The Grand Mission Festival was a cooperative effort of Global Ministries, the Mid-America and Greater Kansas City Regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the Missouri Mid-South, Kansas-Oklahoma, and Illinois South Conferences of the United Church of Christ. The August 20th event was held at Colonial UCC in Prairie Village, Kansas and live-streamed to several sites including Community Christian Church in Camdenton and Webster Groves Christian Church in St. Louis. Over 150 persons took part.
Pictured from left to right are Minerva Halteh, Rachel Shomali, and Dr. Peter Makari.
Dr. Peter Makari, Executive for Middle East and Europe with the Common Global Ministries was the keynoter. He shared a history of the Middle East, along with present day religious and political issues. He also talked about the ministries taking place through our Global Ministry partners in Israel and Palestine.
Minerva Haleth and Rachel Shomali, both Palestinian Christians and Disciples Peace Fellowship Peace Interns, shared very moving personal stories about their families and everyday life as lived in Palestine.
The gathering was part of a larger 10 day event featuring 7 missionaries visiting over 30 congregations in America's heartland.
Story and photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin.