174 Years and Counting

Our Executive Director, Toney Salva, spent the final week of June in Turner, Oregon, at the Northwest Christian Convention. This year marked the convention's 174th consecutive gathering, making it the longest-running annual Christian gathering in the United States. Its origins predate the statehood of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. As pioneers traveled the Oregon Trail, members of what became known as the Restoration Movement established churches in the communities where they settled, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the Pacific Northwest today.

Evergreen Network had the privilege of hosting the morning Bible study, which focused on the book of 1 Peter. Our own Jesse Lusko, pastor of Counterculture Church in Portland, taught one chapter each day, while his wife, Bekah Lusko, led the gathering in worship each morning. Toney Salva also led a workshop on the importance of church planting and discipleship, challenging attendees to place a "welcome mat" in front of their churches, their homes, and their hearts so that others might experience the love of Christ.



The conference theme, "Above all, love each other deeply" (1 Peter 4:8), served as a powerful reminder that love is the essential foundation of Christian ministry. Without it, all our efforts for the Kingdom

become little more than noise.

Other keynote speakers included Dr. LeRoy Lawson (far left)—former president of Hope International University, church planter, pastor, and a Tillamook, Oregon native—and longtime Pepperdine University professor Jeff Walling (far right). Jeff also introduced the three finalists from this year's Next Generation Preacher Search. These gifted young communicators from around the country each shared a message during the week, offering the Pacific Northwest a glimpse of what God may be raising up for the future. Perhaps among them are future church planters who will one day help reach this region with the gospel.

More than 100 churches were represented at this year's convention coming from Oregon, Idaho and Washington.

Evergreen Network is honored to help shape the future of this historic gathering and will serve on the planning team for the next three years, with Toney Salva leading the planning efforts for the 2028 convention.

What You Can Be Doing This Summer

• Pray for new projects launching in: Kamloops, BC • Corvallis, OR • E Portland, OR • S Salem, OR

• Pray for all the couples being assessed at our August Church Planting Assessment

• Make an extra financial gift to help us during the summer months

• Encourage your church to partner with one of our upcoming projects above

• Forward this email to a friend! The more people praying for our work the better!