Annual convention includes leadership training, church planting update
USMB report
Optimism for the future and excitement about potential church planting marked the annual convention of the Latin American Mennonite Brethren District Conference (LAMB) Feb. 3-5. LAMB is composed of eight mostly Spanish-speaking U.S. Mennonite Brethren congregations in extreme South Texas.
“There’s a growing spirit of confidence and optimism that they really can make a difference,” says Ed Boschman, USMB executive director who attended the convention.
The gathering began Feb. 3 with an abbreviated LEAD ONE leadership and development event at Jesus es mi Paz, Pharr, Texas, led by Boschman and Don Morris, director of Mission USA, the church planting and renewal arm of the USMB. About 45 LAMB leaders attended—nearly double the expected turnout—and the training was well-received.
Delegates and leaders attended to conference business Saturday morning, Feb. 4, at Templo Nueva Vida Community Church, Palmview, Texas. A new district budget includes support for USMB, delegates attending the USMB biennial convention and church planting.
“They are interested in planting churches,” says Morris, and are discussing a partnership between Mission USA and Mission (Texas) MB Church to establish an outpost on what’s known as the Seven Mile Road. In addition, Mission USA continues to work with Grulla (Texas) MB Church in outreach initiatives; part of their vision is to begin a multi-site church plant in nearby McAllen, Texas.
A worship celebration Saturday evening at La Joya (Texas) MB Church wrapped up the district gathering. A highlight of that celebration was a time of prayer and dedication for district pastors and leaders. Boschman prayed for pastors; Morris prayed for newly appointed district leadership.
