2008 Bible Conference Plans

Each year IOI has hosted a Bible conference in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia for the indigenous missionaries that we work with.

This year's conference ('07) is a one day conference, but next year ('08) we would like to have a four day conference that involves all the family members of the missionaries. We would like to have Bible teaching and preaching, VBS for the children and various seminars for families and individuals. For this to be possible we have started planning now.

The departure from Memphis is planned for January 17, 2008. There is a planned stopover in Europe (most likely Amsterdam) for rest and some brief sight seeing (such as the Corrie Ten Boom House and Museum).

Arrival in Addis will be on Saturday evening, January 19 (Ethiopian Epiphany). The next morning the team will split-up and attend various church services around the city of Addis. Some team members will depart in the afternoon for the countryside for one-day Bible seminars in village churches.

Monday, January 21 would be a day of rest for many of the team members that remain in Addis. Those who have gone out-country will be engaged in one-day Bible conferences. The Ethiopian missionaries would begin arriving in the evening for the conference.

Tuesday, January 22 the Bible conference begins after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The opening sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would be have the opportunity to attend elective seminars (based on the giftings of the various team members) and conclude with an afternoon tea break. Late afternoon free-time would be followed with supper, followed by evening worship. (VBS begins after worship time)

Wednesday, January 23 the Bible conference continues after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The opening sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would be have the opportunity to attend elective seminars (based on the giftings of the various team members) and conclude with an afternoon tea break. Late afternoon free-time would be followed with supper, followed by evening worship. (VBS continues)

Thursday, January 24 the Bible conference continues after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The opening sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would be have the opportunity to attend elective seminars (based on the giftings of the various team members) and conclude with an afternoon tea break. Late afternoon free-time would be followed with supper, followed by evening worship. (VBS continues)

Friday, January 25 the Bible conference continues after breakfast with morning worship and prayer. The Closing sermon would follow a tea break and be delivered on the theme of the conference, "Holiness - The Fruit of the Spirit". After lunch the missionaries would depart for home. (VBS concludes at lunch)

Saturday, January 26 - Sight seeing in Addis Abeba and late evening departure for home.

Arrive in Memphis at about 6:00 PM on Sunday evening, January 27. (There is an option of spending an extra night in Europe in route).

Approximate cost for the trip would be $2,600.00 (depending on airfare and other variables, not including passport, visa and immunizations)

Supporters interested in traveling with us and helping present this conference are encouraged to contact Patrick before September 1, 2007.

Additional funds for this event would be greatly appreciated!