Reflections from Missions Fest & World Outreach Weekend
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:23
As we look back on Missions Fest Seattle and World Outreach Weekend, our hearts overflow with gratitude. What an incredible weekend it was—filled with powerful stories, divine connections, and unmistakable evidence of God’s presence among us.
Moments That Marked Lives
We witnessed the beauty of God’s calling in action. In a moving video, Paul and Lora Dokken shared how they first responded to God’s call to missions during the very first Missions Fest Seattle years ago—a reminder of how one ‘yes’ can echo across decades. Having Mike Smith with us was another blessing, as was seeing the visible excitement and heartfelt engagement of all who attended.
“The response from our regional directors and volunteers spoke volumes of love and unity.”
Our regional directors and volunteers worked tirelessly through setup, hosting, and teardown—creating a space where the Spirit of God could move freely. As a result, one young woman shared that she felt called to serve in the mission field. Eleven new people signed up to learn more about Highlands Missions, and one family expressed their desire to become Career Missionaries.
God’s Unplanned Surprises
God often blesses beyond what we expect. Mihai Bologa, our global partner from Poland happened to be visiting and was deeply touched by the way Highlands serves and supports its missionaries. Coleman and Sue Houser also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the care they’ve received from our church family. These “divine appointments” reminded us that the love we share here ripples out across the world.
“Every encounter this weekend was a reminder that missions is not an event—it’s a lifestyle of love.”
Encounters at the Exhibit Hall
At the HCC booth, dozens of visitors stopped by just to say thank you for hosting Missions Fest. One disabled woman in a motorized wheelchair waited patiently to hand over five one-dollar bills—her humble, heartfelt donation to bless Highlands’ mission ministry. Another young woman from Sister Connection, a ministry serving widows and orphans in Africa, brought a gift of coffee and a thank-you note expressing deep appreciation for HCC’s hospitality.
Many admired how our church divides the world into eight mission regions, each led by a regional director who personally knows and cares for our partners. Several visitors expressed interest in attending Highlands because of this distinctive and relational approach to missions. Even conversations unrelated to global outreach—like one man sharing how dictation apps can help the hard of hearing participate fully in worship—were reminders that God cares for every heart and every detail.
A Church Alive on Mission
From the platform to the exhibit hall, from stories shared to quiet moments of prayer, God’s Spirit was undeniably at work. He is stirring hearts, calling people to go, inspiring others to give, and deepening our collective passion for His global mission.
Let’s continue to praise Him for what He is doing—and keep our eyes open for the next chapter of His unfolding story through Highlands Community Church.
“God is moving in our church—stirring hearts and deepening our passion for His global mission.”
In Christ,
Simi Bilti
Missions Pastor