Training Update

• NAMB INCLUDES WORKSHOPS ON MINISTERING TO THE HEARING IMPARIED IN NATIONAL CONFERENCE

—Deaf leaders and interpreters can receive training focused on ministering to the hearing impaired at the North American Mission Board Connection Conference: “Preparing for Kingdom Growth 2004” in Orlando July 26-29. Conference coordinators are asking deaf workers, state, associational and missionary personnel to attend the conference and learn to implement Kingdom Growth strategies in their particular ministry context. The conference offers over 50 workshops. Topics specific to working with hearing impaired persons are: starting a deaf ministry; strengthening and expanding a deaf church; and understanding the role of the church interpreter. “Having deaf ministry workshops at the Connection Conference raises an awareness of the hearing impaired community and the need for ministries that reach deaf persons,” said Don Otwell, Florida Baptist Convention deaf ministry consultant. Keynote speakers of the event include Bob Reccord, president of NAMB, Alpharetta, Ga.; Ken Whitten, pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa; Pat Williams, senior vice president of the Orlando Magic and a member of First Baptist Church, Orlando; and Johnny Hunt, pastor, First Baptist Church, Woodstock, Ga.
The national conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency, Orlando International Airport. Check-in begins Sunday at 3 p.m. The conference concludes Wednesday at 9 p.m. Cost for the event is $35 per person through June 30 and includes breakfast, lunch and conference materials. After that date the conference fee is $75. Registration is available online at www.namb.net/connection. Participants are responsible for lodging. A negotiated rate of $85 is available by calling 800-233-1234 or visit http://orlandoairport.hyatt.com/groupbooking/namb. Indicate “NAMB” as the group code when making reservations. For additional information call Don Otwell at 904-266-0025.

• SPECIAL EDUCATION RETREAT TO FEATURE DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE LEARNING

—Developmentally-challenged persons from churches across Florida can participate in developmentally appropriate learning and worship activities during the 24th annual Special Education Retreat June 18-19 at Lake Yale Conference Center in Leesburg. With the theme, “Rickshaw Rally—Racing to the Son,” the retreat will provide worship, Bible study, craft activities, music, recreation and a talent show. Curriculum for the campers is based on this year’s Vacation Bible School materials. The meeting will also offer a special workshop for parents and those who work with developmentally challenged persons, taught by national consultant Carlton McDaniel of Lifeway Christian Resources. Retreat director David Moore, associate in the Florida Baptist Conventions’ Sunday School Department, which sponsors the conference, said campers will be offered 12 small group settings to facilitate learning.
Cost for the overnight event is $60 per person, and includes one-night’s lodging, three meals, and all retreat costs. The meeting begins Friday at 1 p.m. and concludes with lunch on Saturday. Registration and medical forms may be secured by contacting the Sunday School Department at 1-800-226-8584, ext. 8218, by writing the department at 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207, or by sending an e-mail to gdickey@flbaptist.org. Register early. Space is limited to a maximum of 400 persons. Medical forms, sent with registration materials, are required for each camper. Church groups must bring one sponsor or parent for each three (or fewer) campers. Accommodations at Lake Yale are double rooms with private bath. All retreat functions will take place in the Maguire Auditorium building.