CEF European Conference 2013

Changes were being made right up until arrival day. People dropped out and people turned up that we hadn't expected :) Even before the conference started we were reminded that there was a spiritual battle going on. Several people cancelled at the last minute or were hindered due to illnesses, sudden bereavements, accidents, a twisted foot, refused visa, broken down vehicle, missed plane... then during the conference a vomiting and diarrhoea bug with associated high temperatures went around so that 2 children and an adult ended up in hospital. An early morning phone call from a concerned worker alerted me to an internal drain pipe which came loose during heavy rain and flooded the main foyer (thankfully none of the nearby translation equipment was damaged). Of course, most people knew nothing about any of these things and so they were able to fully enjoy the conference.

In the end, 350 people (plus day guests) from 39 countries were challenged and encouraged by the excellent messages from the book of Hebrews through pastor and author Robert J. Morgan. The seminars from Robert Lugar on issues of identity and balancing marriage with ministry, were particularly practical and appropriate for our workers. Each evening session was concluded with a "heart2heart" message from Reese Kauffman (International President of CEF). Interspersed throughout the main meetings were short reports from the various departments of training, equipping, supporting and member care. Linda Corry and her band representing workers from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Switzerland, Romania and Ireland, led the times of praise. A nice touch this year was that each evening had a focus on one of our four European regions. This was complemented by people wearing national dress and sometimes even providing us all with things to try from their country.

For the second time, I had the responsibility of organising this conference – something I enjoyed a lot. It was very exhausting, but the Lord gave the strength and the ability to think and react quickly as each new situation arose. One week before the conference I was facing an impossible task of fitting 370 registered persons into Schönblick guest house. Some rooms in nearby hotels had been reserved. However in the end everyone had a bed in the centre, and I even had one spare room which right until the end of the conference remained unused.

My thanks goes out to all involved in different ways: sound, lights, power-point, video, interpretation equipment, praise-band, leading meetings, interpreting (8 languages simultaneously), crèche, children's programme, info-point, literature sales, transport, finances, gift purchasing, room allocation... as well as the wonderful staff at Schönblick in housekeeping, catering, administration and maintenance. Thanks also to all who prayed, sent an email or said an encouraging word.
Thanks most of all to God, without Whom we can do nothing.

The 2013 CEF European Conference in Schönblick, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany.

www.cefeuropeanconference.com