Thank you for waiting oh so long for an update on Conference. The 2009 Aglow Int'l Conference was held October 22-25 in Louisville, KY. It was fantastic, and God moved in great ways!
Before I get into it, let me remind you about my blog- I'm writing this blog as part of the Generations page for Aglow Int'l. I'm not sponsoring anything, and they didn't tell me to write anything. But if you wonder why I keep talking about Aglow in my blog? Well- I'm hosted on their page.
And if you're wondering what Aglow is? Aglow is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization that ministers to people worldwide. It used to be open to women only (was called "Women's Aglow" for a number of years) but is now open to men and women. Questions? Just ask. Or check out http://www.aglow.org/. There. For all my personal friend readers, now you know why I talk about my internship so much. Now... Aglow Conference.....
Now, I'm not one to spend money to attend many church conferences. I know it's bad, but I don't have a lot of money to spend! Although yes- I could forfit a new sweater and shoes to go to a conference. But then- WHO do you go hear or see?
Here is a list:
Joyce Meyer - Yes.
Chip Ingram - Yes.
Christine Cain - Yes.
Aglow Int'l - YES YES YES.
Aglow has made my list this year. And quite honestly, I didn't know much about Aglow before I began interning, so save the comments please. ;) The conference (which happens annually and will be held in San Jose, CA next October) was packed full of exciting worship, great speakers, excellent teaching, and best of all- the presence of God just permeated the place.
The speakers this year were Jane Hansen Hoyt, Mike Bickle, Graham Cooke, and Asher Intrater.
Mike Bickle is the founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. The IHOP is a House of Prayer based on Isaiah 56:7 which says, "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." The goal of IHOPS is to have 24/7 prayer and worship. I could go on and on, but check out http://www.ihop.org/. Mike Bickle spoke about intimacy with God- how God loves us and wants our fellowship and love (which come through reading, thinking about, and speaking out God's word, talking to God- throughout your day as you go about your activities and in a specific prayer time, and singing to God).
Graham Cooke is a part of The Mission in Vacaville, CA. He was very funny while he spoke, but he also spoke about the relationship we can have with Jesus- how God really wants us to be in close fellowship with Him, to really know Him.
Jane Hansen Hoyt is the president of Aglow Int'l. Jane spoke about the role of men and women- that men and women are partners, co-laborers together here on the Earth. She spoke about how men and women in the church are to join hands together and accomplish God's work. This was a powerful message!
And Asher Intrater is the director of Revive Israel Ministries in Jerusalem. Asher's teaching/speaking session was so powerful that I don't even know where to begin! He spoke about Christians honoring their Jewish brothers and sisters in the faith- recognizing that we are grafted in the vine. This session especially was so powerful- there was such a love that was imparted for our Jewish brothers and sisters. Many, including me, left with a changed heart- a heart full of love for Jews, love to see them saved and restored into relationship with Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, Jesus Christ.
If any of the descriptions I have used here sound strange or unfamiliar, please feel free to write me if you would like me to clarify. I try to stay away from "christianese" when I write, but I may not have avoided it fully. Also, if you would just like to hear more about conference in depth, you are welcome to visit http://www.freshpublishing.com/ and order the Conference DVD, or CD's.
Perhaps most amazing about conference, was seeing Aglow members from all over the world. While Aglow operates in over 160 countries around the world, members from almost 105 countries attended the conference! Shown below are a few of my friends from Venezuela. They are fabulous women of God, and we became friends quickly! I am privilaged to know them.
I was fortunate to get time to walk around downtown Louisville and explore. Being the home of Mohammed Ali, The Louisville Slugger, and The Kentucky Derby, there were some fun things to explore and learn! Here is the beloved Rick, Rowena, and Oyin, on the steps of City Hall.
Louisville was a blast, and conference was awesome! I would honestly encourage you to make it a priority to attend the San Jose, CA conference this next year.
And last but not least- Boston. In my last post I said I would give some tidbits on Boston so here they are:
My friend and I were able to take a trip to Boston after the Aglow Conference. It was so much fun and such a blast! Here are some things we would highly recommend:
*Take a duck tour! So much fun, and what a great way to get a feel of the historic downtown.
*The Boston Commons. You may want to go here before you see the freedom trail....
*Go see Harvard. If not to see the beautiful grounds, then to take your best "Legally Blonde" picture... I mean...
*The Freedom Trail. This is the number one tour/trail/etc. you want to do in Boston. $15 for an audio tour track, and worth every penny.
*And if it's the season, take in a Red Sox game! "Let's go, Boston!!"
Again, I encourage you to comment or e-mail me if something I wrote about doesn't make sense- I would love to talk with you! Conference was fantastic, and Boston was a great time as well. I hope everyone is doing wonderful!
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