State Evangelism Conference Jan. 24-25

January 14, 2005

By Allen Palmeri
Staff Writer

JEFFERSON CITY – Officials are hoping for 2,000 in attendance when the 2005 Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) State Evangelism Conference kicks-off Jan. 24-25 at Second Baptist Church, Springfield.

“Share Jesus at All Costs,” is the theme of this year’s event.

Tom Elliff, pastor, First Southern Baptist Church, Del City, Okla., and a two-time president of the Southern Baptist Convention, along with Rick Ousley, long-time pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Ala., Sam Dyer, pastor, First Baptist Church, Heavener, Okla., Phil Hunter, pastor of West County Community Church, Wildwood, and Kenny Qualls, MBC associate executive director. Break-out sessions on a variety of topics will be held as well with even more speakers, including MBC Executive Director David Clippard and MBC Associate Executive Director Roy Spannagel.

“I’m convinced that we do not need another conference or another series of meetings, but we need to be a part of a movement of God,” said MBC State Evangelism Director Bob Caldwell. “We need to be people that are a part of God-sized things which, in turn, cause us to realize that all glory and all credit go to God.”

In the days leading up to the conference, Caldwell is encouraging Missouri Baptists to pray that God’s spirit will move and that people will receive a burden for the lost. He also is urging prayer for all speakers and worship leaders, for good weather and for thousands to come to Christ across Missouri.

The host hotel is Quality Inn & Suites, 3370 E. Battlefield, (417) 520-6200. The MBC rate is $54.95 per night for a double or king room. To secure this rate, reservations must be made by Jan. 14. Rates are good for the nights of Jan. 23-25.

Other hotels in the area are: Best Western Deerfield Inn, 3343 E. Battlefield, (417) 887-2323, $51 (two queens or one king); Comfort Inn, 3330 E. Battlefield, (417) 889-6300, $53.99 (single) $58.49 (double); Days Inn, 3260 E. Montclair St., (417) 882-9484, $46.95 (single) $49.95 (double); Super 8, 3034 S. Moulder Ave., (417) 889-7313, $44.89 (single) $49.39 (double); EconoLodge, 3404 E. Ridgeview, (417) 882-2220, $49.99 (single or double); Arbor Suites at the Mall, 1550 E. Raynell Place, (417) 887-8383, $55 (king); and Baymont Inn & Suites, 3776 S. Glenstone Ave., (417) 889-8188, $58.50 (single or double).

For more information about the conference, call the MBC at (573) 636-0400 or 1-800-736-6227, ext. 655.