On Friday 13 March 2020 over 350 women gathered at The Kings Centre, Mid-Sussex for the start of the New Ground ladies conference called FEARLESS. In the climate of uncertainty over the current Coronavirus outbreak, this seemed like a fitting title.
We were welcomed by Jim & Dominique Partridge to praise, worship, listen and learn. The New Ground worship team led us triumphantly into the throne room of God, where songs such as ‘Waymaker’ and ‘Who You Say I Am’ reminded us of the truth of God’s sovereignty in all circumstances.
Liz Holden then introduced us to the speakers for the weekend, question-panel style.
Liz taught on ‘How to be Fearless’ – a fab 30mins looking at 5 things we should pursue – the right things, God’s presence, the Holy Spirit, the gospel and faith & perseverance. “Faith doesn’t make life easier, but it does make us stronger” was my take-away quote of the day. We finished the evening watching this amazing video about seeing ‘The Goodness of God in the Land of the Living’, through the life of Andrew & Rachel Wilson. So powerful! You can watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNdda-iGrLI
We gathered again on the Saturday morning for more sung worship and a day of teaching from Kemi Koleoso, Natalie Williams and Hannah Silley. Kemi encouraged us to move from ‘Fear to Faith’, through the story of Esther. We can’t sit on our comfy sofas and shout “I’m Fearless”, it’s only when we step out of our comfort zones that faith is needed.
Natalie shared on how ‘God Uses the Broken’ to lead others out of the darkness for His glory. She reminded us that God does more work in the valley experience than on the mountain top. We always need to keep slogging through and pursue Christ. (Psalm 18 v 29)
Hannah ended the day inspiring us that ‘This Girl Can’. We looked at the story of the birth of Moses and saw how God had used five women to help shape Moses’ life. God used the so-called weak in the world to build an empire and is still doing this today (1 Cor 1 v 27). God is calling his daughters into good works, to minister to the lost and share Christ in everyday situations.
All the talks are now available at the New Ground Website. They are all well worth a listen. http://newgroundchurches.org/media/series/22/
I can truly say this was one of the most inspiring conferences I’ve been to, and I’ve been to quite a few! In the midst of worry and anxiety in the world, this powerful theme of being Fearless in and through faith in Christ was just what we needed to hear.
Alison Morphew
