Posted September 7, 2003

Over the July 4th weekend, I was able to attend the 2003 Independence Weekend Campus and Singles' Conference in Washington, DC. The theme of the conference was "The Faithful Witness," and I wanted to share some of my thoughts and experiences from the conference. With everything that has gone on over the past 6-8 months I must say I initially was a little apprehensive about what to expect but, as usual, God definitely exceeded my expectations. We arrived Thursday evening for registration, fellowship and some entertainment. Friday and Saturday morning were classes with both afternoons open for sight seeing, fellowship and dates (of course). Saturday evening there was a talent show followed by an evening of dancing to either jazz or the traditional DJ. I have to admit I started out with the DJ but eventually moved over to the jazz room. At 39, I think I’m getting too old for the mosh pit! Scott Green was our keynote speaker and also gave our message Sunday morning. His class was filled with personal insights, thoughts, encouragement and several scriptures. The highlight of his class was when he shared some of his personal experiences in China. It was exciting to hear about all of the churches in China filled with men and women committed to following Jesus who live a life of underground worship. He shared how grateful the men and women there are for our sacrifice. Without it, thousands of Chinese men and women wouldn’t know Jesus. He also expressed how much our brothers and sisters all over the world are praying for us. Scott shared his teaching on opinion and how we can share our opinions with one another in such a way that we come across as if it is “from God” but we must be careful not to make others feel that our opinion is somehow “gospel” if it is not clearly addressed in the Bible. I know I have been guilty of this and it was very helpful. Overall he encouraged us to embrace the dreams and goals we have and to not lose sight of God and his incredible plan for our lives. There are many specifics I could share and if anyone would like my notes I would be happy to provide you with a copy if you e-mail me. Another class that inspired me was a class on Faith Through Trials. A sister from Michigan shared how she had moved twice to date; once to another city and once to another country. During her time in that country she was also stalked to the point that she lived in constant fear. Simply leaving her apartment was terrifying. She humbly shared some horrible things that have happened to her as a disciple and what she was able to learn from it. Through it all she has never lost sight of Jesus and his love for her but has truly learned how to live by faith. I was also reminded of was what an incredible gift I have been given to be among the fellowship of believers. I made several new friends as well as reconnected with old ones and it was as if no time had passed. I would like to share something that happened to me that I will never forget. I ran into a young campus woman from Penn State who I had met briefly at Kristen Wilson’s wedding. She was with her childhood friend who had been a disciple for four months and they invited me to spend some time with them. The fact that two 20 year olds would want to hang out with an old single woman like myself was in and of itself very encouraging! Upon hearing I had been a disciple for 13 years they began firing questions at me. How many people have I studied the Bible with? How many of my friends have become Christians? How many people have I seen get baptized? What is my favorite book in the Bible? How many dates have I been on? Do I ever get overwhelmed? Yes, obviously they don’t know me very well. The list goes on but I think you get the idea. One thing that Scott Green challenged the older singles with is the encouragement and example we can be to the young and this interaction reminded me of that very clearly. It also reminded me of the incredible gift I have been given. Over the last 13 years I can’t even remember the number of bible studies I have been in on but I remember every person God has put in my life to study the Bible with. Their questions reminded me of all the miracles I have seen in my life and in those around me, both at home and all over the world: Seeing the Russian churches go from a small mission team to literally multiplying by the thousands; seeing the work HOPE worldwide has done to immunize thousands of children as well as what God has done in my own life and family. I have seen God heal my father from alcoholism and restore my family, as well as healing me from obesity and food addiction. I have seen women healed from the pain of divorce, physical and emotional abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction, and loneliness only by the grace of God. Most importantly, I have been given the privilege to witness so many devote their lives to Christ and to receive the gift of their salvation. As I went up to my room later that night it brought tears to my eyes to remember the incredible gift God has given me as well as to see the hope and vision these beautiful young women have as they begin their new life following Jesus. Their questions reminded me that as a single woman of 39 God has given me the most incredible purpose and life I could ever imagine, married or not. I know this is a challenging time in our fellowship, as well as all other the country, but I am reminded of the incredible plan and vision God still has for our lives.