If you have an interest in outreach, this annual missions conference is for you!

Come join us on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church for a full day of presentations, breakouts, and small group discussions on a wide variety of mission-related topics. This conference is not just about what HarvestCall is currently doing. It’s also about learning together how we as individuals and as a church can better understand and apply the Great Commission.

Interactive 2-3 hour long pre-conference workshops are offered on Friday evening, July 9.

Proclaim & Serve is not just for people in central Illinois. Everyone is invited from anywhere in the country. Overnight accommodations are available – just indicate that on the registration form. (If you prefer staying in a hotel, there are many options nearby.)


What about COVID?

Based on current trends, we believe we'll be able to gather in person this year. However, local authorities may still require some restrictions, such as possibly limiting registration, adding additional seating with tents outside to provide more distancing, requesting masks, etc. We'll adjust to whatever the current situation is in July. But, as with everything, whether we have this conference in-person or not is subject to the Lord's will!


Schedule

It’s a full weekend jam-packed with stirring content presented in a variety of formats and styles. Seating is limited for the workshops, breakouts and discussion groups and seats will be given out first-come, first-served. Advance registration is expected. If you do not register in advance, you may not be able to attend your preferred sessions.

PRE-CONFERENCE – Friday, July 9
6:30 pm Registration / check-in
7:00  Pre-conference Workshops

MAIN CONFERENCE – Saturday, July 10
8:00 am Registration / check-in begins
8:10    Singing
8:30    Opening comments, housekeeping items, prayer
8:50    Main Sessions
10:10  Break
10:30  Ministry Info Breakouts 1 and 2
11:40  Lunch
12:50  Topical Breakouts
1:30    Singing
1:50    Main Session
2:30    Break
2:50    Discussion Groups 1 and 2
4:30    Main Session
5:10    Closing
REGISTER

Pre-Conference Workshops

Ready to go deep on a topic? Choose one of these 2—3-hour Friday evening sessions for some intense and highly interactive teaching. Advance registration is required.

NOTE: in order to preserve the interactive nature of these sessions, we are limiting attendance in these sessions. Spots are given out first-come, first-served in order of registration, so if interested, don’t delay.

  • Living biblical truth in a diverse world

    Have you ever felt uncomfortable talking with someone who had different values than you? Should Christians interact with diverse audiences? Should they be inclusive or exclusive? This interactive workshop will highlight a few cases and focus on strategies to be salt and light in a world that has different values than we do.


    Speaker: Neil Knobloch

  • The cost of poverty experience

    This is a 2.5-hour experiential training, designed to give participants a glimpse into the lives of low-income persons in their community by walking in their shoes through a simulated month. Feel what it is like to stay one step ahead of the bill collectors, navigate government agencies, try to get help from a church, avoid being evicted, and struggle with broken-down cars or costly medical bills while trying to find or hold down a job. You come away with more empathy for those in material poverty and greater insight into how to effectively minister to them.


    Want to learn more about this simulation? This video provides an excellent overview of what to expect. 


    Facilitated by: Think Tank, Inc.


  • Living in three stories — intercultural relationships

    In this session we will explore a way to approach intercultural relationships that generates curiosity, respect, love, and understanding – on a good day. On the other days, it at least curbs our judgmentalism and keeps us easier to get along with. This is a gain and makes a lot of difference slowly over time.


    Speaker: Name withheld for security reasons

Back to the Schedule.

Main Sessions

Held in the church assembly room, these are plenary sessions, meaning they are broad interest topics intended for everyone.
  • Love starts now: relating missionally to your family and community

    Jesus commanded us to teach all nations (Matthew 28:19) and be witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). However, love starts at home. God has called us to share the gospel in our own families and communities. When we are living missionally in our homes and communities we will see missions as an extension of what is already happening in our lives!


    Speaker: Matt Knapp

  • Love the unlovable

    Love is a gift that’s a joy to share in those relationships that are kind and respectful. Yet, our journey here brings people across our paths that reveal some of the messy realities of human nature. As the gospel sounds the call, how do we learn to love those difficult people in our life, and see that as a sincerest form of bringing glory to God?


    Speaker: Craig Stickling

  • Love the gospel

    Jesus sent them out by two’s, all seventy. To proclaim and serve. They announced the kingdom, they healed the sick, they cast out demonsand when they returned, they were over joyed with excitement about the work. Yet Jesus helped them see that there was a greater joy than all of those achievements—the gospel itself. Loving the gospel both propels us and settles us in God’s service.


