God’s Faithfulness to Lifeway, Pastor Reunites with Family & Challenges of Social Media in Ministry

Gathering for the first time in person in 2022, Lifeway Christian Resources trustees heard how God has been faithful to the organization through a challenging season and is providing direction for an exciting future, according to president and CEO Ben Mandrell.

At their biannual meeting on Aug. 28-30, trustees also approved a budget for the 2023 financial year and welcomed 12 new trustees.

Mandrell highlighted some “big wins” for Lifeway in the past year, including the continued rebound in summer camps. Lifeway’s four unique camp experiences drew 106,000 youth this summer, serving 4,000 churches.

During those weeks, campers gave $545,000 to the missions offering that will be given to North American Mission Board and the International Mission Board. “But the most important stat is that we know of 1,783 young people who gave their lives to Christ,” he said.
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When pastor Kamlen Haokip joined his wife and daughter for worship on Sunday, Aug. 20, it was the first time the family had been together for a service in more than four years.

While Haokip was serving as the Burmese pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church in Owensboro, Ky., his wife Esther and 8-year-old daughter Lydia were attempting to make it from their home country of Myanmar to the U.S.

Their journey was halted by a variety of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and political turmoil in Myanmar. When the three were finally reunited on Saturday, Aug. 19, Haokip said the emotions were overwhelming.

After years of work and prayer, the family says they’re happy to be together again.
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While social media presents challenges, there are advantages that can be gained because of it. In a First Person on Baptist Press, John Murphy from Guidestone says social media can:

* Help educate you
* Help you build community
* It can help in the disciple making process

Murphy acknowledges from challenges as well when it comes to social media.

Read the full piece at our website.