Chernihiv Conference

This past weekend we attended the Chernihiv conference located at a camp in the forest. It was a rough weekend for us, actually. But God was so faithful to us and taught us some lessons through it.

The kids were a little out of sorts, mainly Justin and Jeremy, and were very clingy, whiny and not into the camp food. The first night our power went out and so our little heater was of no use, so it was a bit chilly. Justin woke up at 5 and was ready to go...but Mom was not! The next night was much better and our heater worked! Micah got a tummy bug on Saturday and was feeling pretty lousy. He did manage to play two soccer games, though, thinking that might help bring it up. But it wasn't until he laid down after the games and Jer came and jumped on his stomach, that it really came up! He was feeling better by Sunday, just in time to make the 3 hour drive home! Josie and Jaden, on the other hand, had a wonderful time with their friends, playing and exploring the forest for hours and hours.

The theme of the conference was "God's heart revealed in Scripture." Micah was able to hear Conor's session on Christ revealed in Scripture. I was happy to get to hear one session also...Jake's message on God's glory ministered to me. God showed me through the frustrating times this weekend how much He loves me and that He wants to show His glory through my life in every situation I am in. At 5 in the morning with a crying baby, when I was feeling so tired and cold and embarrassed, I was thinking, how can I find joy in this situation? Micah and I were talking about it and realized that it was not the right question to be asking. That is such a selfish way of thinking about it, how can I find joy? It should be, How can I glorify God in this situation? How can others see Christ in me when I am at my wits end and overwhelmed with life?

Another wonderful part of the conference was definitely the worship. Man, there was a lot of talented musicians there. But the worship sessions didn't seem to be focused on the talent, but focused on praising an awesome God! Micah and I agreed that hearing worship in Ukrainian and Russian is quite amazing. Our worship band was able to participate in leading one session. I got a nice surprise in seeing Micah singing acapella with the girls on one song.

So, even though we had some rough moments, we were blessed to have attended this conference. It was great to see old friends and catch up. We are so thankful to be a part of what God is doing here in Ukraine.