The Nazarene Family Reunion...

Last Wednesday, General Assembly 2013 started in Indianapolis.

For those of you reading this that are not Nazarene, General Assembly is a series of business meetings and services that happens in our denomination every four years.  Delegates come from all parts of the world (150+ world areas) to have a part in this amazing experience.  There are hundreds of seminars, wonderful services, lots of cool exhibits, and Bible Quizzing at the World level for both our children and teens (One of my students, Cole Nugent got a Gold in the Children's World Quiz!), plus all the business meetings happen during this whirlwind week.

We also see this as a special time of fellowship because we get to be with our friends and family around the world that we are often separated from by distance.  It is like a huge family reunion and I look forward to it.  Being with my Nazarene Brother and Sisters reminds me that I am a part of a global church that is working together to reach others for Christ.  Below are just a few pictures from the past few days.  

The Piini Family: Friends from California

Mom and Alexander

Was awesome to see Mike and DeeAnn Page.
 I served on their staff in Sacramento.

The Havens!  More friends from Sacramento

The Fabulous Cole Family from Kentucky

Summer Kemp, sweet friend from college.

Sonya Mounts: an awesome friend from college
 who now lives in Washington State.

It wasn't all fun and games.  Here are a few of us ready
 to usher in on of the services.

Mingling Nazarenes after the Sunday morning service

Looked for her for several days, but finally found the Shortinghouse crew!  

Had to search for these folks too, but I was thrilled
 when the Nikkels found me first!

Anytime I can hang out with Jill Waltz is going
to be just too fun!

Renee Twibell is one of my all time favorite people.
So glad we got to catch up some.

Great to see the Casto Family.  My parents pose for a picture
 with these great folks.

I also volunteered in the kids play area.  This obstacle
course/slide was the favorite of many kids

One of the worship services.
Having church with literally thousands of other Nazarenes
 from dozens of countries is such a blessing.

Mom and Sherry Rogers pause for a quick picture!

During this time, changes, updates, and clarifications are made in our Manual as well as elections to various boards within our Denomination.  This year, we were electing two new General Superintendents and it was a blessing to be there to be a part of the excitement.  As the votes went up and down and the ballots kept coming it was quite the roller coaster ride.  But, finally, after three days and a total of 53 ballots, we have two new General Superintendents.  It is indeed a privilege to be a part of a group that takes the time to pray between ballots in an effort to be certain that the right people are chosen for the positions.  I look forward to seeing how God will use David Busic and Gustavo Crocker in their new positions as General Superintendents.

I always hate to see General Assembly end, but I will treasure the memories of this blessed time with my Nazarene family.  I am very proud to be a Nazarene and proud of my Nazarene heritage.  Now the countdown begins to General Assembly 2017!