You know that missionary you met on your short term trip?
Or that friend that started a non-profit?
That one who runs an orphanage. Or a cafe.
That one who adopted 7 local orphaned children.
That one that could really use an encouragement.
An unsung hero that the world needs to know about.
Well, we want to celebrate them.
It's been called "The Oscars For Missionaries"
People have asked, "Wait, what? Missionaries in Tuxedos?"
At first, nothing seems more contradictory that a black-tie missions gala, but
unsung heroes that had been praying for financial help had their prayers answered.
People have asked, "Wait, what? Missionaries in Tuxedos?"
At first, nothing seems more contradictory that a black-tie missions gala, but
Justin Miller, 2011 Epoch People's Choice Winnter said,
"I think that an event like this is long overdue."
Celebrating Unsung Heroes
Unsung hero n: a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution; a person whose bravery is unknown
Epoch 2013 honors the unsung heroes; the people who cross the boulevard or the world to serve where poverty, drought, HIV/AIDS, sex trafficking, homelessness, and fear reign. For these heroes, this is more than planting churches and discipling – this is life.
This October, we're hosting presenters like Jon Acuff ("Quitter," "Stuff Christians Like"), Bob Goff("Love Does"), and All Sons & Daughters to help us celebrate these heroes. Epoch is a red carpet, black-tie affair where we award resources totaling $50,000 to keep our winners doing what they do. The evening will offer both celebration and challenge for all of us to address universal problems in unique and meaningful ways that dignify and set people free.
Awards & Nominations
So, how can you help?
You may have met a missionary on the field that is doing amazing things and no one is noticing. You may know of a non-profit in Atlanta that is changing the world, but no one has heard about it. Or you may just know someone who others also know about, but you know they deserve to be celebrated and honored like never before. We want you to tell us why we should.
The 2013 Epoch Awards are as follows:
Innovative Start-Up
Collaborative Project
Global Missional Leader
Outstanding Service Award
Atlanta Based Hero
People's Choice
Check out more info on all the awards here.
"I sat back and sunk deep into my chair, smiling. I looked around at my friends and heroes and thought, “Yes, this is just a taste.” A taste of next year, of doing this all over again—undoubtedly bigger and better. A taste of a reception yet to come, when those who have labored and sacrificed so hard will finally hear the words they've been waiting for. The words that will make their struggles significant. The words that will lead to laughter and tears. Two important words that make any pain worth it:
Well done."
-Jeff Goins, author of Wrecked
