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Territorial leaders comment on Western Bible Conference.
by Martin Hunt –
How often do you get reminders in the mail or via email to renew subscriptions to magazines, or websites? Maybe you belong to a fitness club that requires membership renewal? How about your AAA membership, which provides assistance when your car breaks down or with a flat tire? Your Costco membership lets you buy goods at discounted prices—and even buy things that you don’t really need—or at least don’t need in bulk!
What about the things that we do need—the help we need daily, the spiritual health and fitness—how often do we take the time and resources to “renew” our relationship with God?
Recognizing the need of all Christians, no matter how far we are on our journey, to grow deeper in our relationship with God, Territorial Leaders Commissioners Philip and Patricia Swyers stepped out in faith a few years ago, starting a tradition in the West—a Bible conference. This is a time when Salvationists, officers and friends of the Army can come together to renew and increase their knowledge of the Scriptures and how that knowledge applies to daily living.
The theme for the 2010 Western Bible Conference—RENEW—is taken from Romans 12:2a, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
I asked our territorial leaders why holding a Bible conference was important. Commissioner Philip Swyers responded: “The Bible Conference affords the Salvationists of the Western Territory a wonderful opportunity to seek a closer walk with Christ as they renew old friendships and make new friends. The Bible messages will inspire and challenge both head and heart. We wish that every Salvationist could sit under the ministry of Dr. Bill Ury and Colonel Clive Adams.”
“It was exciting during our first Western Bible Conference to see delegates of all ages enjoy the fellowship, as they were refreshed in body and spirit,” added Commissioner Patricia Swyers. “We have personally attended a Salvation Army Bible Conference for the past 40 years. When our boys grew old enough to participate in the children’s meetings, they never wanted to miss a meeting. Attending the Bible Conference became such a family tradition for us that once our sons had children of their own, the tradition continued.”
They concluded: “Our WBC for 2010 will have special programs for everyone—children and youth meetings that will both interest and encourage the young, Bible teaching and discussion groups that will stimulate and renew your faith, with lovely accommodations in beautiful nature and time for family and friends to enjoy rest and relaxation.”
Registration is open for WBC 2010, and space is already filling up, so send in your registration form now, or talk to your corps officer to get more information.