By Lindsey Gelinas
NAB Missionary in Japan
I wish I had a mentor growing up.
Don’t get me wrong: I was surrounded by people in my church who loved me – who knew me and invested in me – but I never had a person come along beside me and show me the way.
I never had a person who caught me when I stumbled and doubted or pushed me forward when I was weary. However, there were many people just out of arms reach who would point the way for me, many who opened doors for me to new opportunities. God faithfully provided me with a constant stream of individuals who pushed me a little farther forward – camp counselors, youth pastors, and youth leaders who all came into and went out of my life. All of these were people who didn’t deeply know me but who gave me a next step, a piece of advice, an opportunity or a challenge.
I fondly remember the first time my youth pastor asked me to share my testimony at youth group. At 14 years old, I was so excited to be told by an adult, “Your story is worth hearing.” I was honored when a teacher asked me to make a new girl feel included. I was thrilled at 16 when a different youth pastor asked me to teach the lesson on a Wednesday night, to be affirmed by an adult saying, “God has given you something to say.” I squealed for joy when my pastor said the youth group would be going on its first-ever international mission trip. That was the trip on which God called me to international missions.
Adults in my life glimpsed potential in me . . .
Interested in learning how you can support emerging leaders in your context? Reach out to Wayne Stapleton, VP of Emerging Leader Engagement.
The deadline to register is April 15!
Additionally, the hotel group rate expires April 10! Do not wait to register for Bonfire!
This year, we are streamlining Bonfire in a way we hope reflects its purpose. There will be two main evening sessions for the entire group, including dinner, fellowship, worship, and unified speakers. During the days, each attendee will join their specific group gathering, or Ministry Track – Multipliers Summit, MAT, Missional Alumni, etc. – to engage with each other.
This year, based on much feedback, we are streamlining this event in a way we hope reflects this purpose. Bonfire will now be the name we use to refer to the overarching event, the main umbrella under which these various gatherings of NAB leaders meet. There will be two main evening sessions for the entire group, including dinner, fellowship, worship, and a unified speaker. During the days, each attendee will join their specific group gathering, or Ministry Track – Multipliers Summit, MAT, Missional Initiatives Alumni, etc. – to engage with each other.
It is our hope that Bonfire 2026 will serve you, equip you, and encourage you in ways both specific to your individual group but also in broad ways as a vital member of our conference of churches.
Bonfire is May 5–8, 2026, in Medina, Ohio.
Back in February, we held our ninth Fit Assessment. These few days together with potential church planters, church revitalizers, and international missionaries are intended to help each candidate and couple discern together their best next step in ministry. Our February Fit Assessment was in Roseville, California, hosted by Grace Collective Church – a church whose pastor went through Fit Assessment exactly one year prior.
Already we are looking ahead to the next Fit Assessment in Edmonton, Alberta, at the end of May. If you are or know anyone interested in even just dipping a toe in what it would mean to plant or revitalize a church or serve as an international missionary, we guarantee these few days will provide you a clear picture of your strengths are and what skills you will need to sharpen, as well as tangible steps to take as you follow God where he is leading.
To learn more or apply, follow the link below.
apply for the may fit assessment
The most recent issue of TouchPoint is out now. This newsletter from the NAB Women’s Connection Team includes great resources and stories for and by women. In this issue, you will find:
- Women in Ministry, featuring Joyel Huber, the Children’s Church Coordinator at College Heights Baptist Church in Prince George, British Columbia.
- At the Well, a formational and equipping training cohort of women in British Columbia.
- The Women of Kairos, featuring Renata Baldissera from Brazil.
- “10 Practical Tips for Leading a Successful Women’s Bible Study”.
- And book and Bible study picks for spring 2026.
Click on the link below to read the newest copy. You can also sign up to receive a copy directly in your inbox.