The final Fresh Grounded Faith conference of the year is a wrap, and what a treat it was to end our 2023 tour in my hometown, Springfield, Missouri!
Since the Springfield conference is an annual event, it’s one I look forward to every year for so many reasons:
First, I get to be in my home church, Second Baptist Church, and I’m so grateful that they opened the doors once again—for the 16th year in a row! Amazing, isn’t it?! And even though the church is under construction, they made adjustments so 1,200 women could worship together.
Next, I get to show off my grandbabies in person! That’s right! If you were there, you know my precious little granddaughter took center stage for a moment so we could all soak in her sweetness.
And finally, this is the event where I get to be with all my people. Not just my grandbabies, but the guys and gals I do life with, including my ministry team.
Since many on our FGF team don’t travel with the conference, this is the one time a year that all of our staff comes together. And I get really excited when we’re together in person for a bit of a family reunion.
Because I love each person on our team, and I’m so grateful for all they do!
I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 12:12 which says, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” Each of us plays a different part, no person greater than another, and we all work together in service to our Lord Jesus, who is the head of this ministry.
And the same is true for every person who helped with this event, whether they worked out front or behind the scenes…
Those who operate the lights, sound, and cameras.
Those who coordinate meals and refreshments to keep everyone nourished.
Those who make copies and assemble attendee bags.
Those who cleaned and fueled their cars to shuttle us around.
Those who prayed for every single woman who would walk through the front doors.
Those who came in after the very last woman left to clean up the church and put it back in order for service on Sunday.
We often forget—or perhaps don’t realize—how much is required behind the scenes to make events like these come together.
So, here’s to all you behind-the-scenes people! We see you, we thank you, and we glorify our Father in Heaven for your work.
It’s because of you that we were able to serve up some fresh, grounded encouragement to our community over the weekend. And what an encouragement it was for me too as I listened to the messages shared by each of our guests!
Karen Kingsbury had everyone rolling in their seats as she told a story about her trip to SeaWorld. It was hilarious, and we all enjoyed a good laugh! Then she got our hearts centered on the Lord and the theme of our weekend: prayer.
Annie F. Downs taught us how prayer works in seasons and we don’t always see the outcome of our prayers. So, that means we don’t give up; we don’t ever stop praying!
And I taught on Colossians 4:2 and shared lots of ways we can devote ourselves to prayer. It was a weekend of demystifying prayer for all of us and learning how to pray for it, pray through it, and pray on it.
Plus, the Mark Meyers Worship Collective lifted our spirits as we lifted our praises to Heaven. They’re such an incredible group and I love how they join musicians from several churches across our community together. It’s a beautiful picture of unity in the body of Christ!
They remind me of Fresh Grounded Faith’s motto, “One event. Many churches. For every woman,” which we got to see being carried out all around us this weekend! We saw it through Second Baptist Church, our many co-host churches, our Local Conference Coordinators Stephanie Watson and Missy Vestal, and all of our wonderful volunteers who received the women of our community with open arms.
And through their faithfulness, God did wonderful things!
We celebrated 2 new sisters in Christ, 18 women who chose to renew their commitment to the Lord, and 15 children sponsored through Compassion International. Praise the Lord!
So, a big shout-out to the home team! Thank you for working so hard to serve the women of Springfield and beyond.
Blessings,
Jennifer and the FGF Team!
BONUS: Karen Kingsbury and Annie F. Downs join me on the 4:13 Podcast
Would you like to hear more from Karen and Annie? Listen to these 4:13 Podcast episodes for another boost of encouragement:
Can I Be Brave When Deep Down I’m Afraid? With Annie F. Downs [Episode 61]
Reviews: See what others are saying about FGF!
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Plus, you can join me over on my 4:13 Podcast! Each week, you’ll get biblical encouragement as we answer a question about how to live the “I Can” life of Philippians 4:13. Go here to listen to the latest episodes.
