British Easter Conference
by Irene Gilsenan

On Easter Monday some English, Scottish, Irish and Americans made our way to Hothorpe Hall in the Midlands for our annual spring Conference. This was our second time to use Hothorpe Hall, and if possible, we liked it even better this time.

Our time together was brim full of teaching, as we had opportunities to gain further understanding of the truth we have come to know; discussion, as we explored together the implications of this truth; and personal sharing, as we saw how the truth applies in EVERY situation and makes all the difference. Of course I am not talking about the truth merely as some abstract concept of enlightened under-standing, although this is part of it; but truth in its totality is the person, Jesus Christ. The ultimate goal of all our teaching and sharing is to see His life lived out through us as we submit to Him.

With the help of the Teacher Training Outline we spent some time each day on the topics of: One Person in the Universe; Body, Soul and Spirit; and Intercession. As we looked at the concept of there being one Person in the universe (Eph. 1:22,23), we saw how everything that comes our way is an expression of God. What a relief it is when we see God in His omnipotence–then we can know with confidence that our lives and our world are in the hands of a loving Father, who works all things together for our good (Rom. 8:28). As Norman Grubb says, our trials and lacks are exactly suited to us. God has already prepared the deliverance and sends the trials as an opportunity for Him to manifest Himself through them.

The topic of intercession was a major focus of our time together. As well as studying the Teacher Trailer Outline, we spent some time studying the book, Holy Spirit Possession by Florence Udell and looked at Rees Howells’ life of intercession. We saw the very real cost for him and others as they chose to allow God to live His life of self-for-others through them. This was a sobering thought for many of us. It has been wonderful to experience the joy and freedom of lives that work as we accept our powerlessness and let Him do the living through us (Gal. 2:20). Now, God is showing us the next step of lives laid down for others. Paul went so far as to wish himself, "cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers" (Rom. 9:3). What does God require of us? Are we willing to pay the price? These are questions we were faced with as we considered inter-cession.

As usually happens at Zerubbabel Conferences, discussions invariably moved from the theoretical to the practical, and some personal and family situations were talked over. People were given new insights on these and some steps of faith were suggest-ed. I love knowing how who we are works itself out in every dimension of life and has such a practical application in all situations, from the most mundane to the most complex.

The youth had their own programme throughout the week. They spent a good deal of time studying the parables and then, in pairs, doing worksheets. In the evenings they shared their testimonies and helped and supported each- other as they talked over some problems at home, school, etc. They also enjoyed a campfire one evening, played lots of games together at various stages, and had a trip to the movies.

Thanks to our friends from the states for coming. We loved it!
Irene is an area rep and lives in Athy in Ireland.