Seventh annual MissionFest will be Sunday at Osage Centre

The seventh annual MissionFest this weekend aims to provide faith-based organizations an opportunity to connect, share ideas and educate the community about giving back.

The event will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau.

Event coordinator Cheryl Mothes said 35 organizations or �ministry exhibitors� will take part in this year�s event, providing opportunities within Southeast Missouri.

Several of the ministries represented Sunday fund missions through the sale of products, she said, such as jewelry or artwork.

Mothes describes it as a fundraising opportunity. Some of the organizations are in Southeast Missouri; others are more regional and international she said.

�There�s a young girl who is 11. She has a booth for Advent Conspiracy,� she said. �It�s the whole concept that we spend way too much on Christmas, and if we spent 2 percent of what we spend on Christmas on water wells, the whole world would have clean water.�

The girl sells bracelets to raise money for a well in Haiti, Mothes said. Once money is raised for a specific well, Mothes said the girl will then choose another well to help fund.

Also in attendance Sunday will be an agency specializing in training missionaries, Mothes said.

�If you have a heart to be a missionary, it�s free training,� Mothes said. �You can have as little personal involvement with each ministry as you wish, or all in.�

There also will be a meal-packing event to benefit those affected by recent hurricanes, Mothes said, with a goal of 30,000 meals boxed by the end of the event Sunday.

Music throughout the day will be provided by KHIS Radio, and Jimmie Miller will perform at 2:30 p.m., she said.

She estimated 150 to 175 attendees last year and hopes MissionFest continues to grow.

�We�d like to see 250 this year,� she said. �By being there, it really does boost the morale of these ministries. They love sharing what they�re doing for others.�

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632