Worldwide Missions Conference in Ocean Springs begins Sunday

Grace Independent Baptist Church in Ocean Springs is hosting the Worldwide Missions Conference starting Sunday and lasting through March 3.

Five missionary families involved in mission projects around the world including in the Ukraine, the Philippines and Sulfur, La., are scheduled to speak at the event.

The conference begins Sunday at the church's regular services and will continue each night at 7 p.m.

Thursday's finale will feature an International Banquet Night with a video and a question-and-answer session with the missionary families. The meal will be potluck, so attendees are asked to bring a favorite dish to share.

The church is led by the Rev. Paul Perkins, who says he and the church members also are looking forward to hosting another event, the Family Conference on April 24-27. "This event is for families to grow together," Perkins said. "The special speaker is Dr. Tom Sooter. Some goals are to help strengthen relationships and help in parenting. Two other areas we will provide lessons in are husband and wife roles in a relationship and, for youth, what to look for in a mate and how to prepare for that mate. There will be separate class sessions for men and women."

Grace Independent has a Christian school that teaches K-4 through 12th grade. They have a low student-to-teacher ratio and are registering students for the 2016-2017 school year. Tuition is $299 per month for one student or $599 per month for two or more, plus books and fees.

Grace Independent began in a home in 1964. Perkins became pastor in 2007. His sermons in March will focus on evangelism.

The church recently completed renovations and expansion of its foyer area, upgrading the restrooms and giving the attendees room to fellowship on Sunday mornings before services. A book store and coffee shop was added and the sanctuary was partially remodeled.

Spanish-language services, led by Pastor Andy Ramsey, are held at the church on Sundays. Ramsey is a U.S. veteran of the Vietnam War and has spent time in Costa Rica.

This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Worldwide Missions Conference in Ocean Springs begins Sunday ."