Seven new missionaries and a new regional director were officially commissioned for service with the United Pentecostal Church International during a special May 11 ceremony. Their destinations include nations and territories in Africa, Eurasia, and the Pacific.
Dale and Brenda Austin, Richard and Andrea Carver, Jeffrey and Heidi Cecil, Bradley and Patricia Gray, Richard and Stacey Perry, and two others appointed to sensitive areas were commissioned as missionaries, while Ken and Gin Cantrell were commissioned as regional directors for Eurasia/North Africa.
The commissioning ceremony was held at New Life St. Louis in Bridgeton, Missouri, not far from UPCI World Headquarters. Global Missions General Director Adam Hunley presided over the service and the ceremony.
“Every year, the power of God moves in such a profound way in this ceremony and time of prayer,” Hunley said. “For many, it serves as a clear confirmation of their calling. Others also receive clear direction from God for specific steps moving forward once they arrive on the field.”
Family and friends of the new missionaries were present for the celebration, as well as members of the Global Missions leadership team. UPCI General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard took part in the service, and the New Life St. Louis music team led worship.
The commissioning service is held each year at the conclusion of School of Missions, a two week-long training event for missionaries. The ceremony officially dedicates participating families and individuals for missionary service and is intended to convey the blessing and backing of the United Pentecostal Church International. The ceremony includes the laying on of hands, in accordance with Acts 13:3.
The UPCI now has 283 missionaries serving in more than two hundred nations and territories, as well as an additional 963 missionary workers, including short-term appointees.
Visit GlobalMissions.com for more information on UPCI missions efforts around the globe.
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