Hey Everyone!

It’s so hard to believe that the Big Sandy Conference is ending in just a few hours!  The messages have been so amazing, and seeing so many believers come together for a time of encouragement has been so great.  Before we end the conference we thought we would give all of y’all a taste of what to expect at the rest of the conference programs this year, based on how the Big Sandy youth programs have been going.

The following is the overall theme of the 2010 Regional Conferences:

“A successful family is
. . . one that achieves and maintains one-accord power and then reaches out to win others with God’s truth and love and disciple them in the commands of Christ.

If there are any conflicts between brothers and sisters or children and parents, this vital goal will not be achieved. Therefore, the activities and teaching this year will focus on words, attitudes, and behaviors that cause conflicts.

This study will begin by identifying some of the lies and fears that young people believe that cause them to make wrong choices and produce conflicts and painful memories. Then, they will learn the following skills to produce harmony:
• The skill of instructive listening
• The wisdom of asking insightful questions
• The power of verbal blessings
• The three parts of sincere praise
• The right response to criticism and ridicule
• The rewards of humbly asking forgiveness

We believe that the interaction among leaders and students in these programs and the resulting decisions that are made will reinforce what the rest of the family is learning in the other sessions and yield benefits that last far beyond the conference.”

Commit:

COMMIT provides an oasis for young ladies to pursue a relationship with Christ, gain vision for a life calling, and build family relationships.  This program features dynamic group sessions, focused small groups, and fun activities, all designed to inspire young women.

Pre-Excel:

Pre-EXCEL is an action-packed program geared toward discipling young girls by the Godly example of young ladies who have been through the EXCEL program.  The goal is to reach the hearts of the girls by demonstrating the love of Christ to them and instilling vital truths and practical, easy lessons on how to live the life of a “virtuous woman.”

ALERT Cadets:

The ALERT Cadet Challenge is a fast-paced program filled with spiritual, mental, and physical challenges for young men.  The three-day event is designed to impart a vision for service to each young man and challenge him to develop a heart fully committed to Christ.

Children’s Institute:

Each child in the Children’s Institute will receive a sash with character buttons, an activity book, and crafts that illustrate the concepts covered throughout the conference.

Photos courtesy of Sarah Quinnett, Ryan Price, John McCloy, and James Staddon

Below is the video that was played this morning in the Main Sessions.  We pray it is a blessing to you all!

Hello Again,

Here is a photo of many of the Big Sandy Regional Conference Attendees.

Have a blessed evening!

-Nicole (and all the HQ Conference Staff)

Hello All,

Conference season is officially in session!  Last night’s main session opened up with Mr. Gothard sharing goals for this week’s conference, which included the power and need for one accord as well as an introduction to his new book, “The Amazing Way.”  After Mr. Gothard finished up and the break for attendee fellowship ended, Phil Downer gave a phenomenal message on “Changing the World Through Discipleship.”  The response to this was absolutely incredible; many people lined the stage and aisles for the invitation.

This morning started with a Dad’s Session at 7 am.  The messages given were, “Ten Overlooked Bars Plus the Key to the Prison of Anger” by Mr. Gothard, followed once again by Phil Downer, and his daughter Anna.  They spoke on “Training Your Children to Be Disciple Makers.” The messages were very beneficial and truth-filled.

After the father’s session, the General Session began with special music performed by the Vasquez Family. Then Mr. Gothard and Jim Sammons shared sessions on overcoming sin and being financially successful.

As today continues to rush by, the student, afternoon, and evening sessions will take place.  Look for an update tomorrow!

God Bless you all!

-Nicole (for all the HQ Conference Staff)

P.S. Look for pictures and audio clips to come on this site shortly!  Also, keep an eye on the IBLP Store to purchase all the 2010 Regional Conference messages!

“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Luke 11:9-10 (KJV)

(photo via Flickr)

“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

2nd Corinthians 11:2-3 (KJV)

(Photo via Flickr)

This message, presented to mayors and government leaders, gives a historical sketch on how the ideas of a civilization do influence a society. “In order to both understand our times and to do something to change our times . . . to be effective public servants, legislators, or even private citizens, we have to connect up the reigning mythologies of our day with the kinds of behaviors that they create.” – Roger Magnuson

Amidst the danger and chaos of the war in Iraq, the men of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment discovered what they least expected as the smoke cleared—the undeniable presence of God.
In this book, Lt. Carey H. Cash, who served as a chaplain to the marines, gives a firsthand account of the miracles that began with a spiritual revival and culminated during one of the fiercest battles of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Be encouraged as you read the amazing true story of how the soldiers of an entire battalion found God in the presence of their enemies.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing…. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:5, 8).
Focused on abiding in Christ instead of striving in the flesh, this hymn collection is performed by a violin and piano duet. Daniel Ziesemer and Jacob Bernhardt, both home-educated and musically inclined since childhood, combine their God-given musical talents in this uplifting CD.
You will be blessed by the intricacy of the arrangements and the harmony of the performance.

For more information, please visit the IBLP Store.

My favorite song to sing with children is “this little light of mine!” If you have trusted Christ to be you Savior, God has commanded you to be a light. There are several ways that we are, or should be lights. First, is through our smile; by having and displaying a sincere smile we are showing that the joy of the Lord resides in us and is our strength.

The second way we are to demonstrate the light of Christ dwelling in us is in the light of our eyes. Matthew 6:22 says, “the light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” When Moses came down from being with God on the mountain, his face was glowing. May we all reflect form our faces what being with God really means.

Lastly, we are to show Christ’s light in us is by our good works. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in Heaven” (Matt. 5:16). If we honor the Lord in the tasks He gives us to do, and other people see that we are doing it for Him, that action may plant a seed in someone else’s heart.

God has given me the desire to joyfully serve Him by serving others. Many times it is so easy to help people because I love doing it. They always are so thankful, but by serving them I am also able to show them how much I love the Lord. There is no greater thing than to be a beacon of light for the King of Kings!

(photo via Flickr)

VERITY INSTITUTE JOINS WITH OAK BROOK COLLEGE OF LAW

TO PROVIDE

“ON CAMPUS” LEGAL STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

FOR

LAW AND PARALEGAL STUDENTS

In today’s culture, it is increasingly important to know basic legal terminology and procedures. Not all are called to be lawyers, but everyone can benefit from knowing the Biblical foundations of our legal system, the jurisdictional approach to law, and the source of our rights. Daily activities require all of us to have some knowledge of the law.

Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy (OBCL) offers different levels of legal study: from the four-year juris doctor (J.D.) degree program for those who want to be licensed attorneys to supplemental material for high school students – all by correspondence. The most practical course of study is the one-year paralegal/legal assistant program by which one can qualify to become a nationally certified legal assistant.

Verity Institute is joining with OBCL to create an “on campus” option for OBCL law and paralegal students. OBCL students will join Verity students in the campus life and Christian discipleship that is such an important part of the Verity program. OBCL students would also have the opportunity to work toward a Bachelor’s degree through Verity while completing their legal studies. Verity students will benefit from the opportunity to take law courses while completing their undergraduate program and from on-campus lectures being planned.

This association between Oak Brook College and Verity Institute will create greater opportunities for students and will advance the goals of both programs. For more information about Verity, visit www.verityinstitute.org; for Oak Brook College see www.obcl.edu.

“Coming to EXCEL is one of the best things I have ever done. During the 2-month course I learned what if means to truly surrender my mind, will, and emotions to God. I was able to take my parents’ standards and make them my own standards by learning more of what it means to really serve God with my life. I have a deeper relationship with God, and I want to take a long walk through life with God in front of me. I desire to see life through God’s eyes! I want to encourage all young ladies to come to EXCEL. This is an awesome course that really helped me know who I am in Christ and how I can serve Him with my life.” ~ Rachel

“My time at EXCEL completely changed my spiritual life for the better. Before I came I did not have a real desire and love for God’s Word, but now I’m excited to sit down and see what God wants to show me! I was also blown away by the amazing godly speakers we had! God sent me to EXCEL for a purpose and now I am going home with a newfound love for Him and a glimpse of what my life purpose is. God definitely used EXCEL to change my life.” ~ Elizabeth

“I came to EXCEL excited, but I thought of it more of a “finishing” school with a few additions. Boy, was I wrong. It was so much more than that! I had an encounter with God, and God met me in so many different and wonderful ways. Even though it was tough and stressful at times, I learned how to lean and depend on God. I met amazing girls, made friends for life, and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and watch everyone grow a lot and become different people in the Lord.” ~ Natasha

“I was very upset about coming to EXCEL, but after I got here, the Lord used the teaching to open my heart and give me a burning desire to know Him more. He gave me a desire to allow Him to court me and win my heart. He showed me how special I am, and I am so excited to see how He will work in and through my life as I grow closer to Him.” ~ Christina

“Before coming to EXCEL I struggled with giving my future to God and there was a certain area that I was continuing to hold on to. While at EXCEL God showed me how great He truly is and how able He is to handle my future. I was able to surrender my all to Him. EXCEL has had such an impact on my life…I’ve been challenged to live my life, moment by moment, as a reflector of Christ, encouraging others to seek first our great God.” ~ Heidi

“EXCEL has changed my life. I learned more in these eight weeks than I ever thought possible. God met me here in an amazing way. I learned to trust Him in every situation. I learned so much from every session. My vision of who God is was totally expanded. I am so much closer to Him now than I ever have been before. I was not willing to trust Him with my future before I came. I surrendered it to Him and am willing to do whatever He leads me to do now. EXCEL did all this for me and so much more!” ~ Lauren

For more information on EXCEL, please click here.