July 2, 2006

Wear the Crown

The 'Wear the Crown' conference put on by Voice of the Martyrs was,in my estimation, well put together.
The speakers came from a wide range of backgrounds,dialect,experience, and slants.That to me was one of the greatest things - to hear from all over the world, in various languages, their personal stories and work.
Bill Drake was also a great asset,with his heartfelt worship leading and own personal testimony of God's grace leading him to humility and surrender.
Various VOM leaders and partners in the ministry and conference also spoke, and their humility, excitment,and drive were apparent.
A good number of volunteers also did an excellent job of making everything run smoothly and seamlessly.
It would be remiss not to mention 'Housekeeping Details' as the announcer delivered these rather boring details with wit and humour, with the effect of his annoucements providing the 'light relief' for the day.
It would be hard to put into words the effect this weekend has had on me.I think though,that I thought more in those three days than I usually do in a week!Rather than bore you with all the details of everything we did that weekend, I'll just touch on those things that left a spiritual impact on me.
Friday night the conference got off to a great start with Bill Drake leading some worship songs to get everyone's minds and hearts focused on the right things.That in itself was an experience - listening to over 1000 people sing!
We then heard straight from the mouths of those persecuted, of beatings,raids,torture and imprisonment in 'free' China.It brought tears to my eyes and a feeling of shame,especially when as a woman I could only imagine the pain of humiliation the women were made to feel in prison.
Yet on the other hand it was very encouraging to hear that God has not forgotten China.No, He is very much at work there,and the Communists' oppression only serves to strengthen the growth of the Gospel.Let them try their hardest to put out its' flame! They are fighting against the hand of God and their efforts are fruitless....and the evidence shows it.
Next was Columbia, and hearing this speakers' accounts reminded us again that God really does have a sense of humour!He had many fascinating stories of God working,and even using seeming bad situations to produce good.
Probably one of the most striking, was when he had a burden and desire for someone to take the gospel to the guerillas,so he began praying that God would send someone.One day he defended a friend by grabbing a gun and shooting the guerilla bent on kiling him.Though this fast action spared the man's life, it resulted in this missionary being kidnapped and tied to a tree by the guerillas.Standing there,and realizing the dangerous predicament he was in,he began praying and asking God why He had allowed this to happen.God replied simply that He was answering his prayer to send someone to the guerillas!
We all laughed at that,and praised God when he told of personally befriending his enemies and even seeing some repent and get saved.Listening to story after story of God's intervention and insights into His humour,filled my heart with wonder at and praise of Him,yet also challenged me as to why I didn't trust Him more completely with every part of my life.
Next (after the announcer reminded everyone to pick up their children lest they return with crew cuts the next day) was question and answer time with the speakers.For this they split up to different rooms or buildings around the campus,so Steven and I followed the crowd to where they led us. :P This resulted in a happy,chatty( read noisy) crowd, who quieted down to ask questions of the Columbian missionary.
Then back to the main auditorium for a 'concert' led by Bill Drake.Never having been to something like that, it was quite the experience for me,especially with the way Southerners really 'get into' the music.Overall though I liked it, it left an impression on me,and was encouraging and uplifting yet also convicting.Songs like what they sung,really get you to thinking if you truly worship God as you should..can you really mean the words as you sing them?
Saturday..I can't remember the names of all the countries represented, or many of the very sad stories recounted.Even so it left its mark.Often it was hard to hold back tears in response to the pain,the tragedy,the raw evil,the heartrenching agony that even children were made to endure. Yet even in all that there was something that stood out - God was still in control.He knew what He was doing,and used the persecution of His children for their good and other's benefit. It was awesome to see that..a confirmation that even in bad He is there.
Another thing that stood out was the faith of these Christians.I didn't hear one account of complaining,fear or bitterness.In fact, they welcomed it! and rejoiced in it! Fathom that, weak North America, if you will.Their response to the greatest tests, makes my fear of people's response, seem so petty and foolish.These Christians boldly proclaim Christ with the reality of death facing them - and I only have to worry about a little mockery and I have a hard time opening my mouth??Something is wrong somewhere.
After lunch we heard from Nigeria and Iran.Their stories were particularily painful and yet also triumphant.I can't describe how all that made me feel,but it was a combination of deep sorrow,pain,guilt and shame.The afternoon break came at a good time because I just lost it.I didn't even care that people were looking at me wondering what was up,the tears had to come. All of this left me feeling very sad,serious,and pensive.
For supper break neither of us felt like eating so we went to a park instead.The quiet, peaceful setting helped to sort thru thoughts that were feeling overwhelming.Praying too..wondering,God what do you want me to do because of this?
Back for the evening session..which wasn't quite as painful as the afternoon one.For the question and answer session we went to listen to a very intriguing speaker from North Korea.His deep love for God,his passion for the work,and his burden for his country combined with his great personality all made him a fascinating speaker.
Eventually all the thoughts and emotions were overwhelming again so I escaped to the outdoors.The beautiful campus grounds made a great setting for reflection and prayer.Then my friend and I shared our thoughts and reflections on the day which made a fitting ending to a painful,soulsearching,and yet awesome day.
I will end this here,or else I will write a story instead of a short summary of the effect of the conference.
So, in conclusion,I don't intend to allow myself to forget the impression it made on me.I want it to be,as Steven said, a lifechanging event.A great way to keep it so is to get personally involved, and read biographies of missionaries.I am right now reading of Jim Elliot and it is already proving to be a powerful book,which I will make a summary of for you all when I am done. :P