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Reflecting on Next 2009
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I drove home from Baltimore on Tuesday with a happy/exhausted feeling. Next 2009 exceeded all of my expectations. For all of you who attended—thanks for coming. For those who remembered us in prayer—God answered your prayers in amazing ways. Let me share a few random highlights for me personally…
• I’ll start with superficial: My hotel room was on the 20th floor and overlooked Camden Yards. What a view (photo at right)! I also got to share a room with my brother Brett which was fun.
• Grant Layman, who directs Next, and Paul Medler who serves as administrator, did an incredible job. I got to show up and be amazed by all that they and their team had worked on and planned. When you see these men at church, please thank them for the role they played.
• It was good to see so many familiar faces. Even though nearly half of the attendees came from churches outside Sovereign Grace, it’s good to see old friends from our sister-churches in places like Orlando, Lancaster, El Paso, Dallas and Charlotte. John Loftness and Curtis Allen were there with a great contingent from Solid Rock. They even had matching t-shirts.
• Having six sessions solely focused on Jesus was incredible. One of the interesting themes that unexpectedly emerged was a focus on people who have grown up around Christianity but who haven’t personally trusted in Christ. The Holy Spirit seemed to be bringing conviction and a new sense of awe before Jesus that was very sweet.
• I’ve met three people who gave their lives to Christ over the weekend. I pray there were even more. The conference was a living example of the truth that when Jesus is clearly proclaimed from God’s word, people are drawn to him by the power of the Holy Spirit. One girl I spoke with came to the event only so a friend could come. She was extremely antagonistic toward Christians. She had brought a book and planned to tune the whole thing out. But God spoke to her, and through the care and counsel of Christian friends, she turned from her sin and trusted in Jesus. “I don’t know what I’m going to do when I get home,” she told me. “All my friends know me as the girl who hates Christians.” Praise God for his converting grace!
• A team of people came to do nothing but pray. Led by pastor Tim Kerr, the team included Covenant Life members Frank and Sue Robb and Steve and Yvonne Wyzga. It was so encouraging and so humbling to have them there praying and interceding through every main session. I truly believe there was a greater move of the Spirit in the lives of the attendees because of their intercession.
To all the Covenant Life members who attended and who served, it’s hard for me express how meaningful it was for me to have you at Next. When I passed you in the halls I would think, “I get to go home and partner with these brothers and sisters in the local church!” That truly is an honor. And it meant to so much to have you at Next supporting the conference.
Please join me in praying that the conference will having a lasting and widespread effect—that Jesus glory will spread because of what took place.
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