Easter Conference 1994
by Marian Kinahan

Hothorpe Hall was the new setting for this year’s Spring Conference in England and we all thoroughly enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and hope to return soon.

We were grateful and thrilled to have Pat Mace, Brett Burrowes, and Scott Prewitt from the U.S. and their teaching and sharing was invaluable.

Brett led us in Bible study each morning. We looked at the Old Testament and how it links up with the present and its relevance for us today. We saw how Paul frequently made reference to the Old Testament as he spurred Christians onward in faith. Hebrews 11 is an example of the faith of the Old Testament men of God and we discussed how God demands the same of us today as He did of them–an obedient faith. We saw that the more light we have, the greater our responsibility and the greater the consequences of unbelief.

Disobedience now, as then, carries with it negative consequences. Facing up to these is a factor which sets us on the road to recovery. This proved to be true as individuals shared on personal situations each afternoon and evening and were helped as they desired God’s way for them. During the week we became more aware that ours is a high calling and God has high standards. We are called to be in the world but not of it. Obedience to God may upset others in our lives and also can be uncomfortable for us, but ultimately if we are not freely available for Christ to live through us, we are ineffective and we cannot be a light to those in reach around us.

Scott Prewitt led the youth in a programme of fun and learning. We saw that God’s high calling is no less applicable to teenagers than to adults, as several young people were faced with tough choices to be all out for God. It was great to see them choose God.

This conference was different. Throughout the year God has been at work building many of us up in faith, enabling us to take a new level of responsibility within the body. Our week together was an example of that body at work and blossoming. We all saw the need to be in touch with one another to talk about how we are feeling and what is going on with us, then to speak the truth and live it. We need each other to stay healthy and to continue to walk in the light.