Banquet Update

The annual Teen Mission, USA, Banquet was held on October 23, 2008, at Gardenside Christian Church in Lexington, KY. We were truly blessed by having one of our best banquets in many years with around 140 people in attendance. The program featured inspirational music from JD Miller, Gary Nelson and the Bowden Family along with music and comedy from Kenny Speakes (pictured left) and a video presentation by TM, USA.

One of the reasons for the banquet is to say THANKS to the many supporters of Teen Mission, USA, who help make this mission/ministry possible. Many of you have kept this ministry going over the years through your prayers, financial support and volunteer help. May God bless you!

In a sense, you (the supporters) are stockholders in this ministry. The banquet, then, is like a stockholders meeting. We (the staff) give you an update on what you have invested your time and talent in. Many of us, have had nothing but bad news lately on many of our investments. The stock market has lost a lot over the past few weeks. There's even been reports of stockholders’ funds being used by CEOs for lavish personal vacations.

Let me assure you that this is not the case with your investment in Teen Mission, USA. On the contrary, I think you’ll some good news in what has happened with your investment with Teen Mission, USA. And we have not taken a staff retreat to a fancy spa or golf resort (Although we will go if you insist).

In 2008, the Mission Journeys sent 550 volunteers out to mission locations in many countries around the world, impacting thousands. I know of at least 45 decisions for Christ (17 by baptism) made as a result of this year’s mission trips. Ken’s schedule has been as full as ever with several speaking engagements around the country and world. Leonard reports thousands of people are currently enrolled in Global Bible School. We know at least three have accepted Christ and have been immersed as a result of the lessons this year.

We have this event to not only update supporters about what is happening with our ministry, but to also help fund our efforts. Money is in short supply here every fall. After the summer mission trips, we face September through January, as time when spending is greater than our regular income. We need extra income during that time. God has always helped us get through by special offerings and one-time gifts from individuals and churches. That’s the other reason for this event.

I'm happy to report we an offering of over $7,000 received at the banquet. Monies given before and after the event will take the offering total to nearly $10,000! THANKS again to all who helped. You've been a huge blessing to all of us.

Two more "regional" banquets will be held in the next few weeks. They will be: Saturday, November 1st (@ Gateway Church of Christ/St Albans, WV) and Thursday, November 6th (@ New Life Church of Christ/Flemingsburg, KY).

In Him,
Greg Herriford
Associate Director/Teen Mission, USA
Email = gregh@teenmission.org
Web http://www.teenmission.org/