A variety of messages are welcoming some 6,000 Disciples this week to the 2009 General Assembly in Indianapolis, also known as the “Crossroads of America.” They will see signage highlighting the Assembly and its theme, “for the Healing of the Nations” (Rev. 22.2) in several key places.  

To begin with, 40 JetBridge decals will greet Disciples as they step off their planes at the Indianapolis airport with the words, “Welcome to Indianapolis for the 2009 General Assembly.”

“I was pleasantly surprised to see the signs at the airport welcoming us,” said Peter E. Makari, Global Ministries executive for the Middle East and Europe who flew to Indianapolis from Cleveland, Ohio. “As a member of the staff and part of the Church, it was a source of pride seeing those things. It was great to see that kind of welcome and affirmation for why we have come here.”

The welcoming program also includes a huge billboard sign along 1-70 east near the FedEx airport complex. Twenty-five colorful banners touting the Assembly have also gone up on poles in downtown Indianapolis along Washington Street, one the city’s main thoroughfares.

“Even though it is being held in Indianapolis in 2009 where the General Office is located and there are many Disciples, it will still be an opportunity to really highlight our on-going presence and witness here,” said General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins.

Executive Director of Communication Ministries Wanda Bryant Wills helped coordinate the welcoming program. “We had very limited dollars for this initiative, but believe it has been positive.”

Disciples also will see messages welcoming them at downtown hotels, restaurants and several visitor attractions during the Assembly.

By:  James Patterson