I attended the conference by invitation of a friend who is also an alum of Grove City College (in Pennsylvania.) Fuller, whose name at GCC was Karen Fuller, was only an acquaintance when we were in school. We reconnected last year at an alumni event in Cary, NC and have become heart-to-heart friends. Our faith especially connects us as our life experiences have been very different. We share a heart for God and currently, the experience of being single gals.
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| Fuller and me at KGM Conference February 28, 2014 |
The main speakers at the conference were Linda and Jen Barrick. Here is a picture of KGM founder, Tara Furman with Jen and Linda:
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| Tara Furrman, Jen and Linda Barrick (photo taken by Fuller Harvey)
Where do I begin? Certainly, the highlight of the conference was hearing Jen's story and witnessing her joy and her relationship with the Lord. Also, Linda is a gifted speaker and teacher in her own right. She leads a Bible study in Lynchburg, VA that has grown to include over 600 women weekly. Her sweet spirit and her openness was refreshing and touching. I was encouraged by both the simple and the profound reminder that God is near and He wants to be my deepest friend.
Take a look at this video to get a taste of what we heard this weekend:
What we heard is even more profound if you know the Barricks' story. They were hit by a drunk driver in 2006, when Jen was 15 (she is now 22) on their way home from church. Jenn was not expected to live through the night. She was in a coma for nearly 6 weeks. When she started to come out of the coma, instead of swearing (as her parents were warned that most people do), Jen prayed, praised God, and spoke the words to praise songs.
Needless to say, I was honored to get to meet these beautiful women and to hear their story. I was challenged to get back to the basics of my faith...God desires a love relationship with me. That really is the point of the cross, the reason why Jesus came, the reason he had to die. My sin does not have to keep me from a Holy God because of His great love for me. The same is true for you.
In addition to three teaching sessions with Linda and Jen (which were all fantastic), we had the opportunity to participate in three breakout sessions with other dynamic women of faith. I was blessed and challenged by these sessions as well.
Check out the adorable decorations (I love the "vase" and tulips):
Photo taken by Fuller Harvey for KGM Ministries
Such a fun weekend and impactful on so many levels. I am so glad that my friend, Fuller, encouraged me to attend.
If you are interested in reading Jen's story, she has a book called "Miracle for Jen" available at Amazon. The Barrick family also have a website called Hope Out Loud.
Finally, I was blessed to watch a two-part series produced by Joni and Friends:
These videos are free to watch. If you have some time, they are well worth it.
Jen signs her books with her favorite Bible Verse:
However, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived--the things God has prepared for those who love Him." I Cor 2:9
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