This year, ten well-known Ukrainian writers, composers, performers, worship leaders, project coordinators and teachers, such as Bria Blessing, Andrey Chmut, Hryfel Andriy, Vladislav Budeev, Anna Kindzerska and Sergei Lvov, contributed to the event by conducting seminars or workshops. Steve was amongst the several speakers delivering seminars and workshops throughout the conference as well as leading worship along with the International team.

This was a special Music In Worship conference for Steve as his friend and the head of London School of Theology music Department, Jeremy Perigo, joined the International team.

Again, a few delegates had to leave early as they had travelled (not by plane) over 12 hours in order to attend the conference. Amazing!!!

On 1 – 6 October 2019, BMI will be returning to Ukraine to record the several songs written by Ukraine songwriters at the Songwriting Consultation. (More information to follow!) We are thankful for these key, significant open-doors to minister to our brothers and sisters in Eastern Europe.

~ Steve Thompson

Well here ends another BMI Mission trip – Serbia. Evangelism is such a key aspect of our faith as is the equipping of the body of Christ. 
Numerical growth cannot be the focus of any local church but getting involved in reaching a lost society and the communities we live in. Transfer of believers from one church to another does not reflect the true effectivity of evangelism or the growth of The church generically.
One of the days here in Serbia I was speaking on priorities and as part of my reflection as we now get ready to leave Serbia is this thought – when evangelism dies as a priority, the church has already begun to die. We as part of a local church need to be more outward intentional with our activities rather than inward.
My heartstrings again are being pulled with a passion not only for evangelism but the very reason I travelled to what is now my 115th country. I have had the privilege of travelling and serving with a most excellent team of equally passionate friends – to join the program of the second phase of church growth which is discipleship and equipping. What a joy to have spent the last few days equipping the brothers and sisters primarily from the Roma Community in the area of worship & mission. This trip mission trip has reminded me how linked Worship & Mission are to Evangelism. 
Great that we can all play our part using the incredible gifts, talents and resources God has given each of us. Looking at our own team members, each so very different, coming from diverse backgrounds but sharing complimentary gifting and abilities. 
This particular Mission trip, more than others has challenged me (actually all of us) – I need to do more in the Kingdom of God as we get the earth – all tribes, nations, communities, peoples – ready for the return of Jesus.

Some of the delegates travelled over 13 hours one-way to be part of the Songwriting Consultation.

In May 2019, BMI will be returning to Ukraine to start working on the songs with a few of the singers.

~ Steve Thompson

During the conference, two musicians who were part of the conference made an impromptu performance. They will also be part of the Express Gospel Choir live recording in October.

VEL THOMPSON shares with Maria Rodrigues how she has responded to the times in her life when God seems to be silent.

Click Here for the interview.