The Flourish Conference was this past weekend, and I was honored to offer the opening prayer on Friday evening. We’re so happy to support CGWM and the work that they're doing for the Kingdom of God and for women both in and outside of the CGGC. It is crucial that we help disciple and equip every person God has called into ministry, whether professional or otherwise. CGWM and The Flourish Conference are taking powerful steps toward that mission.
I could give you a run down of how the conference went, but wouldn’t you rather hear from the show runner herself? Kathy Foor, Churches of God Women’s Ministries director, details her thoughts and experiences from the conference, along with the reactions and take aways from a number of attendees. You’ll want to read it and be encouraged by what God is doing through the CGWM.
Take it away, Kathy.
CGWM Director Kathy Foor
My heart is full as I reflect on everything I saw, heard, and experienced at The Flourish Conference last weekend. What a glorious time we shared together in the presence of the Lord!
I could tell even during registration on Friday evening that something amazing was happening. I saw a woman who had registered at the last minute for only Friday evening. Holy Spirit nudged me to ask her if she meant to do that or if she had wanted to attend the whole weekend. Tears filled her eyes as she told me her story. Guided by the Lord, I invited her to join us for the entire weekend, and she did. I watched as God connected her to others who would confirm what He was speaking to her and I can hardly wait to hear the rest of the story!
I met another woman who was invited by a friend to come to Friday’s session. This led to an invitation to come back for Saturday’s comedy show with Joyce Sankey, and that led to an invitation to join us for the last session on Sunday morning. I am reminded of the power of invitation and that sometimes many baby steps can really lead to more than we anticipate.
All weekend, everywhere I looked, I saw women deep in conversation, sensing God in their connection. I saw old friendships renewed and new friendships bloom, and it was evident the Holy Spirit was orchestrating divine encounters—with Himself and with other women.
In asking women if they saw God at work through the weekend, the answer was a unanimous yes. Here are a few of the responses to my follow-up question, “How?”
“Through Dave and Linda’s testimony, the music, the hugs and prayers I received.”
“I felt the Spirit at work.”
“I saw how to approach God in more authentic ways.”
“Holy Spirit led us to praise, pray for others, and share.”
“I could feel His presence. I was at peace, and my anxiety and depression were not present.”
When I asked women if they would come again and why responses included:
“I was fed spiritually. Enjoyed meeting new people.”
“I was blessed to meet like-minded ladies as well as gain Kingdom building skills.”
“I like this conference because I feel closer to God.”
“This year I have ideas and thoughts to take home with me.”
“It was awesome!”
“There were MANY women and me who felt the presence of the Lord this past weekend. I sensed women were hungry for Him…it was a beautiful privilege to gather with a widely unified group of sisters and brothers who were leaning into the One who died to save us.”
Every conversation I heard or participated in was focused on the Lord and what He was saying/doing. Answered prayers were everywhere, all around us! Women ministering to women with the love of God just blessed my heart to no end!
There were a few hiccups, of course. There always are, but God’s plans were established. Praise His mighty name! Our theme focused on the mission and vision of CGWM to equip and empower women to encounter and engage with those God puts in their path was received with hungry, willing hearts as we heard so many living examples of that in our speakers’ lives and testimony.
We are so thankful that the Lord provided everything and everyone we needed in order to simulcast the weekend to Haley Day and her ladies in Gamerco, New Mexico, another first for us! This allowed us to have every session recorded so that we will be able to make them available on our YouTube channel in the coming days. We would love to see that grow to more locations next year!
We invite everyone to gather a group of friends together on a Saturday in March or April and view the sessions together and then discuss what God is saying through each session. If you do, we would love to hear how God continues to use this weekend to encourage and strengthen women to live more boldly for God.
The CGWM National Leadership team has already begun preparations and prayer for next year, so we invite you to put that on your calendar and join us!
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CGGC eNews—Vol. 17, No. 10
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