Olivet University greeted guests from the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Mission Commission at the school's campus in San Francisco, CA.  The Mission Commission's Executive Director, Dr. Bertil Ekstrom, and his team were hosted on a tour of the campus and discussion panel with students.

The panelist from the Mission Commission included mission leaders from around the world including Bertil Ekstrom (Brazil/Sweden), Adriaan Adams (South Africa), K and Pramila Rajendran (India), David Ruiz (Guatemala), Kees Van der Wilden (Netherlands), and Timothy Halls (USA). Each panelist shared advice on today's growing mission field, as well as answering questions on mission topics such as cooperative teamwork, cultural barriers, and geography of church planting. 

One discussion explored the pros and cons of technology used for missions.  Though devices and social networks have facilitated communications there are some drawbacks.

"Technology can't replace emotional connections," commented Adriaan Adams, a representative from South Africa.

Other discussions included strategy for missions and how more resources could be provided to areas where Christ is not yet known. The panelists provided advice to student questions such as how to recognize where God is calling them to do missions.

The panel discussion concluded with a prayer by Dr. Joseph Ray Tallman, Co-President of the Zinzendorf School of Doctoral Studies and a member of the WEA Missions Commissions.  He prayed for both the WEA Missions Commission leaders and students who may be future missionaries. 

Olivet University and the WEA are educational partners in the WEA Leadership Institute. The WEA Mission Commission creates forums that facilitate mutual communication between global leaders and missional bodies.  Along with consultation and evaluative functions, the commission provides a proactive voice for the worldwide church.  The WEA Mission Commission is part of the World Evangelical Alliance, a global network that includes over 100 international member organizations. The 160-year old Alliance has partnered with Olivet University in key areas consistent with the school’s mission, commitments, and goals.

Reference:  www.worldea.org