I don't know what to say or how to start. To say the workshop was wonderful would be like saying feeding the 5000 was wonderful. That just wouldn't quite do it.
Something is going on among God's people. There is a healthy stirring of His Spirit that has been building for several years now. Last year was evident. This year? More so.
First, my hat's off to my two colleagues and friends, Jason Thornton and Shane Coffman. They knew workshop ropes beforehand. Now they know deeper interruption and ache and distraction that goes on when in this role that most would never assume. Because these two are so extremely capable I was able to sit back for 365 full days and enjoy being brimmed full of pride in these two. They didn't let us down. I respect both and esteem them highly.
A positive difference in the workshop is the shift from taking on the works of the church from the flesh to engaging in the many opportunities via Spirit involvement. Class teacher after class teacher came to town to say the very same thing; "Listen to what God is doing where I live." The workshop was all about God.
McLaughlin, Frase, and Cope.......three strong keynotes, three arousing messages...all about God working.
For the first time in years, all of our booths were sold out. Our main problem is due to having left the huge QuikTrip Center due to cost, our classrooms are not large enough in some cases to accommodate the crowds. Thus, we have work to do.
Next year's theme is "LET THE CHAINS FALL AWAY". Randy Harris, Rick Atchley and I will be evening keynoters. Dusty Rush, Jason Thornton, and Jonathan Storment will be the 11:00 a.m. keynoters.
Finally, after being involved in the workshop for so long I can tell it isn't losing momentum. Here are a few comments I heard as I moved about the reunion:
1. "I would die without this workshop" (a preacher from Enid)
2. "My deacon and I stayed up to 2:30 this morning dreaming about our work back home." (a preacher here for the first time)
3. "I've seen people here that I haven't seen here in 30 years."
4. "I don't know what's going on here. I've been gone about ten years. But everyone is so much kinder to each other. They seem happier."
5. "We have to have a gathering like this to just hear of possibilities. I love this workshop."
6. (sobbing uncontrolably) "I've been an elder for 31 years. I've been here the last six. I need this event so much. Don't ever quit."
7. "We've had more traffic through booths this year than last."
4 comments:
Terry,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing God to use you in such a powerful way, for allowing messed up folk like me to be a part of such an incredible God-thing, and for always seeking from the Lord the best for His people. I hope I can be involved in the workshop again!
Enjoy today!!!
My first one to miss... ever. Really wish I could have come, Terry. I've only heard great things about it. But i was able to carry the Mexican flag last year in the AIM presentation, and that was a pretty incredible experience. Just wanted to say keep up the good work, brother.
Glad you are using young guys like Jonathan next year. Glad things went well. Wish I could have been there and been blessed by it. Thanks for all you do.
It was a fantastic year. I enjoyed every last minute of it. I wish it wouldn't have ended. Someday ... it won't ... for eternity.
Thanks for all you, Shane and Jason do. You guys are AWESOME!
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