Missions conference gives people a chance to hear how God is moving and see how they can be involved

Craig Macartney
Spur Ottawa Writer

The Metropolitan Bible Church is hosting their annual missions conference, showcasing 18 missionaries serving around the world. The theme this year is The Unfinished Task.

“People just love to hear the stories of what God is doing around the world, including here in Ottawa,” says Brian Mitton, missions pastor at the MET. “Sometimes in our struggle with the rat race of life we need a fresh reminder that the task is not finished. So the conference is a way to encourage us to keep on keeping on and not lose courage.”

Whether it’s here, in Ottawa, or somewhere overseas, Mitton says God calls the whole Church to be on mission, every day. Brining in the missionaries they support, Mitton says, gives the Church a shot of adrenaline.

“It’s a great opportunity to put our programs on hold for a week and really look at what God is doing in our city, country, and world. It’s also a great time for people to meet with missionaries over a meal and get to know them better. We would love all our missionaries to be adopted by people who will connect with them, faithfully pray, and encourage them.”

Steve Tharakan has attended the MET missions conferences for the past 12 years and says it never gets boring.

“When I go to the conferences, what touches me the most is meeting the people face to face and hearing the stories,” he says. “It’s inspiring not just to hear about the amazing things they’re doing for the Kingdom, but to hear their struggles. I find it motivating that if missionaries are able to go out in the field and do these things in extreme circumstances, why can’t I do it here?”

While many of the missionaries speaking at this year’s conference are serving in the developing world, the MET is also highlighting mission work among Canada’s First Nations and even locally in Ottawa.

“Years ago, there was an idea that you have to get in a plane and go across the water to do missions, but right now, it’s here in our backyard,” Mitton explains. “Trudeau has promised to bring in 25 000 Syrian refugees between now and the end of the year. God has given us an amazing opportunity. They’re coming in droves and they’re needy, desperate, and open.”

Mitton says the conference is free and it’s open to everyone. Sessions run from Sunday, November 15, through Thursday, November 19, with many taking the place of the church’s regular weekly programs. Mitton hopes to connect with representatives from as many churches as possible at the conference and afterward to brainstorm better ways to reach out together, in Ottawa and around the world.

“We love to be a blessing to others. I would love to have a dialogue after the conference with those who are like minded to see how we can partner and do missions better in Ottawa.”