October 12, 2009

Two local organizations are bringing extensive international expertise and innovative intercultural exchange to the Holland area this weekend. The Faith in Action Conference, to be held at Providence Christian Reformed Church (821 Ottawa Road) this coming Saturday, will feature speakers from Nigeria, Guatemala, Zambia, and Bangladesh as well as West Michigan.

The October 17th Conference is the third of twelve similar events being coordinated throughout the year by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, online at http://www.crwrc.org/. The Holland workshop runs from 8:30 a. m. to 3:00 p. m. and is co-sponsored by Christian Reformed World Missions. Both organizations are agencies of the Christian Reformed denomination based in Grand Rapids—however, church staff and lay leaders from all faith-based, mainline protestant, and evangelical congregations, and others, are encouraged to register.

The day's schedule features a morning plenary panel by five international missions experts with decades of cumulative experience who will approach the topic, "Transforming Lives and Communities around the World." Other workshops throughout the day will address topics like local community outreach, opportunities in disaster response, guidance for HIV and AIDS advocacy, tips for planning short-term missions trips, engaging young people in missions, and acting on Biblical justice principles.

"This conference will help both ordained and lay people learn practical tips and strategies for a comprehensive approach to community outreach," says Wendy Hammond, CRWRC's assistant director for church relations. "Attendees will discover more about how they and their congregations can be salt and light—put their Faith in Action—in their own community and around the world."

Cost for the full day conference is $20 including lunch. Half-days are $15, and there is a group discount—six registrants from the same congregation attend for $100. Those interested in registering can go online to http://www.crwrc.org/events/. Or call tollfree, 1-800-552-7972.

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee