Irish Summer Conference
by Richard Gilsenan

What some Irish and American folks talked about at summer camp last year as a wonderful idea came to fruition in late June with the holding of the first ever Irish Zerubbabel Conference. We were few in Ireland at the time, but had come to know a truth that really changes lives and we wanted it for others.

Emmaus Retreat Centre was the venue and God did not let us down here as it proved very suitable indeed. The proximity to the airport was an added advantage for our visitors from England, Scotland and the USA.

On Friday evening we had a time of introduction as there were some new people pre-sent. Each in turn spoke of where they had come from in life and what they wanted out of the weekend.

Brett Burrowes opened up our first day with a teaching session on the problem of human sin (Gen. 3). We saw how since the fall we are all born containing Satan’s spirit (Eph. 2:2-4). But God is forever seeking to win back the vessels that Satan has indwelt.

The problem of guilt was also discussed. It is universal. Rom. 3:21-26 shows how we all come under God’s wrath because of sin, and need the bond with Satan to be broken (Is. 14:12-15 and Ezek. 28:14-18). There is no neutral ground; we are either a member of the old humanity hooked up to the spirit of Satan or the new humanity in union with the Spirit of Christ (Gal. 5:16-18).
Many questions were asked of Brett during his teaching, including some challenging ones by the new-comers.

After a break for lunch, Christina Duncan gave a clear presentation on body, soul and spirit. We saw what we were like with Satan at our spirit centre (Eph. 2:1-4 and John 3:8-10) and then how after our salvation, Christ is at our spirit centre (I Cor. 6:17). Christina used a flip chart with diagrams to demonstrate situations showing how all Christians have the choice to operate from who they really are. During the presentation some important questions, raised when we got together on Friday night, were answered. These included: how can I move from gossiping about someone to helping them; what is the purpose of our feelings; and how do you know when you are doing God’s will? I noted three good points from Christina’s presentation that I need to remember. They are: I have no control over feelings; I have some control over thoughts; and I have total control over behaviour.

Sunday was left to recapping what we had learned and we had some personal testimonies. When we reassembled after a mid-morning coffee break, the group dealt with a real life and death situation as one of us had received news that her sister was critically ill in hospital. It was a privilege to have our Christ family assembled together at the time and to see how the truth can be applied in a very practical way.

As we see Christ in every situation we had some fun time too. On Saturday night we took time out in Malahide, walking along the beach. We then checked out the village itself to find a good restaurant and enjoyed fine desserts and coffee.

Personally I was delighted to participate in the first Irish conference. Despite being a Christian for several years , my life had not been working, a typical Romans 7 story. A special thanks to my Christian sisters, Irene, Marian, Sanda and others who have been for me.

I look forward to meeting you all soon again.