2006 Conference - Glenada : 17-19th March
It was a chance to catch up on old friendships, make new ones, enjoy praise and worship and receive some excellent Bible teaching. This year our speaker was Nigel Mackey from Wesley College in Dublin .
The theme “Winners Take it All" under the headings Participation, Potential, Perseverance, Power and Perfection centred on the life of Paul and gave us all much room for thought. We were challenged by Paul’s life given over to God-appointed service releasing power in partnership with God. We were encouraged to persevere and pray, seeking gifts and living without being compromised by today’s values. We keep our focus on God, realise we are precious to Him and recognise all else is superfluous. It was clear that although Nigel spoke without a note, he spoke from a deep understanding of scripture and a strong anointing of the Holy Spirit. Each session built on the last and led to a time of prayer and ministry on Sunday morning that was a highlight for many.
We were also blessed by a variety of praise leaders – Melanie Johnston, Nigel Woods, Andrew Gibson and Alan Hutchinson. Each brought their own distinctive worship style, and each led us close to the heart of God.
The conference programme was different this year in that it brought the normal Saturday evening session forward into the early afternoon. This enabled day visitors to gain more active time while the residents were able to relax in the evening and enjoy a bit of craic (and birthday cake… but that’s another story isn’t it, Allen?).
What a family the Lay Witness Movement has become! We had quite a number of first-time conference attendees – both residential and as day visitors. It is always a joy to meet up with fellow team members from past missions. There is a quality and depth of friendship formed on these occasions that is very special. There is also the opportunity to meet people who are new to the Movement and have new stories and experiences to share. It is a place where lay ministry really does come into its own. It is common to see people involved in deep conversation and spontaneous prayer “bearing one another’s burdens”.
The theme “Winners Take it All" under the headings Participation, Potential, Perseverance, Power and Perfection centred on the life of Paul and gave us all much room for thought. We were challenged by Paul’s life given over to God-appointed service releasing power in partnership with God. We were encouraged to persevere and pray, seeking gifts and living without being compromised by today’s values. We keep our focus on God, realise we are precious to Him and recognise all else is superfluous. It was clear that although Nigel spoke without a note, he spoke from a deep understanding of scripture and a strong anointing of the Holy Spirit. Each session built on the last and led to a time of prayer and ministry on Sunday morning that was a highlight for many.
We were also blessed by a variety of praise leaders – Melanie Johnston, Nigel Woods, Andrew Gibson and Alan Hutchinson. Each brought their own distinctive worship style, and each led us close to the heart of God.
The conference programme was different this year in that it brought the normal Saturday evening session forward into the early afternoon. This enabled day visitors to gain more active time while the residents were able to relax in the evening and enjoy a bit of craic (and birthday cake… but that’s another story isn’t it, Allen?).
What a family the Lay Witness Movement has become! We had quite a number of first-time conference attendees – both residential and as day visitors. It is always a joy to meet up with fellow team members from past missions. There is a quality and depth of friendship formed on these occasions that is very special. There is also the opportunity to meet people who are new to the Movement and have new stories and experiences to share. It is a place where lay ministry really does come into its own. It is common to see people involved in deep conversation and spontaneous prayer “bearing one another’s burdens”.
Just for the record, the youngest participant this year was little Lauren Mackey who was all of nine months!! She may not have always been too attentive but then she’d heard her Dad before! Rumour has it that several ladies have booked in for next year at Glenada already just so that they can have a cuddle!