Published Mar 21, 2023
Interim DOM, Tem Mattox, shares a glimpse of his first experience at the annual Director of Missions Fellowship gathering in Fresno.
FRESNO, Ca. – On Sunday, my wife Karen and I checked in to our hotel and lounged for a short while before I received a text from our DOM Fellowship President, John Bohrer, inviting us to meet up before the official gathering began the next morning. We headed out to meet John, along with his wife Carol and one other couple. We had a great time together, and I really enjoyed listening to all the stories of how they each got to where they are now.
Monday morning, while our wives had a special meeting just for them, the DOM attendees had a full schedule that begin with a greeting from Executive Director Pete Ramirez and some rousing worship by Roger Byrd. John Bohrer opened us up to some “sharing time” from the new guys. We got to share how we found ourselves doing DOM work. Truthfully, as an interim in the role myself, I really enjoyed hearing from the other men from all over the state of California -how they, too, were surprised to find themselves serving as fellow Directors of Missions. It was very interesting to hear about the different settings and challenges we each face.
A variety of speakers updated us on important information from CSBC and SBC communication and other ministries, like Evangelism, Missions, Compliance, and Disaster Relief, that help us to support and equip our churches. Having previously been a church planter, I know firsthand that receiving support is both crucial and encouraging. Now, as a DOM, it’s my turn to pass along the information and support I gathered to the churches in my association.
On Tuesday, we DOMs and our wives had a special, dedicated time of worship and renewal with Jonathan and Tammy Jarboe–friends from our college days. Jonathan is the President of the Baptist Foundation of California.
I learned that the staff at the CSBC state office are great at helping DOMs and resourcing the ministry in California. It was a beautiful time.
The snow-covered mountain view from our hotel room was awesome too!
We are grateful,
Tem and Karen Mattox, Interim DOM Kern County
