By Bev Anne Moynham
CALGARY, Alberta--Joan Smithson, an original WCG member in Calgary, had a big smile on her face when she said, "I hope they do this again."
She was referring to the June 8 "Conference of Encouragement," an inspirational day of singing, praying and uplifting presentations played host to by the Calgary Shining LIGHTS (Ladies in God's House Together Serving) Women's Ministry.
Anita Swanson, another longtime member in Alberta, said, "It was so wonderful to see Jesus working."
Tammy Tkach, Sheila Graham and Norva Kelly came from Pasadena to speak to the 198 women who assembled at the Sheraton Cavalier in Calgary.
The coordinator of the Shining LIGHTS and organizer of the conference, Cathy Sheridan, was also one of the speakers.
Ruth Esau and B.J. Peters from the Calgary Christian community rounded out the presentations for the day. Choirs and soloists from all over the province provided musical selections, and the icing on the cake was a mime presentation by three women from the Alliance church in Cochrane, Alberta, who call themselves "Heart to Heart."
One of their presentations was developed specifically for this conference. They called it "His Yoke Is Easy," and it portrayed moving from legalism to God's freeing grace.
The speakers told the audience to remember how precious they are to God, how to live life with purpose and how to be a good listener.
They also learned to let go and let God, to call on God in emergencies because he is always available to give us encouragement, and that he is always there to provide refreshment with his word, other people and his presence.
Sheila Graham cleared up any misconceptions about what Women's Ministry is and what it isn't, and the day ended with Tammy Tkach admonishing the women to follow Jesus and ask him for the leadership qualities they need.
"We have a purpose now," said Jan Peterson of Lethbridge. Dorothy Nordstrom of Edmonton commented, "I was humbled and inspired by our sisters in other fellowships and their example of faith in Christ."
Phillis Cooper, a friend and workmate of a WCG member, attended the conference. Only days before, Phillis had been diagnosed with cancer--tumors on her liver.
She had told only her husband at the time, not her teenage daughters, wanting to wait until after the conference weekend.
Sheila Graham and B.J. Peters prayed for Jesus to heal and encourage her as part of the closing prayer to their talks. Phillis is a member of a community church in the south of Calgary. Her pastor and their prayer team were praying for her as well.
Monday after the conference, Phillis went to her doctor to determine what treatment she would need to begin. After more tests, they determined that the cancerous tumors were now benign and no further treatment was necessary. Phillis was dumbfounded and so relieved! She feels it is answered prayer that these tumors are benign.
Phillis phoned us the day she heard the good news, wanting to share this moment with us. God is truly gracious. What a wonderful, positive way to conclude our Conference of Encouragement.
July 22, 1997, WN, page 7
| WCG Home | Issues | Contents |
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God,1997