This past June MPI hosted our 6th annual Pastors Leadership Conference in Ukraine. Spending 4 days together with our Canadian speakers, our wonderful translators, all three who were named ‘Andrei’, and about 120 Ukrainian pastors was one of the highlights of our year so far. The accommodations were superb with great rooms and good meals. There was even an indoor pool and sauna for those off-hour relaxing times. We were blessed that all the funding for the conference was completely donated from Canada so there was no cost to the national pastors for the rooms, meals and conference facilities.

The pastors who gathered from all corners of the country were there primarily to be taught. But time for fellowship and encouragement with each other was also important. Even though the outdoor temperatures were hot, we were fortunate that the conference room was air conditioned. Each day we gathered together for several main sessions and a few workshops. The conference hall became jammed with both pastors and their wives as no one wanted to miss a minute. The workshops added a different dynamic to the day as the group was smaller and leant itself more to questions and answer periods.

On the third day MPI had arranged to give away three very nice notebook computers, complete with programming, wireless mouse, and travel case. In consultation with the church leadership, the three deserving pastors were picked and approved by us. It was a secret that no one knew about. Everyone was just told to stick around because something special was going to happen on Thursday afternoon. When the three pastor’s names were called to come forward, I’m sure they were wondering why. They quickly found out as the computers were brought out. I think they were all in shock for a minute. But it didn’t take long for them to realize the computers were for them and then there were big smiles all round.

Everyone who attended received a gift – ties for the men and scarves for the women. Canadians were so gracious to donate these and many people gave more than a few. One aspect of the conference each year is to pass out the ‘sponsor-a-pastor’ funds for each of the men and women of God who are sponsored in the program. So the Ukrainian pastors went home blessed both spiritually and physically.

Afterwards, those in leadership were very pleased with the teaching, the accommodations, the turn out and the gifts given. Along with everyone from MPI, they pronounced that the 2011 Pastors Leadership Conference was a resounding success!