    Speaker: Matt Kaufmann

  • Love drew me

    How did an ex-convict, homeless single dad from California, who was living it up with drugs and alcohol, end up as a member in a rural Kansas AC church? The answer is God’s amazing plan and a churches persistent love. The care, assistance, and overall love of Christ shown to Trever by church members when he was at rock bottom, built a relationship and respect for these believers that caused him to honor their invitation to come to church. When he came, he realized that the deep hunger in his heart was being satisfied — it was the hunger for truth! Hear this powerful testimony which will encourage us to reach out to others – even those we are tempted to write off – who might also be drawn into a loving community of believers.


    Speaker: Trever Wendler

Back to the Schedule.

Ministry Info Breakouts

Find out what God is doing through the various ministries operating under HarvestCall. Choose the two that most interest you.
  • Isaiah 55:11 is occurring in Japan today

    God promises "My Word shall not return void but accomplish what I please" and we are seeing that fulfilled in Japan, site of our church’s first foray into gospel-primary foreign missions. In 2019, at the request of our churches in Japan, a missionary was sent from the U.S. to serve as an English teacher, offering potential for sharing the gospel in a country where less than 1% are believers in Jesus Christ. Hear what we have learned about cross-cultural ministry, how to spread the Word in a culture dominated by other religions, and how our churches have grown and developed in this challenging mission field.


    Speakers: Randy & Evie Mogler

  • The marriage between the gospel & dairy production

    Back in 2015, Les and Christine Kaeb moved to Haiti to begin building the Haiti Dairy Program. They felt that they understood what they would be teaching and doing, but they soon discovered they were the ones being taught, as babes needing milk. Now, over 4 years later, the feeling is different. The program has reached some level of maturity. Their senses exercised to discern both good and evil, as described in Hebrews 5:12-14, the program is at a point where some “strong meat” may be usable. Come listen to Les, along with in-country missionary Daryl Knobloch, as they share updates on just how the Spirit has been felt through the progression of Good Vision Farm in Haiti.


    Speakers: Les Kaeb

  • What do the Deaf lack?

    Most people think a deaf person is someone who can’t hear. But did you know that they can? They just use their eyes instead of their ears. And they can talk too...they just use sign language. A Deaf person and a hearing person have much more in common than they have different. This session will explain how the same basic need all of us have, to know God and become more like his son Jesus, is one of those things we all have in common. Whether you are Deaf or hearing.


    Speaker: Blake Widmer, by video conference

  • Sharing of the gospel in the medical workplace.

    As medical personnel, we are called to emulate Christ and be conformed to his image. The Medical Mission Committee wants to assist the believer in the medical field in living this out day to day. One of the most significant, as well as the most challenging way to emulate Christ, is to tell others about the good news that Jesus brings. We want to explore our calling to spread the gospel, the unique way that medical workers are equipped, and the common roadblocks that we can experience. We approach this talk as a way to grow together, not as a lecture from those who have it all figured out. We hope you are encouraged to walk more closely in his steps!


    Speaker: Anthony Baumann

  • The life behind the letter

    We’ve all seen the letters, whether they’re posted on the Sunday School bulletin board, or hanging on your grandma’s fridge, or maybe something you’ve encouraged your children to do as a way to give. Child sponsorship is an effective tool in ministries across the globe, and often “pen pal” letters are the main form of communication. Come get a glimpse of the life behind the letter and see a whole new perspective.


    Speaker: Tashi Widmer, by video conference

  • What’s going on at CVE?

    Walking with God is often not a straight line from where we started.  Over 17 years ago, on a late November evening, a businessman sent an email to a local Mexican man asking, “Would you be my partner this coming Monday in purchasing the property, ‘Mission Emanuel’?”  That was the beginning of the place we call Casa Vida y Esperanza (CVE).  Joining God where he is working and following his leading is the desire of each believer.  Come see how God has led and continues to lead the ministry at CVE.  God is using his people, local government initiatives, long-term caregiving staff shortages, and International orphan care findings….  ALL for his purposes and his glory.  Come listen to the faithfulness of God and catch a glimpse of where we believe God is leading! 


    Speakers: Keith & Alisa Beyer

  • Bolstering small churches through sharing Jesus' love

    Sharing the love of Jesus is having a profound impact in bolstering our small churches. Come hear stories from the USA Bolstering Committee of how God has helped our state-side small churches weather through Covid and has been faithful in "giving the increase". Additionally they will talk about the newest church bolstering effort, current needs in various congregations and how you can assist.


    Speakers: Bruce Frank, Brian Huber

Back to the Schedule.

Topical Breakouts

The hardest part will be choosing the one you most want to attend, because sadly, there isn’t time in the day to repeat these.
  • Is the Kingdom of God advancing or retreating?

    It can seem like the world is getting darker and less Christian by the day. Is this how the Bible anticipates history to unfold? Is the Kingdom of God currently growing or shrinking throughout the world? This session seeks to examine the Kingdom of God from both a Biblical and historical perspective demonstrating how the mustard seed is becoming a mighty tree.


