Royal Princesses Gather at Historic Estate

On May 19-21 an exciting new conference for girls, ages 10-15, was held at the Virginia District campground. The Esther Conference, an idea which originated in the heart of Sis. Donna Linville, VA District Ladies’ Ministries President, was a great success, with over 400 girls and chaperones in attendance and15 states represented. A selected committee helped to prepare for and carry out the responsibilities of the conference.

The theme for this meeting was “Into His Royal Courts.” The goal was to persuade each girl of her value to God and encourage her to prepare for His service, experience His presence, and find His favor!

The Virginia District campground, formerly a military academy, with beautiful, enormous, 100-year-old stone buildings, was the perfect setting for the “royal” theme. As you entered the stone gate, and drove the path lined with trees, flags and torches up to the main building draped with flags and banners, it seemed as if you were going back in time and arriving at a castle. The interior of the “castle” was just as enchanting, as it had been transformed by the imagination of the dedicated décor staff with flowers, palm trees, urns, knights in armor, and yards of material. A purple carpet led you from the door of entry straight to the throne, which was the focal point of the entire room.

Each service began with the theme song, specifically written for this conference by Sis. Kim Ballestero, of Clearwater, FL. Sis. Ballestero was also the guest musician, singer, and choir director for the conference.

The first service on Thursday evening was entitled, “Royal Selection.” This service was designed to emphasize that each girl has been chosen specifically by God for His service, just as the best maidens in the land were chosen and taken to the King’s Palace in the book of Esther. Sis. Robin Thompson, who served as the conference coordinator, spoke about how each girl is special, unique, important, and valuable to God. She reminded them that like Esther, God has a special plan for each one of their lives and that they have been called to the Kingdom for such a time as this.

The following day, split sessions, divided by ages 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15, were held for the girls. These classes focused on character and purity, and were taught at the age-appropriate level. Sis. Linville and Sis. Nancy Elrod, (mother of Robin Thompson and Kim Ballestero) of St. Petersburg, FL, held special sessions for the mothers and chaperones. A final joint session was held in which Sis. Denee’ Richardson of Belleview, FL ministered.

The afternoon was filled with “Royal Activities”, as the girls chose whether to swim (in the Olympic-sized, indoor swimming pool), sing in the choir, or participate in learning a dramatic sign/stick song. All of the outdoor activities had to be cancelled due to rain.

That evening a “Royal Banquet” was held. The castle was again transformed into a magical place with arches, lights, greenery, paper castle centerpieces, and ice sculpture in the shape of a harp. The girls and chaperones all looked beautiful in their formal attire. The only thing that was missing was a horse-drawn carriage.

After a full-course buffet style meal, the PURE girls’ singing group from Walnut, Mississippi, began the evening program. Sis. Kara Christian, from St. Louis, MO, followed with “A Message from the Queen.” She gave her testimony of how she had struggled with self-esteem issues through high school, but how God helped her to become more confident and friendly and to be a witness. She eventually was crowned “Homecoming Queen” during her senior year. She ended her message by singing the chorus, “We bow down, We lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus!”

Following the banquet was the “Royal Entertainment.” During this setting the girls were allowed to display their talents. It was a wonderful evening filled with much excitement as the girls sang, played the piano, did sign/stick drama, read poetry, and displayed their various talents. The evening culminated with an anointed recitation of “Hinds Feet on High Places” by 11-year-old, Lauren Thompson, followed by a powerful dramatic song interpretation to the song, “I Almost Let Go” performed by the girls from the Pentecostals of Clearwater, FL.

The final session on Saturday was entitled “Royal Visitation” with the goal of creating an atmosphere for a royal visitation from the King of Kings. God always goes above what we can ask or think, and from the first note of the first song, God’s presence filled the sanctuary as Sis. Maria Arango led the praise and worship. What followed was almost two hours of spontaneous worship as the girls flooded the altar area and cried and prayed with one another.
After the choir sang “I’m in Love with Jesus” and “Walking In Authority,” Sis. Denee’ Richardson of Belleview, FL was given the floor. Sis. Richardson powerfully ministered about God’s timing, and how each girl didn’t have to wait, but could be used of God right now.

The conclusion of the conference was the “Royal Coronation.” The 15-year-old girls were called forward. Each one was presented with a calla lily, which represents purity, then crowned with a tiara. The pastor’s wives and committee members then prayed a prayer of blessing over each one.

Many testimonies have already been given on how girl’s lives were impacted and changed by this meeting. Many people left with plans to try to duplicate the meeting in their own home church or district. Currently, a booklet is being prepared to help others facilitate this idea, and will be available in the near future.

If you attended this year's conference, we would love to hear from you. Just click on"comments" and send us a message.

The Esther Conference is sponsored by the Virginia District Ladies Ministries of the United Pentecostal Church International.