Arise Women's Conference | Channelling Christians in 'The Joy of His Presence'
Published:Thursday | July 20, 2017 | 12:00 AMCecelia Campbell Livingston
Many songs have been sung about being in the presence of the Lord, but getting there has proven elusive for some Christians.
On Saturday, July 29, at Shortwood Teachers' College Auditorium from, 7 a.m. to
7 p.m., Christians will be instructed on how to be ushered into God's presence.
The Arise Women's Conference, under the theme, 'The Joy of His Presence' will focus on teaching people to recognise and rest in the presence of the Lord.
"As we concentrate on creating greater intimacy in our relationship with Him, it will be a time dedicated to spiritual growth and refreshing and will feature prayer, fasting, worship, body ministry and ministry of the Word," said host of the conference, the Reverend Dr A. Elaine Richards.
EMPOWERMENT
Elaborating on the conference, Richards said that the day will be centred on equipping and empowering men, women and children to understand and enjoy being in the presence of the Lord.
The four featured speakers at the conference will be individuals who have ministered throughout the island and internationally.
Apostle Naila Ricketts is president of Prayer 2000, a ministry with a mandate to transform Jamaica through prayer; Apostle Winona Silvera is a powerful preacher, teacher and intercessor; Minister Jermaine Gordon is a psalmist, worshipper, intercessor songwriter and an author of prayer journals and children's books; and closing out the quartet is Angella Campbell, a woman who has a passion for women to be called into holiness.
"Our women and children have suffered over the years, which is evidenced by the nation's crime statistics. I believe that if we can educate and restore our women, they will see themselves for who they are ... , resulting in them finding their true life's purpose. This will help them to restore their families," Richards told Family and Religion.
It is through mediums such as the conference, Richards said, that the organisers are trying to empower women to walk in the freedom that God has given and to see themselves as God sees them - victorious overcomers, mothers of our nation.
WEEKEND RETREAT
Now in its fifth year, the event started out as a weekend retreat for women. Richards explained that the format was changed when she noticed that family members of the participants (men) and sometimes those on the campus would sit quietly at the back of the auditorium to enjoy the sessions.
"We, therefore, made the decision to open the conference to men as of 2013, and we have observed their participation ever since. We have seen persons make a decision to accept Christ, persons receive healing, signs and wonders and miracles, and families ministered to and restored," she shared on the impact of the conference.
She added: "We believe that our men will be able to stand as the head of their families with their wives beside them, teaching their children to be strong nation changers. It is only through these media that the family can be restored and right relationships established," Richards pointed out.