[Christina86]

Hello all.

The time has come again this year for me to attend another annual national conference for my religious group. I'm my university's representative at this conference.

It will be a week in Winnipeg, MB filled with prayer, discussion, song and getitng to know God better and worshipping him. It will also be a good networking and community building time.

If you have any time, if you could pray that it goes well and that everyone comes closer to God (and that I learn a lot) that would be most appreciated.

For the rest of the information about my conference, vacation and trip - click HERE!!!!!!!!

[(JD)]

Certainly! The main problem I always found with the conferences is you have to come home... come back to the real world. TC and enjoy!

Father we ask that you be with canders on this trip. Help her to be open to Your message for her. Keep her safe and bring her back to us a wiser follower of You.



Sky

[jacq10]

Will do ....
(((((((((((((Christina)))))))))))

Jacq

[Christina86]

Well, the conference is over and went very well indeed. Rather than place a whole bunch of information here (just in case about confidentiality and all that), if anyone wants to know about the conference I attended, please send me a PM.

God is wonderful, I'm so glad I was able to go. It was very enlightening and refreshing.

[(JD)]

You can share your personal experiences here at PC.

[Christina86]

Well, in that case... (Thanks Sky!)

It was very enlightening. We had worship services every morning led by different individuals, so we had a wide variety!

We discussed sexuality and religion (the GLBT community and their treatment in the different denominations).

We were able to talk in groups about our different religious backgrounds and experiences ... which was very interesting.

The group was predominately Christian, but we had people who identified as agnostic, and spiritual and even one person who defined themselves as an atheist.

It was spiritually uplifting, with songs and scripture readings and discussion.

I enjoyed it very much indeed.

We also had some regular meeting/conference stuff happening, but that was towards the end of the week.

I feel more grounded in my faith now, and I'm not even exaggerating!

I'm going back to my university with more ideas about outreach in my community and at my university, and being able to network with other universities and groups across Canada (and throughout the world).

It was absolutely awesome!

[(JD)]

That sounds very interesting to me.. .especially why those who were atheists might attend a religious conference. Was it advertised as a multi belief conference, rather than the usual "faith-based" emphasis? I can see agnostics, wishing to find proof for or against, I think.

What part was strongest for you, and are you comfortable sharing more about what you responded to personally?

[bebop]

I went to a women's conference a couple of weeks ago and I think I am still up in the clouds lol.

am so glad you feel so uplifted hon.

[(JD)]

Again, I would love to hear what impressed you most... both of you... maybe if not in this thread, in one for "What I got back from a conference" ????

I haven't been to one in... nearly 20 years. I tried to attend during the years right after my injury.... no one understood...I was alone, (though still married) and no one could relate. All I found was answers for everyone else... but none for me, being in such total pain, agonizing with health issues and family and such... having been in the ministry... IDK if I would dare try another conference of the spiritual nature again. They seem to demand that you have a "known" purpose for living, that everyone has a calling, and gifts to perform it...

so I really would like to hear how you were helped.

[bebop]

the one I went to was a little different I guess. mostly fellowship of christian women and a wonderful speaker. Her name is Jan Aldredge. She has quite a testimony.

[Christina86]

Hi Sky, the group is Christian based (as it states in its title) but it said it welcomed anyone of any faith who was willing to explore their faith, and was willing to talk about God and Jesus.

The part that would have to be strongest for me was one of two seperate things that happened at the conference. I found it emotionally draining at first due to the prolonged contact with everyone, and their different personalities so I went to see the chaplain we had at the conference (there's one at every national conference). It was the most awesome experience, we talked about religion, and spirituality and then he prayed for me which was an awesome experience.

The other time would have to be the shared singing and prayer time we all shared every morning - there is nothing like worshipping God and Jesus together as a group, and building community in the process.