A lot of new pastors in attendance ~ It is always a tremendous blessing when a large percentage of attendees are first timers. It's reassuring to know that previous attendees are sharing their experiences with their acquaintances and sharing the vision. Then there are the amazing testimonies of how these precious pastors and their wives were able to come to the conference and what they are expecting God to do during the week.
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| A group of new pastors, hanging out, during registration. |
Reaching the indigenous people ~ As a result of Chuck, Rafael, and Pedro's visit to the mountains a few months ago (see previous post), an indigenous pastor and his wife came to this conference. During their mountain adventure, Chuck's team drove over questionable roads, through a river, parked, and walked a mile to visit pastors in that area (this is before rainy season). The indigenous couple many more hours into the mountains from where Chuck's team visited. The couple hiked several hours and travelled by car for at least 14 hours to come to the conference. They had heard about the team's visit and wanted to find out what this conference was all about. Awesome! During the conference, they were invited up front to translate what was being sung & said into their native tongue, what a treat! They would love for Chuck & the team to come visit their area, Chuck thought he may need to hire a pack of burros.
A Time for Healing ~ During the conference, as we strive to strengthen marriages, we provide a special opportunity for the husbands & wives. During one day, there is a special teaching time for the ladies, and during this time the husbands write a love letter to their wives. Then that evening during fellowship time, letters are picked at random, for the husband to read to his wife on his knee, while she sits, in front of everyone. For some this is very moving, as they may not hear these words of admiration, love, and affection from their husband very often, let alone in front of a whole crowd. This week a husband shared of his thankfulness to his wife for her patience, endurance, and love for him as he had abused her and been an alcoholic previously. What a transparent moment and opportunity for healing in their relationship. Would you pray for them? That God would continue to bring healing, transparency, and growth to their marriage.
Special friends ~ What fun it was to serve the pastors with our dear friends, Dave & Dala Breummer (see their posts). They were incredible! Dala used her spanish to have many conversations with many in attendance. Dave taught the men. Dala taught the ladies. They both served meals, moved chairs, hung tarps, cleaned tables, prayed, and loved on everyone. Their patience, humility, and tireless energy were an inspiration to us all. What a special week!
Wisdom Shared ~ Something new this conference was a panel on marriage, provided by Paul & Elaine Newkirk and Bill & Jane Robertson. Both couples have faithfully served at many conferences, and what an significant impact they made. God spoke profoundly through their experiences and wisdom gained through their own journeys. Difficult questions were asked and thoughtful, practical, insightful, and discerning wisdom was shared.
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| Alistair is taking it all in. |
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| Sydney entertaining the kids. |
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| An awesome lunch crew. |
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