2026 Global Mission Conference
January 22, 2026 – Tracy Ross
Schedule of Events:
Wednesday, February 18, 5:15 p.m.
Supper in McIntosh Hall
Wednesday, February 18, 6:30 p.m.
Whit Lewis speaks to youth and adults in Currie Hall 205
Saturday, February 21, 5:15 p.m.
Supper in McIntosh Hall
Saturday, February 21, 6:00 p.m.
~ Evening Service in McIntosh Hall with Rev. Ray Cortese preaching on “The Missional Church: Neighbor Love” from Luke 10:25-37
~ Missionary Greetings with Harris Bond, Mark Jennings, and John Noblin
~ Jamie & Jen Burkemper with children at 4 Corners Café in Currie Hall 206
Sunday, February 22, 9:30 a.m.
~ Mark Jennings with children at 4 Corners Café in Currie Hall 206
~ Jamie & Jen Burkemper speak to youth in Youth Center
~ Harris Bond & John Noblin speak to adults in Sanctuary
Sunday, February 22, 10:45 a.m.
Flag of Nations and Worship Service in Sanctuary with Rev. Ray Cortese preaching on “The Missional Church: Missional Clarity” from Micah 4:1-7
Sunday, February 22, 6:00 p.m.
~ Worship Service in Sanctuary with Rev. Ray Cortese preaching on “The Missional Church: Power” from Romans 1:16, 17a; Philippians 3:8b-10a
~ Missionary Reports from Jamie & Jen Burkemper & Mark Jennings
~ Harris Bond with children at 4 Corners Café in Currie Hall 205
Special Mission Conference Offering with a goal of $15,000 towards buying a vehicle for the Ministry of Perlentor in Munich, Germany. A MTW missionary is working with Perlentor helping women get out of Human Trafficking. Perlentor is a Munich-based Christian ministry grounded in the conviction that true and lasting restoration flows from the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. A dedicated ministry vehicle would allow for transporting women discreetly, minimize exposure in public spaces, and preserve the confidentiality that safehouse security depends on, as well as the physical safety of both staff and survivors.
Rev. Ray Cortese, Mission Conference Speaker
Ray Cortese is a native of Miami, Florida, and the Founding Pastor of Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church in Lecanto, Florida. He served as Senior Pastor for over 40 years and continues to enjoy and support the church community on the Pastoral Team. Ray graduated from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, and earned his Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Under his leadership, Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church has been instrumental in planting five churches across Central Florida, including the most recent congregation established in The Villages. Ray was also a catalyst for the creation of the Florida Church Planting Network. Ray’s passion for Christian Education led to the beginning of Seven Rivers Christian School. Ray and his wife, Diane have four adult children and 10 grandchildren.
Harris Bond
Harris Bond, a native of Yazoo City, MS, has been involved in pastoral ministry for 20 years. He is a graduate of Auburn University and Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC (M.Div.). While serving as the Assistant Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Belzoni, MS he met Laura Beth Shields, a graduate of Delta State University who was then living & working in the Jackson area. They married in 2008 and just 3 months later moved to Sylacauga, Alabama where Harris served as the Pastor of Knollwood Presbyterian Church. After 10+ years of proclaiming Christ and serving among a community they love, they felt the Lord equipping them and calling them back to the Delta through the Presbytery of Mississippi Valley to the work of Church Planting. They have a passion for the Gospel, the local church and the university setting through their home churches and their love for RUF. Harris and Laura Beth have three children: Thomas (15), Sam (13), and Jane Paschal (11).
Jamie & Jen Burkemper with Mission to the World
Jamie and Jennifer Burkemper, who have been together since high school and who grew up outside of St. Louis, felt a calling from God to pursue missionary work soon after getting married. They served with Mission to the World in Mexico starting in 2005. However, since 2021, the Burkempers have taken on the role of team leaders in Madrid, Spain. Spain, the least-evangelized Spanish-speaking country and one of the least-evangelized nations in Europe, presents a tremendous need for gospel witness. In Madrid, the Burkempers are focused on reaching the next generation, particularly university students, who are often atheistic yet open to spiritual conversations. Their new ministry is strategically located near 7 universities and thousands of students. Alongside this, they are discipling international students studying abroad in Madrid and laying the groundwork for a new church plant.
Mark Jennings with Thirdmill Ministries
Mark Jennings serves both as a Gift Officer and an Instructor for Thirdmill Ministries. He has been committed to the teaching and equipping of pastors for most of his career, having previously taught at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Education and in Biblical Languages, and a doctorate in Religious Studies. He and his wife (Kim) recently moved to the Atlanta, GA area from Boston, MA. They have been married for 30 years and have three sons.
Whit Lewis with Palmer Home for Children
Rev. Whit Lewis serves as the Senior Director of Community Partnerships at Palmer Home for Children, where he leads outreach to churches and civic groups, helping communities engage in compassionate care for vulnerable children. Whit partners with church leaders to create practical frameworks that empower congregations to serve children in need. His work is driven by a passion for building meaningful relationships and fostering long-term church engagement. A proud Kosciusko, MS native and 1997 graduate of Kosciusko High School and 2001 graduate of Mississippi College, Whit and his wife Leanne have been married for 24 years and are parents to Harrison (12), Jack Whitten (10), and Annlea (8)
John Noblin with Lifeline Children’s Services
John Noblin has been the Mississippi and Louisiana State Director for Lifeline Children’s Services for the past six and a half years. John is a lifelong resident of Jackson as well as a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, notwithstanding a brief detour in the 90s to help plant Highlands Presbyterian in Ridgeland. He holds undergrad and law degrees from Ole Miss and has been married to his wife, Jill, for 35 years. They have two adult daughters who also live in Jackson.
