Conference Leaders

Gordon Fort

Dr. Gordon Fort is currently serving as the Sr. Ambassador for the President, IMB. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University, College Station, and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX.

Gordon grew up in Zimbabwe, one of five boys born to medical missionary doctor parents. Gordon and his wife, Leigh Ann, have served with the IMB since their appointment in 1985. They began their missions’ career in Botswana, Africa, where he was a church planter. He has also served as Associate to the Area Director for Southern Africa, as Regional Leader for Southern Africa, and as Vice President for the Office of Overseas Operations. As Sr. Vice President of Prayer Mobilization, he led initiatives to train and equip believers in practicing focused intercessory prayer for the nations. Most recently Gordon serves as Senior Ambassador for the President of the IMB.

Gordon and Leigh Ann have four children, and nine grandchildren. His passion is to see the gospel proclaimed to every language, people, tribe, and nation.

Will & Kaitlyn Plyer

Will Plyler has been the worship director at the Church at Sandhurst in Florence, SC, since March of 2024. He and his wife Kaitlyn live in Florence with their three-year-old son, Toby. Will has been leading worship and writing songs of praise since he was in middle school. He recently received his master of arts in worship ministry from Mosaic Christian College. His songs are all about trusting God, loving people, and sharing life lessons.

Kaitlyn has been singing with Will since they began dating in 2017. She currently serves as a science teacher at the Kings Academy in Florence, SC. She is passionate in leading God’s people to worship through helping them explore the wonders of His creation. 

Mission Project

At Ignite, we are partnering with H3 — Health, Healing, and Hope to assemble “Bless Your Heart” Bags for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. H3 is a street medicine ministry serving Sanford and Lee County, NC. Every item you bring helps stock these bags with practical, everyday care.

List of Needed Supplies

Cough syrup

Mucinex

Generic Afrin ( Dollar Tree has this)

Vicks

Cough drops

Eye drops

Ben Gay

Bandaids

Bandages

Optional Volunteer Opportunities

Want to do more? We have two hands-on volunteer sites where you can serve before Ignite begins. Both are close to Jonesboro Heights, and each can host up to 15 volunteers. Volunteer time is 2:00–4:00 PM.

“You must register to volunteer by clicking on the link under the Mission Opportunity sites. Please come to Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church between 1-1:30pm on Friday, October 2nd to check in. You will wait for your whole group to arrive before going over to the mission site.” 

Registrations Links:

Sanford Outreach Mission — sanfordoutreachmission.com Volunteers will help in the kitchen or sort storage areas at this homeless shelter, depending on the needs of the day.

Christians United Outreach Center of Lee County — cuoclc.org Volunteers will tour their new facility, learn how their food pantry functions, and help out where needed that day.

The following hotels have been contacted and have reduced-price rooms blocked off. Please reference WMU of NC when you call to request your room. 

Nearby Hotel Information

Comfort Suites — (919) 842-5600
(1891 Bragg St, Sanford NC 27330)
Must call and request code WMU of NC – $125 per night

Homes2Suites (newest) — 877-646-6302
(115 Amos Bridges Rd, Sanford, NC 27330)
Click This Link To Book – Use code: “WMU”
King bed only – book by 9/2

Hampton Inn – (919) 775-2000
(1904 Horner Blvd, Sanford, NC 27330)
You Must Call to book and request code “WMU.” Book by 9/2