It all began with a summons for us to minister to our communities during this season of war in our nation, which led to a challenge to reach the growing number of multi-ethnic peoples of America, and ended with a revelation of the incredible harvest taking place in the nations of the world. The 63rd Open Bible convention sounded a clear call to pastors, missionaries, and lay leaders to renew their commitment to fulfill the Great Commission.

Let’s hear what some of the attendees had to say:

Honoring Our Heroes
“What encouragement to hear from Rear Admiral Burt about what God is doing in our own country and then to hear from Ted Haggard about what God is doing around the world! We came back renewed in our faith and recharged in our calling to do our part in God’s great plan.”
Jim Tarr, Pastor, Immanuel Chapel, Largo, Florida

“It was extremely humbling to be recognized for what I love to do – especially to see the leadership of the
church endorse and support the work of chaplains, service members, families, and the sacrifices of these great people.”
2LT Chad McGinnis, Chaplain Candidate and Youth Pastor, Kankakee, Illinois

Ethnic Ministries Night
“I was deeply touched to see so many ethnic groups gathered in the same place, in an Open Bible convention. The ethnic ministries night served well to highlight Open Bible’s continuing commitment to reaching the nations, not only overseas, but in our midst. I thank God for this continuing demonstration of acceptance of all who are embraced by the family of God.”
Dennis Campbell, Pastor, Rehoboth Open Bible Church, Brooklyn, New York

“Ethnic Ministries night took our convention to another level. What took place says Open Bible is no longer a child, but has grown up and has come to maturity. The diversity of the participants indicated Open Bible’s seriousness in reaching the nations.”
Karl Francis, Pastor, Living Word Open Bible
Church, Hollywood, Florida“

[Performances from] the Rehoboth choir from Brooklyn, New York, and the Jubilee Liberian Dance Troupe interspersed with testimonies and songs from different lands gave us a glimpse of what heaven will be like.”
Ruth Bryan, Mission USA

“I thought [Ethnic Ministries Night] was a great time together, celebrating our diversity. We, as Open Bible Churches, DO encompass many different races, languages, and cultures. I enjoyed ‘showcasing’ them, as it were. But from now on, I’d like to see this diversity integrated into the ‘regular’ meetings, not just saved for ethnic ministries night!
“I was also blessed by the opportunity to give for the translation of INSTE into Mandarin Chinese. Wow! What an opportunity to disciple people!”
Tammy Swailes, Missionary, Ukraine

International Ministries
“Saturday night we were shown the nations at our doorstep and challenged by a First Nation leader. Sunday night we were honored to be among such a great team of missionaries representing Open Bible around the world. We left for Papua New Guinea the next day, feeling empowered for the task ahead of us.”
Mike Brandt, Missionary, Papua New Guinea

General
“I see a real hunger for the Lord growing in the lives of Open Bible people.”
Linda Budd, Pastor, Open Bible Fellowship, Tulsa, Oklahoma

“It couldn’t have been more tailor-made. Everything from the opening service with Doug Stringer to the session on Spiritual Parenting with Larry Kreider is exactly where we are right now.”
Mike Juntunen, Pastor, Open Bible Church of Austin, Austin, Minnesota

“The only thing I can say about convention is Emmanuel: God was with us! Oh, the height and depth, the length and breadth of the richness of His presence was incomprehensible! My only prayer is that He would not allow us any rest ‘until all have heard’ the gospel.”
Eric Cunningham, Pastor, The Rising Son Open Bible Church, Washington, D.C.