    Speaker: Kyle Plattner

  • Walking along those you serve

    Reconciliation, in all its forms, requires walking through valleys and climbing obstacles before you get to the mountaintop of freedom. As we minister to those around us, we too are working through our own personal areas of brokenness. It’s not pretty nor easy in our own lives, which is why its paramount that we approach those we walk alongside of with love, humility and perseverance. As recipients of his grace and patience towards us, we must model that to others as they walk through the ups and downs.


    Speakers: Blake & Tashi Widmer, by video conference

  • A missionary testimony

    Serving long-term as a missionary is a calling from Jesus. It’s a call to learn to love as he loves. This can take a long time! In this session you will hear one missionary’s testimony of following Christ’s call to Mexico and staying long-term. We will also explore questions like: Why don’t more people stay in missions for the long-term? What are some of the unique joys and challenges of serving long-term? How can I know if I’m called to long-term service?


    Speaker: Matt Gerber

  • Elder panel: answering your questions about missions

    Several elder brothers who either serve on HarvestCall’s board or are otherwise very involved in the ministry’s operations are making themselves available to answer the audience’s questions about missions in the Apostolic Christian church.


    Speakers: Kent Heimer, Mike Leman, Frank Sauder


  • The role of women in missions

    Throughout the New Testament, we see glimpses of how women were used in the early church.In this session, we will explore biblical examples and examine the implications for today. We will discuss opportunities women have to minister in their local congregations and through HarvestCall.


    Speakers: Bruce Endress, Amber Miller

  • The who, what, and where of HarvestCall

    Do you know the full picture when it comes to what HarvestCall is and where it is going? Maybe you have been on a team, maybe you have served at a distribution center, maybe you have attended a conference. But, what is the bigger picture? This session is intended to describe the full picture of this ministry organization, who is involved, what happens, and where HarvestCall is going.


    Speaker: Kirk Plattner

Back to the Schedule.

Discussion Groups

 Interactive discussions in a small group format. Choose the two topics you are most interested in and come ready to participate!
  • Bridging cultural divides in our community begins with you!

    Are you desiring to reach out to people of another culture at your job, in your neighborhood, community, or church? Jesus said, “ Love your neighbor as yourself.” Let’s discuss ways to overcome cultural divides and become friends with individuals of another culture, thus opening doors for a conversation about the gospel and for Bible discussions.


    Facilitators: Matt & Lisa Waibel

  • Teaching biblical concepts to unchurched people

    The Great Commission’s extent reaches to the ends of the earth, which naturally includes a significant number of unchurched people. Many have never heard of the Ten Commandments. Many don’t understand how Jesus could be anything more than a controversial teacher. Many may even believe in Christ but were not blessed with the rich guidance of discernment from an early age. These are friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even brothers and sisters in Christ. In this session, we will discuss ways to fulfill the Great Commission in loving the unchurched.


    Facilitator: Caleb Plattner

  • What does it mean to be sent as a missionary?

    In this group, we will discuss common questions and concerns related to sending missionaries. Changes HarvestCall has made within their sending process will be discussed and opportunities for continued growth in this area will be explored.


    Facilitator: Amber Miller

  • Reflecting God’s love, grace, and truth to newcomers

    In times like these, with economic uncertainty, political turmoil, and health concerns abounding, people in your community are hurting and may be especially aware of their need for a church community. When someone new enters your church doors, what does it look like to glorify God by loving that soul as Jesus loves?


    Facilitators: Matt & Tifffany Drayer

  • How should the church respond to the LGBTQ community?

    Cultural shifts regarding sexual and gender identity are increasing the antagonism between the LGBTQ community and Bible-believing churches. However, since we believe that the gospel is God’s good news for all people, what are ways the church can love the LGBTQ community like Christ does? This discussion group will examine the power of worldview scripts in understanding and responding in grace and truth.


    Facilitator: Ted Witzig, Jr.

  • Reaching our own children and connecting them to the church

    Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel, but don’t miss the mission field on the homefront. How do we engage the youth in our church? How do we keep the church relevant in a constantly changing culture? In this session discuss the gospel as a lifestyle in our homes.


    Facilitators: Gregg & Heather Rumbold

  • Evangelism for introverts

    Does the idea of telling strangers about Jesus make you break out in a cold sweat?  Are you concerned you don’t have all the answers? Can’t find the time? Evangelism isn't just for eloquent extroverts. In this session we'll share experiences and ideas about ways to face our fears and overcome obstacles that hinder us from sharing the good news. 


    Facilitator: Darin Leman


  • How to engage people in gospel conversations

    Once after I shared the gospel with a coworker, he responded by saying that he thinks in order to avoid conflict it’s a good idea to refrain from voicing beliefs on religion or politics. In John 4, Jesus broke these same cultural taboos by sharing the gospel with the Samaritan woman at the well. Let’s discuss ideas on how we can boldly engage those we encounter in meaningful gospel conversations!


