The 103rd New Wilmington Mission Conference will be held at Westminster College Saturday through Friday.

About 1,000 delegates and staff from across the nation and around the world will come together for a week of Bible study, spiritual enrichment, and Christian fellowship. It is estimated that another 1,000 regional residents will attend some portion of the conference.

Meetings are open to all.

The conference is unique in that it is an intergenerational and family conference, yet is distinctively youth-oriented. It began as a Presbyterian mission conference for young people in 1906. It has retained its Presbyterian roots and connections while promoting the broader Christian witness in the world.

The theme verse for the conference is Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” Missionaries from more than 20 countries will highlight the work of many who are leading the way in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not heard or received it. Other speakers will share some of the great things God is doing in the world and how the number of Christian believers is multiplying in many places.

A special feature on Tuesday is “Come and See.” Pastors and youth ministers are invited to come to learn about the conference. A free lunch is included for those who register by contacting the conference office at 724-946-9770. Pittsburgh Theological Seminary professor Dr. Scott Sunquist will speak about “The Missional Church: From Good to Great.” Dr. Sunquist and his daughter, Caroline Becker, edited the just-released “A History of Presbyterian Missions: 1944-2007.”

Sudanese pastors will speak at an afternoon workshop about the challenges for the church and their work in Darfur.

Two worship services are available Sunday morning at 11 a.m. — the Rev. Joan Gray, immediate past moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA), will preach at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church; and Dr. Sunquist will speak at Anderson Amphitheater.

Missionaries and mission organizations will exhibit their displays Sunday in McKelvey Campus Center from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

All evening programs and speakers will be at 7:45 p.m. in Anderson Amphitheater:

Dr. Rodger Nishioka, professor of Christian education at Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, is the featured speaker for the week. Dr. Nishioka was the keynote speaker in 1995 and 2000. He will speak Sunday evening and will lead the 11 a.m. meetings Monday through Friday.

Jim Martin, vice president of International Justice Ministries in Washington, D.C., will speak Monday evening. IJM intercedes with rescue and legal aid to those who are enslaved and oppressed around the world.

Tuesday evening will be a global worship with the Rev. Corey Nelson of Lake Forest, Ill. Music and liturgy from five continents will be incorporated in this celebration.

Wednesday evening’s speaker will be Dr. Kenneth Bailey, an author, lecturer, and retired missionary from New Wilmington. The service will celebrate the years of service of Presbyterian missionaries.

A Christian musician from Central Asia will return for Thursday evening’s “Tajikistan: Testimony, Song, and Dance.”