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Lee University to Hold Annual Dee Lavender Missions Week

by Meredith Dufresne

Cleveland, TN (10/14/2026) — Lee University will host its annual Dee Lavender Missions Week Oct. 19-22, inviting students, faculty, staff, and the community to recognize and participate in God's mission to the world. Named in honor of Dee Lavender, a Lee student whose passion for global missions continues to inspire generations, the week challenges the university community to share the hope of Christ with people around the world.

This year's theme, "Publish His Deeds," comes from Psalm 96:3 (NLT), which calls believers to proclaim God's glory and marvelous deeds among all peoples. The theme emphasizes God's kingship over all creation and the call for believers to join in making Him known throughout the world.

"Lee University is more than an extension of the body of Christ; it is an expression of Christ's body," said Lutes. "For us to faithfully express our love to Christ necessitates that we recognize our call to 'publish His deeds,' both individually and collectively."

Featured speakers include Jonny Moore, a Lee alumnus and missionary who has spent more than 16 years serving throughout Southeast Asia, and Wes Lutes, Lee's campus pastor and director of spiritual life. Moore will speak in chapel Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Lutes will speak Thursday, Oct. 22; both services will take place in the Conn Center at 10:45 a.m.

Moore serves as director of international operations for Serving Orphans Worldwide, working with local leaders and ministry partners who care for orphaned and vulnerable children. This year, Lee will partner with Moore in support of his ministry in Southeast Asia as part of the university's annual Missions Week project.

"Former student Dee Lavender was burdened to be a witness to God's faithfulness and gave her life publishing His deeds," said Lutes. "Our prayer is that God will call forward students to recognize and take part in serving the world through the Gospel of Jesus and that Missions Week will be a catalyst for this movement."

Twenty missionary partners will visit classrooms Monday through Wednesday to share about their ministries, experiences, and work around the world. Students will also have the opportunity to join the missionaries for lunch.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, a prayer gathering will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Cornerstone Chapel. All are invited to join in prayer as the university reflects on the week's theme and its call to make God known among all peoples.

Following Thursday's chapel, missionary partners will host booths on the Pedestrian Mall in front of the Vest Building from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students, faculty, staff, and guests are welcome to meet the partners, learn about their ministries, and hear more about their work locally and globally.

For more information about Dee Lavender Missions Week, visit leeuniversity.edu/missions-week or contact Campus Ministries at (423) 614-8420 or campusministries@leeuniversity.edu.

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