC International Board of Directors has decided that we will replace Connect21 with Annual General Meetings via Zoom, in the same manner as last year. The scheduled meetings in Grunthal, Manitoba, will not take place.


We are saddened to see this opportunity for con-


nection canceled once again, and yet we are encour- aged at the amount of connection that is still taking place. As we visit with various churches via phone, email, and video conferencing, we see that God is still at work among our Fellowship. Although we cannot


SAVE THE DATE: 07/8-10/2021


Our Annual General Meetings will be held via Zoom on Saturday, July 10. More information is on page 5.


always meet in person, we are able to offer advice, care, and support. We believe that prayer is extremely pow- erful, whether we are together or apart.


I encourage each of you to look for ways to con-


nect. If you cannot meet with others, reach out by phone or other means, and reinforce your connection in Christ. Be engaged in the opportunities that arise. If your church has an online meeting, get involved. Pray for your brothers and sisters, for your church, and for our Fellowship. God is a God of connection, and He desires that we stay connected to one another. If your church is not meeting but you are able to visit fellow church members in their homes, I encourage you to take advantage of those opportunities. Matthew 18:20 assures us that these small gatherings are valuable.


This past year has been a time to withdraw, and


we have all the tools to make this an easy life. We can have almost anything delivered to our door. We have ample ways to entertain ourselves at home, and many seem satisfied without much connection. But we cannot overlook the fact that God created us for connection. He created the Church to be a connected organism. Even if we are not allowed to assemble as one large body, we must strive for connection. We have heard stories of the incredible power of the Church in China, when believers were not allowed to assemble, yet they connected as individuals and small groups and the Gospel was spread exponentially.


The early Church had much the same experience.


They went through periods of great persecution and could not freely meet. Yet they took advantage of one- on-one interaction, gatherings in homes, and meals together to continue the spread of the Gospel.


Whatever your situation — whether you are


relatively free to assemble or not, whether you are able to host folks in your home or not, whether you are great with technology or not — find opportunities to connect with others.


On July 10, we will have our Annual General


Meetings, and conduct the business of the FEBC, but Connect21 is up to you. I challenge you to create con- nection in every way you can. Be involved in the lives of others. Be connected to what is happening at your church and within the Fellowship. And like the early Church, may our connections continue to spread the Gospel!


FELLOWSHIP FOCUS, JUNE/JULY 2021 2


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24