REFLECTIONS ON "GOD'S GLOBAL FAMILY" CONFERENCE

I am so grateful to have attended several Lahash conferences. Each of these was a true gift, but this most recent conference, "God's Global Family," set a new standard. The theme of this wonderful conference focused on God's global family made up of all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages.

Among other passages of Scripture, the theme borrowed inspiration from Psalms 86:9, "All nations you have made will come to worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name."

As I reflect on the week together with God's people, what comes to my mind and heart is a thread of blessings gracefully and beautifully woven into every single activity and every single day of that week.

The uplifting morning devotions led by our partners, the thought-provoking yet inspiring Bible studies which grounded our conference theme, the Spirit-filled music and worship sessions, the impactful seminars, and the beauty of diversity. You can imagine how great this was - a multicultural, multiracial, and multinational assembly, bringing together God's people from the land of Africa and from the US, all banding together to glorify God through worship.

For one amazing week, our staff, some of our sponsors, partners, board members, and friends convened as one family - sixty people, adults and youth. We shared meals, worshiped God, diligently studied the Bible, learned from one another's experiences and expertise, and, most importantly, celebrated the wonderful work that God is doing in East Africa through our ministry partners.

Michelle Andrews, a guest and facilitator at the conference, captured her experience in these amazing words: "God fulfilled a dream of my 20-year-old self to be a wife, mom, missionary, and art therapist, culminating all in this conference." For Michelle, this was not just a conference but a perfect place that allowed her to fulfill her lifelong dreams. 

The theme of our conference shone so strongly not just through the teachings but also through the lived experiences of the conference attendees.

"God's global family of all nations, tribes, peoples and languages" were more than words that graced the slides. The new friendships we formed, the conversations we made, the powerful testimonies that we heard - all these constantly reminded us that we are one big family - a family of God's people and children.

Anny Igihozo, a student from Rwanda, shared these humbling words: "We are a big family in Christ, and every story can change a life."

The conference inspired people in different ways. At the end of the week, each attendee departed, encouraged and more informed about Lahash's and our partners' ministry work in East Africa.



Noah, a high school student from the US, shared, "The speaker talking about students impacting or spreading the word to the world inspired me. – He made me think missions to the unreached could be in my near future."

Lahash holds conferences in East Africa once every two years. Our 10th conference will happen in 2028. I want to invite you to plan and purpose to attend this next conference! You will certainly have a life-changing experience witnessing firsthand the great things God is doing here in East Africa.