Lorraine Pelley and Jannice May
By Maryann Stevens
LOS ANGELES--One hundred twenty-two women gathered at the Renaissance Hotel Sept. 1 to 3 for the third annual ministers' wives conference. Of the 122 in attendance, 56 were at the conference for the first time. Eleven countries were represented.
We gathered to connect and bond with each other, develop and deepen our friendships. The conference was organized by Jannice May, president of Connecting & Bonding, Inc.
Even before the conference began, the women felt pampered, one of Jannice's goals for the conference. Gifts greeted each woman at check-in and again in her room. (And each morning of the weekend.)
Friday evening, Sept. 1, Oasis Praise Band led a praise and worship service.
Tammy Tkach then opened the conference by reminding us we have a place to go in the midst of life's storms. The Lord is our safe place, our refuge, our high tower, our rock and our shelter. She also reminded us that this weekend was a safe place, we were with our sisters and in Christ's arms.
Saturday morning we were ushered into the presence of God through music and worship led by Sylvia Frejd, a gifted singer, songwriter and worship leader.
Naomi Beard, adjunct professor at The King's College & Seminary, encouraged us to find what we have a passion for. She reminded us that God put value in each of us before we were born. We have been given the resources for what God has planned for each of us.
Ellie Kay, founder of Shop, Save & Share Seminars, showed us how something as simple as clipping coupons can be a ministry. She shared stories of women who have shared Jesus through their groceries! She said: "You are God's arms of love reaching out to the physical needs of those around you."
One major thread that ran through the conference was coming alongside of a person with words and actions of encouragement.
Helene R. Hkiyono taught praise dance to the women who attended. Helene has a dance ministry in Hawaii, He Oli Mau (An Everlasting Joy), which consists of Christians from various churches. The women who took her praise dance class Saturday evening performed Sunday.
Sunday morning began with a presentation by Kathleen Hart, chaplain to student wives at Fuller Theological Seminary. Kathleen reminded us that "where God guides, God provides."
Jesus lives in each one of us. She pointed out that whatever happens to each of us happens to Jesus.
Pam Farrel, an award-winning freelance writer, spoke about Fanning the Flames in Your Marriage. Pam encouraged us to accept our husbands and understand the differences between men and women. She said we should see our husband through God's eyes, to build him up and edify him. She told us to not allow anyone to control our heart strings except God.
Dolores Feitl, founder of P.O.W.E.R. (Pastors' Outreaching Wives Enrichment Resource), a networking group for pastors' wives, talked about the fishbowl syndrome. She encouraged us not to go to God with options and expect him to choose one--but to go to him with empty hands.
The conference ended with communion. At this conference God showed us his grace. He opened hearts and starting healing where some didn't realize healing was needed. We bonded as sisters in Christ, we were fed spiritually and emotionally and we were strengthened.
Next year's conference will be over Labor Day Weekend 2001. H.B. London of Focus on the Family will be a guest speaker.
Lorraine Pelley and Jannice May
CANADIAN VISITORS--Jannice May with
Canadian women at the retreat.
Kathleen Hart
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000