By Andrea Ledford
In September, I had the privilege of representing the Gathering at the New Wineskins
Conference in Black Mountain. The week was absolutely amazing. For me, it felt like coming
home. New Wineskins is a missionary network of the worldwide Anglican Church. The
conference is held every three years and has between 2000-2500 people from around the world
in attendance. There are a few take-aways I would like to share with the congregation.
First and foremost, it is amazing to see the networks of the Anglican Church and how far it
stretches around the world. Whatever ministry, mission, etc. we are undertaking, there are other
Anglicans in SC, the US, and the world on the same journey. We should tap into those resources
wherever possible.
Secondly, Archbishop Wood emphasized that missions should be a true collaboration with
another cross-culture group in the Great Commission. This means that we would learn from each
other, help each other, and work together. Not just go to an underprivileged area, do a project,
and leave.
I think our church has a good framework. We have relationships with missionaries in Haiti and
Albania as well as partnerships with the Diocese of Accra and Tema in Ghana. With the past mission
trip, we have deepened the relationship in Ghana and have ideas for ways the congregation
can get involved. On November 9th, Rev Selwyn Okai from Ghana will be at our church to share
the Word and meet all of you. More to come in that area.
I met some people at lunch from a church plant in Durham. They loved the conference, but we
were discussing how difficult it is for a church plant without connections to build those as they
have so many things to do. They are going to try to visit the Gathering in November when
Selwyn is here to establish those relationships as well.
Another theme was that the way to reach the next generation is through the arts. Everyone
spoke very positively of the upcoming generation, which you do not always hear. There seems to
be a renaissance of arts coming up through the church. This was also reaffirming as this is what
we are doing with the kids’ drama. Where I think we could grow is making sure we are open to
other gifts and how we can use them, such as visual arts. Are there individuals who do some
type of art that we could incorporate in a sermon series? If not, no need to worry about it, just be
open if it comes. My second take away on this is seeing if others have gifts we could use for the kids’
drama program and grow that program. Please let me know if this is calling you.
The last main point I will discuss is one that I am not as familiar with, which is the persecuted
church around the world. Friday night was spent on this and was very emotional for many
people. They identified 9 countries as the most persecuted:
● Iran
● Iraq
● Sudan
● Turkey
● Saudi Arabia
● China
● Pakistan
● Mali
● Nigeria
We heard speakers from some of these countries. Some were on video as they were not
allowed to leave the country. Another speaker came to speak at New Wineskins in 2019 as well.
What he said was heard by a high official in his country, so he cannot return as he will be
arrested if he does so.
I met a man at lunch from Nigeria and we started talking. We were discussing the differences
between Ghana and Nigeria. The Muslims in northern Nigeria are Boko Haram which come from
the Isis branch and are very violent. Not the case in Ghana. We discussed our families, his
church, and how I got involved with Ghana. He gave me a message for our team:
The power of a drop of water is not the drop itself, but in the ripples it creates. Tell your team they are creating a lot of ripples.
What I did not know is that he was the closing speaker on Friday night. He is Venerable Justice
Onyeka Okoronkeo. There is a mountain border that serves as the “frontline” of the
Christian/Islamic border. If this is lost, they believe the extremists will take over very quickly as
they will kill many of the Christians. He lives just south of border. He told stories of getting calls
from parishioners saying they were under fire. One of these times, he immediately went, but by the
time he arrived, the Boko Haram had shot 25 children with an AK-47. Three children survived as
they were covered by the dead bodies of the others, so he rushed them to the hospital. The
church prayed all night. The three sustained critical injuries, but all survived. Two want to be
pastors. This was one of many stories.
I’m not sure how we can help, but this did speak to my heart and there is a lot more information
online. I am open to ideas as I am discerning how we can assist with this area. The main way is
prayer. Please pray for all of those persecuted for their faith.
That’s all for now. Let me know if anyone would like more information or would just like to
discuss.
God Bless,
Andrea