FOLLOW 2023, DS Meeting, Zambia, and Baptisms

FOLLOW Conference in Cincinnati was an incredible event to close out 2023. Special thanks to Charlie Alcock, Aldean Pablo, Santes Beatty and many more leaders who invested countless hours in making this event so successful. Thank you also to Dr. Jim Lo for leading the prayer ministry that resulted in significant spiritual impact. I was especially proud of the many senior/lead pastors from our district who came with their students. Thank you for investing in the life-changing experience.
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More than 4000 students and their leaders attended these sessions from every corner of the continent. My heart was moved on Saturday morning as more than 400 students responded to God’s call to ministry in local churches, mission fields and the marketplace. Pray that the seeds that were planted will continue to bear much fruit.
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During the breakout sessions at the Follow Conference, the district superintendents met for a series of roundtable discussions. Dr. Wayne Schmidt, General Superintendent, joined us for the opening and closing sessions. I’m encouraged by the commitment in that room to seeing The Wesleyan Church thrive in God’s movement. God has good things in store as together we follow Him! 
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Rev. Juden Siachitema, National Superintendent, flew into Cincinnati on Friday to join us for the evening rally and to participate in the sessions on Saturday. Sherry and I have been blessed to have him staying in our home. On Sunday morning, December 31, Dr. Chris Williams welcomed Bishop Juden to preach in the morning service at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. (Bishop will be speaking at Brookhaven Wesleyan in Marion on Sunday evening, January 7.)
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Having Christmas Eve on Sunday presented unique opportunities for our churches. We’re praising the Lord with Pastor Barry Dixon and the team at Calvary Family Church in Indianapolis as they baptized 5 new converts on Christmas Eve Sunday morning.
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Dr. Chris Williams and the team at Marion Lakeview Wesleyan also celebrated a baptism on Christmas Eve Sunday morning. I was present for this service and captured the joy in that moment for both the candidate and Pastor Chris.
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Pastor Noah Farmer and the team at Gas City Eastview Wesleyan Church hosted a well-attended midnight service that included both a baby dedication and the baptism of two new believers. I was able to be there for this sacred service that ushered in Christmas morning.
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Thank you to every one of our pastors and every staff member (both paid and volunteer) who went the second and third mile this Christmas season to celebrate the birth of Christ and to introduce many people to the life-changing story of Jesus!

Don’t miss the 2024 Heartland Gathering, April 2-5, 2024, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! The DBA has approved one $300 scholarship for each district church, designated to cover a significant portion of the registration cost for one pastoral family per church. Details regarding the scholarship were sent to lead and solo pastors. If you are a lead or solo pastor and did not receive that email, please reach out to us at [email protected]. For more information and registration, visit gathering.heartlandregion.org.
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Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. Plan now to bring your teens to this year’s Crossroads District All-Nighter in Fort Wayne on February 16! Early bird price is $50 until January 31 and regular price is $55 after that. This year we will be enjoying Crazy Pinz, Canlan Ice Rink, laser tag and the YMCA!

Also, PLEASE NOTE THE LOCATION CHANGE FOR RALLY! The rally will be held at Pine Hills Church in Fort Wayne (about 5 minutes down the road from our previous location).

Registration Link: https://districtallnighter2024.eventbrite.com
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