    Facilitator: Cody Waibel

  • How do you love your neighbors?

    Learning to love as Jesus loves most certainly includes learning to love our “neighbors”. In this group discussion time, we hope to share practical ideas of how to reach out to those “neighbors” in our local communities.


    Facilitators: Darren & Sue Plattner

  • "Why I never wore shoes in church"

    "and unto the Jews I became as a Jew..." Establishing churches in other cultures challenges us as to what is truly Biblical and what is cultural. This session will look at how God can take native culture and use it as a bridge to understanding the gospel at a deeper level. While churches built on Biblical truth will have many similarities with churches in other cultures, there will also be many differences.


    Facilitator: Frank Sauder

  • Fostering a culture of evangelism & discipleship – Ideas wanted!

    Have you ever wondered what might happen if our church culture towards outreach was as healthy as our culture of fellowship over noon lunch? What would be key attributes of this culture? What would you envision this looking like?  What is your contribution? Come prepared to brainstorm... 


    Facilitator: Duane Rocke and Gwen Leuthold

  • The impact of Christ’s love within a small church

    Come hear the powerful testimony of two couples —how the love of Jesus drew them into a small church and God kept providing them opportunities to share his love to ultimately draw others. Be prepared to take away ideas to be more effective in lovingly sharing the gospel and discipling others in your small church community.


    Facilitators: Tom and Sue Waldbeser and Mike and Amber Grimm

  • Ideas for supporting our missionaries

    This discussion is designed for sharing ideas on how parents, grandparents, friends or fellow believers can help missionaries feel loved, supported and encouraged to serve God where he has called them.


    Facilitators: Klint & Sarah Fiechter

  • Exploring Business as Mission

    Come and share in a discussion on how business can serve as mission. What are the challenges, opportunities and potential impacts? The discussion will provide a platform to share real world experience both domestically and abroad. You’ll have the opportunity to share ideas for how everyone can be involved whether on the front lines or serving in a support role. Ultimately, we’ll focus on how God’s name can be glorified and how hearts can be transformed through daily work activity.


    Facilitator: Steph Baner

  • How to be an effective witness in healthcare

    If you are in the medical field OR if you’ve been blessed by the Christian witness of a healthcare worker yourself, come join this discussion as we share ways to point people to Christ when they are dealing with life-changing news or end-of-life issues. What have you tried? What have you seen done? Was it effective? Let’s learn together.


    Facilitator: Anthony Baumann

  • Bible Distribution: a mission field close to home

    HarvestCall has a new initiative to equip, empower, and assist our local churches and individuals to spread the gospel of Christ through the distribution of Bibles and other biblical resources. In this session, we will discuss improvements and developments already being made by HarvestCall as well as give you the opportunity to begin distributing Bibles in your community.


    Facilitator: Will Manz


  • Empowering mission through prayer and fasting

    “Prayer is the mighty engine that is to move the missionary work.” –A.B. Simpson. Have you ever driven a vehicle that is missing on a cylinder? It might move slowly or be jerky, balk, and backfire. If the engine of our missionary work depends on prayer how is it performing? Let’s spend some time considering our individual and collective responsibility in the performance of our missionary engine and find practical ways to stay tuned up!


    Facilitator: Klint Beyer

  • Q & A with HarvestCall leadership

    If you have questions about the structure, direction, and operation of HarvestCall, here is your chance to hear from the Executive Director and Chairman of the Board. 


    Facilitators:  Matt Knapp and Pete Welti

  • Remembering them that are in bonds

    What is the Christian’s responsibility to minister to those in prison and how can we be effective doing so? We’ll discuss that and share first-hand experiences and “lessons learned” from prison outreach.


    Facilitator: Bill Schick

Back to the Schedule.

Speakers - Workshops

Other speakers or facilitators include: (more are being added regularly)

Listed in alphabetical order

List of Services

List of Services

Location

Proclaim & Serve 2022 will be held at the Goodfield Apostolic Christian Church. Exit #112 off I-74, 1 block north of US 150, 3 blocks west of Route 117.

Accommodations

If you need a place to stay overnight, the brethren in Goodfield will be glad to host you. Just indicate that when registering.


If you prefer a hotel instead of staying with someone, here are recommended options in nearby Morton:

Quality Inn

Comfort Suites

Baymont by Wyndham Morton

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Registration

REGISTRATION IS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN APRIL


Advance registration is expected. Seating is limited in the breakout and discussion group rooms and seats will go first-come, first-served based on time of registration. It is likely that many of the rooms will be filled prior to the day of the conference.

Please help us plan the day effectively and register online as early as possible. NOTE: registration will close at 8:00 AM Central on Weds, July 6 to allow us time for final preparations.