A Big Day At RP International 2000
Monday, July 31

GRAND RAPIDS--For some conferees, the worst thing about the day was that they couldn't possibly do everything. But there was plentiful food for the soul and body, and there were plenty of options for recreation too.

In the morning the different age groups fanned out over the campus to begin their weekday program at RP International 2000. Adults listened as Pastor Barry York (Kokomo, Ind., RPC) challenged them to consider the biblical scope of the Great Commission, as he recounted God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham. He also asked them to consider the sacrifice needed to fulfill the Great Commission, pointing out that discipleship is a life-and-death endeavor. He closed, "Where is Christ calling you...to make disciples?"

Afterward, adults continued their focus on the topic through discussion groups, prayer, or praise.

A volleyball tournament spanned the afternoon, alongside basketball, swimming, soccer, or other recreational activities. There were also a number of special interest seminars to choose from, including youth ministries training, evangelistic Bible study leadership training, and encouragement for those considering a possible call of God into the pastorate. The Women's Missionary Fellowship of the RPCNA also met.

Conferees were treated to an evening of entertainment and exceptional talent, followed by a customary ice cream social. About a dozen acts performed for talent night, with everything from "Everybody Knows I Love My Toes," by Charity, Maria, and Tamara Blackwood (Indianapolis, Ind.) to songs and recitation by the Irish delegation, to an encore presentation of The Proclaimers' "1,000 Miles" by Australians Jason Coghill and Josh McEwen. Many of the performers sang solos or played piano, but there were also skits and even a stand-up comedian (John Vincze, New Alexandria, Pa.).

The Geneva College group New Song completed the talent show. Carol, Everett, and Joanna Lowe (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and Ryan McBurney (Beaver Falls, Pa.) coordinated the evening.

Daily news updates will be sent over CovieNet for the remainder of the conference. To see daily photos from the conference, go here.

--Drew Gordon, editor
Covenanter Witness
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
www.psalms4u.com