Esther 06 Highlights
Well, Girls....
Another Esther Conference has come and gone. But what a time we had. God blessed us a with a beautiful weekend (although a mite chilly) with no rain.
The conference started off with a bang (literally), when the sound abruptly disconnected in the middle of the first service. But Sis. Linville (VA District Ladies Ministry President) took it in stride as she declared it an opportunity for the girls to pray against the spirits of darkness that were trying to interupt what God wanted to do. As the girls gathered in groups and began to pray, something began to happen in the spirit. One lady who was videoing the whole scene said that white streaks started flashing through her previously clear screen as the girls began to pray. In just a few minutes the power was restored by our wonderful sound/video crew who rushed to track down the problem. (Thanks Tim and Ricky!)
Sis. Robin Thompson (Esther Conference Coordinator) then gave the keynote address on being a "B.A.B.E." She talked about the difference of how the world defines the word "babe," and how God sees us. In His eyes we are B-Beautiful, A-Authentic, B-Blessed, and E-Eternally Significant. Sis. Kim Ballestero (Conference Guest Musician) then sang the song "B.A.B.E." she had written to go along with the theme. The PURE group from Walnut, MS, also sang two songs.
Sis. Nancy Grandquist was introduced as the evening speaker, and she asked her daughter Heidi to sing before she spoke. Sis. King sang a beautiful song entitled, "Strong Enough." Then Sis. Nancy Grandquist spoke to the girls, an excellent message on "High-Priced Merchandise." God moved in a special way as the girls responded to the message.
After the service the Pizza Party began with food, fun, and games for all.
Friday started off with praise and worship, then the girls went to the special classes for the appropriate age groups. Lessons were taught that reinforced the "B.A.B.E." theme, then the girl's participated in mini-sessions on skin care, nutrition, nail care, hair care, and apparel.
The chaperones had their own sessions taught by Sis. Linville and Sis. Sandy Austin.
Then everyone gathered back in the main auditorium to hear Sis. Nancy Grandquist speak. She had a surprise guest "Delilah" who came and gloatingly told the girls how she manipulated and tricked Samson. Sis. Grandquist then spoke to the girls about not being a selfish person, but being the kind of person who would look out for her friends. Her message was entitled "I've Got Your Back."
After lunch, the girls participated in optional activities which included, swimming, stick drama, etiquette, and signing. Then it was a rush back to the hotels to get ready for the big night.
The Royal Banquet began at 6:30 p.m. Girls arrived early to take pictures in front of the throne and the beautiful castle ice sculpture. After a wonderful dinner, the PURE group sang, and Sis. Heidi King spoke. Her message was on the difference between being a cut rose or a rose that is planted with roots that are connected. As she spoke a deep Spirit of God began to move among the girls. She closed with the song "Draw Me Close to You." Sis. Linville then encouraged everyone to linger in the presence of the Lord, as she felt many were making commitments at that moment that would affect their destiny. It was a beautiful time.
The Royal Entertainment followed immediately afterward. We were entertained with a variety of specials, piano solos, poems, recitals, and sign groups. It was a delightful evening.
Saturday morning was the final service and the Royal Coronation. Approximatly 20 15-year-olds were crowned, "Queen Esther of this generation" and charged with the responsibility of remaining pure until marriage, and remaining true to God whatever the cost. It was a special time as they were crowned, given a calla lily and scroll, and prayed over by district leaders and special guests. Sis. Heidi King concluded the day with another excellent message.
All in all, the weekend was marvelous. We are thankful for the favor of God that we felt upon us the entire time!
If you have a special highlight you'd like to share from the conference, just add to the comments.
Thanks for coming! See you next year!
Another Esther Conference has come and gone. But what a time we had. God blessed us a with a beautiful weekend (although a mite chilly) with no rain.
The conference started off with a bang (literally), when the sound abruptly disconnected in the middle of the first service. But Sis. Linville (VA District Ladies Ministry President) took it in stride as she declared it an opportunity for the girls to pray against the spirits of darkness that were trying to interupt what God wanted to do. As the girls gathered in groups and began to pray, something began to happen in the spirit. One lady who was videoing the whole scene said that white streaks started flashing through her previously clear screen as the girls began to pray. In just a few minutes the power was restored by our wonderful sound/video crew who rushed to track down the problem. (Thanks Tim and Ricky!)
Sis. Robin Thompson (Esther Conference Coordinator) then gave the keynote address on being a "B.A.B.E." She talked about the difference of how the world defines the word "babe," and how God sees us. In His eyes we are B-Beautiful, A-Authentic, B-Blessed, and E-Eternally Significant. Sis. Kim Ballestero (Conference Guest Musician) then sang the song "B.A.B.E." she had written to go along with the theme. The PURE group from Walnut, MS, also sang two songs.
Sis. Nancy Grandquist was introduced as the evening speaker, and she asked her daughter Heidi to sing before she spoke. Sis. King sang a beautiful song entitled, "Strong Enough." Then Sis. Nancy Grandquist spoke to the girls, an excellent message on "High-Priced Merchandise." God moved in a special way as the girls responded to the message.
After the service the Pizza Party began with food, fun, and games for all.
Friday started off with praise and worship, then the girls went to the special classes for the appropriate age groups. Lessons were taught that reinforced the "B.A.B.E." theme, then the girl's participated in mini-sessions on skin care, nutrition, nail care, hair care, and apparel.
The chaperones had their own sessions taught by Sis. Linville and Sis. Sandy Austin.
Then everyone gathered back in the main auditorium to hear Sis. Nancy Grandquist speak. She had a surprise guest "Delilah" who came and gloatingly told the girls how she manipulated and tricked Samson. Sis. Grandquist then spoke to the girls about not being a selfish person, but being the kind of person who would look out for her friends. Her message was entitled "I've Got Your Back."
After lunch, the girls participated in optional activities which included, swimming, stick drama, etiquette, and signing. Then it was a rush back to the hotels to get ready for the big night.
The Royal Banquet began at 6:30 p.m. Girls arrived early to take pictures in front of the throne and the beautiful castle ice sculpture. After a wonderful dinner, the PURE group sang, and Sis. Heidi King spoke. Her message was on the difference between being a cut rose or a rose that is planted with roots that are connected. As she spoke a deep Spirit of God began to move among the girls. She closed with the song "Draw Me Close to You." Sis. Linville then encouraged everyone to linger in the presence of the Lord, as she felt many were making commitments at that moment that would affect their destiny. It was a beautiful time.
The Royal Entertainment followed immediately afterward. We were entertained with a variety of specials, piano solos, poems, recitals, and sign groups. It was a delightful evening.
Saturday morning was the final service and the Royal Coronation. Approximatly 20 15-year-olds were crowned, "Queen Esther of this generation" and charged with the responsibility of remaining pure until marriage, and remaining true to God whatever the cost. It was a special time as they were crowned, given a calla lily and scroll, and prayed over by district leaders and special guests. Sis. Heidi King concluded the day with another excellent message.
All in all, the weekend was marvelous. We are thankful for the favor of God that we felt upon us the entire time!
If you have a special highlight you'd like to share from the conference, just add to the comments.
Thanks for coming! See you next year!
posted by BDillon @ 12:05 PM
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