Event Review:Women of Faith Conference 2017

By Tamara Lightbourne So yesterday was indeed a blessing! Evangelist Althea Stoddart was given the vision to host WOMAN OF FAITH CONFERENCE 2017 at the Courtleigh Auditorium. An evening of worship, the WORD, love, and most of all, women of God coming together to share, care, and help each other. The venue was sold out and it was totally worth it!!!

Lady Stoddart, commenced the morning ushering in the presence of the Lord with words of encouragement, praise and acknowledgement. The morning continued with Lady Dawn Martin and her team with soothing worship songs which continued after each speaker. The first speaker, Lady Natalie Taylor Lue-Fung spoke on the topic, "Embrace Success". Not only did she speak to prosperity in the natural, but gave us an insightful word of knowledge on the life of Hannah, who was not only fearless but changed her perspective through grace and humility. In summary she told us to have faith. Be willing to risk it all. Use the little that you have so God can bless you with the much He has for you. God won't give you a blessing because you have nowhere to put it.
The second speaker, Evangelist Deborah Francis, spoke on the topic, "Embrace Your Purpose". She was very direct and spoke of her life story - being molested, raped over and over, using her body as a means to get food and eating from the garbage etc. She spoke through the story of Rahab. In summary, her words of wisdom spoke to: standing up for what's right no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. After you have been called a 'harlot' , once you come into covenant with God, you will be called "woman". Don't give in to the circumstances around you; keep trusting God and He will cause you to shine.

The third speaker, Pastor Evan Blair, spoke on the topic, "What's in your package?". She likened 'package' to the heart, asking direct questions. Is what is in your package, hazardous, harmful, liquid, hurtful etc? She was very direct, though humourous but the message was solid. She gave stern words of wisdom, repeatedly saying, the heart is wicked and deceitful so we should be careful what we 'store' there. We should refrain from having a bad heart and bitter mind and be careful of your motives for doing things. She warned us to repent of our sins before the Lord exposes us.
Sis Toni Ann came up and gave an open testimony of her life before and after Christ, which was very touching especially since just before that she had fallen down the stairs in the auditorium and limped back up the stairs using that as an analogy of God hurting us to help us which is what happened to her. She encouraged those who were hurting to trust God that He knows what He's doing and He has a reason for hurting us which is to allow us to be made over.

The fourth speaker, FIrst Lady Jillian Thomas, spoke on "Embrace Beauty". A mirror was set up and she spoke as the Holy Spirit led her to. In summary, she said, God has to hurt us to bless us. There are three things that makes us know that we are beautiful (inside especially).
1. God made us in HIS image.
2. He gave us purpose and
3. How we live our lives will dictate our beauty. Persons were asked to come to the mirror and look at themselves and say what they saw. Some women had difficulty doing so as they saw pain and anger among other things. After praying with them, they were able to see their own beauty in the mirror. It was truly a beautiful moment!!!

The fifth and final speaker, Pastor Jasett Mckenzie spoke on the topic, "Unwrap Yourself". The atmosphere was charged and those who needed 'unwrapping' were on the stage as they listened to the words of God. She said it's time we looked at what was on the inside and see the worth that that's there. She spoke to persons about things the Lord would be doing in their lives. Prayer requests were made and declarations were made in the atmosphere. Persons made pledges and were told that in seven days, they would see things happening in their lives.

The evening was indeed well spent and I thank God for the women who were there. God bless you all as we continue to draw closer to God, move in unity, loving each other, embracing ourselves and most of all building each other up. #WomanofFaithConference2017 #awesomeevening