2008 Face-to-Face Meeting |
While many objectives of the Network can be achieved with the WEB site and mailing list, nothing can really replace a Face-to-Face meeting to help generate understanding, camaradarie, and encourage sharing. The Malawi Mission Network was first formed at a Face-to-Face meeting in August, 2003 near Louisville, KY. We had approximately 30 people at the meeting and we shared what we were all doing and were gladened to see how much we all had in common but also how much we could learn from each other. Everyone felt this was an extremely valuable opportunity and they wanted to do it again. Since then the meetings have been growing and improving every year. In 2007we had over 75 people attending in Pittsburgh.
As valuable and interesting as the formal presentations are, probably the most valuable part of the Meeting is the chance to meet and network with others with the same interests as you, and likely very different experiences you can both learn from.
We will have an exciting program planned for this conference. We will have Rev. Davidson Chifungo, General Secretary of Nkhoma Synod of CCAP as our keynote speaker and he will also be presenting several workshops. Other program highlights are expected to include (but are subject to change):
 | Development Issues in Malawi - including Brain Drain (panel discussion) |
| Education Issues HIV/AIDS Workshop (Nora Goetz) Embangweni School for Hard of Hearing (Carol Nussbaumer) Language Lessons - Chichewa / Timbuka |
| Nine Reasons Projects Fail (Ted Wright and Jim McGill) |
| Money Issues African Friends & Money Matters - discussion of the book Fundraising Ideas for Malawi Projects Logistics of Money Matters (containers, shipping, wire transfers etc) |
| Malawian Culture Grief Observed: Insights Gained from African Funerals (Sue Wright) Malawi Culture (Helen Zimba) Moving from Relationships to Friendships (Kay Day) |
| Next Steps The Next Big Step: Discerning God's Call to Mission Service (Sue Wright) What Overseas Partners Wish You Knew about Short Term Mission Trips (Ted Wright) Working with Finance Committees/ Mission Committess/ Sessions in Your Church |
See the full agenda at 2008 AGENDA
Begin planning now to join us for our next meeting. Registration Form You can see details on the Lodge at Post Oak Lodge. It will be:
If special room accommodations are needed, please note that on your registration form. |
We have extended the schedule to include breakfast on Sunday so that we can have enough time on Saturday to take advantage of the gathering of so many people and not feel so rushed to 'get away'.
ABOUT TULSA
Welcome to the great state of Oklahoma! They celebrated their centennial last year which was an exciting event. Route 66, the Mother Road, runs through Tulsa, and they have a rich history of Native American culture. It's also sometimes known as "tornado alley" and sometimes as the "buckle of the Bible belt". That aside, Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery is looking forward to hosting all of you. August temperatures in Oklahoma can be mild or brutal! A special activity for Saturday night is being planned; more details on that later.
Our meeting will be at the beautiful Post Oak Lodge, which is on the edge of the Osage Hills, yet is only 7 miles from downtown Tulsa. There are walking trails and a pool at the lodge, so bring sun screen and bug repellant. At that time of year there will be light until about 9 p.m. For more information, go to www.postoaklodge.com.
TRAVEL INFO
Most airlines fly into Tulsa, and there are cabs at curbside. Also, several car rental firms can be found there. Go to www.tulsaairports.com (Sorry, Tulsa doesn't have shuttles).
If you would like to be picked up at the airport, note that on your registration form. If you want to rent a car or drive in, go to the Lodge's website for driving directions. It's easy to get there by car, but there are some sharp corners and steep hills, so drive carefully.