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COLOUR CONFERENCE / A MODERN DAY MOVEMENT ENTERING A NEW ERA /
Aerial Photograph | Longsheng Guangxi Province, China | Sunday 18th September | 5:59pm
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WELCOME TO A NEW AND EXCITING COLOUR SEASON… AND WELCOME TO A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE WHEN IT COMES TO “THE INVITATION”.
“THE HEAVENS PROCLAIM THE GLORY OF GOD. THE SKIES DISPLAY HIS CRAFTSMANSHIP. DAY AFTER DAY
This year a handful of our creative team asked to go to China to shoot photos for this year’s Colour Conference. We’re entering our twenty-first year of a women’s conference that is hosted in five countries across the world, and, as always, our only desire is to capture the heart of heaven for the women who gather each year. Innovative planning and the help of a gracious sponsor (thank you) made what was in their heart possible. As I drew aside in California to write a book called “Stay the Path”, they embarked on a little adventure to the Chinese province of Guangxi to chase the light and do all to find the message of Sisterhood within the fields of China - a message that resonates value and worth towards the feminine soul, a message that champions those whose hands and feet are committed to the pursuit of justice and the welfare of others, and a message that is not shy nor afraid of the romance and love of a Saviour King.
THEY CONTINUE TO SPEAK; NIGHT AFTER NIGHT THEY MAKE HIM KNOWN. THEY SPEAK WITHOUT A SOUND OR WORD; THEIR VOICE IS NEVER HEARD. YET THEIR MESSAGE HAS GONE THROUGHOUT THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO ALL THE WORLD. GOD
A PICTURE. PAINTS. A THOUSAND WORDS. It’s been said that a picture paints a thousand words and I’m confident you probably agree. Have you ever witnessed a sunset and felt the silent pull of something greater than what is your normal everyday life? Have you ever found yourself in an open field, or felt lush green grass underfoot, and felt a sense of calm that reminds you that life perhaps isn’t supposed to be as hectic and crazy as we often make it. The psalmist David wrote often of the pull of eternity. In Psalm 19 he said that the heavens speak without words, yet their message has still gone out throughout the entire earth, testifying and bearing witness that there is more to life than what often meets the natural eye.
HAS MADE A HOME IN THE HEAVENS
Longsheng Guangxi Province, China | Sunday 18th September | 5:17pm
FOR THE SUN. IT BURSTS FORTH LIKE A RADIANT BRIDEGROOM AFTER HIS WEDDING. IT REJOICES LIKE A GREAT ATHLETE EAGER TO RUN THE RACE. THE SUN RISES AT ONE END OF THE HEAVENS AND FOLLOWS ITS COURSE
To this end my little team sought to capture in film and photography something of God’s eternal heart towards us, because whilst we are aware of our current “here and now” - we are also aware of a world beyond this that compels us onward. My prayer is that this visual invitation will stir your soul, open your spirit and excite you for what lies ahead in your own personal experience. The reality is that most of us are not about to run bare foot through the fields of China, but we are all on a journey through life and we all have plantings to be responsible for.
TO THE OTHER END. NOTHING CAN HIDE FROM ITS HEAT.” - Psalm 19:1-6 (NLT)
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My prayer is that the images and scriptures chosen, and the narration of what my team experienced and felt, will resonate within and inspire you that God’s will and plans for you also are wide-open places of freedom and possibility. My prayer is that this little “essay in photography” will serve to seed hope into the lives of those yet to discover a God in heaven who truly believes in them. BE FOUND. IN THE FIELD. So in context of twenty-seventeen - the over-arching theme of placing value upon womanhood remains, but we are excited to focus our attention on the language of “being found in the field”. The metaphor alone stirs imagination. On a more global front, I believe that as we gather as an expansive and diverse sisterhood, God will water what is within this collective force of “friendship and cause”. I believe vision and destiny will heighten in clarity, with the effect being felt in communities all across the world. I believe that ceilings of containment will lift again on a movement that is now several generations deep and that God will surprise us with the “exceeding, abundant and above” that He is famous for (Ephesians 3:20). I also believe that as we explore what it means to be a woman found in the various fields (or spheres) of life, and as we continue to keep our eyes upon the harvest field of a world in need, that something profound and lasting will happen. My role as host is to cultivate and steward this environment, and my desire is to constantly encourage women to draw near to the One who never fails. My role is to “re-imagine” in faith the possibilities within this fabulous mandate entrusted so we can together rise up and make a felt difference in the world. So on that note - I’m excited to tell you that fabulous friends and guest speakers are joining me in this year’s Colour experience. IN SYDNEY AND LONDON - the amazing and lovely Lisa Harper is joining us for the first time, along with dear friend Sy Rogers. You are going to love Lisa. She is a seasoned bible teacher and (apparently) hilarious in the way she brings it all to life. I also have great respect for Sy and am confident that his endearing manner and unique anointing will bring freedom to many.
IN KIEV - I’ve invited Lucinda Dooley to speak into the lives of our Russianspeaking sisters. Lucinda is Lead Pastor with her husband Phil in South Africa and an exceptional leader. I know she will love and inspire the girls in a part of the world that has never ceased to captivate our hearts. ACROSS THE UNITED STATES - we are pioneering new territory with the Colour experience compressed into an exciting “one day, power packed event” in three locations - New York City, Phoenix and Los Angeles. Our own Hillsong team will bring their unique leadership distinctive to the table, and I’m excited to host Colour in not only one city - but three.
“IMAGINE - IF ONE WOMAN CAN CHANGE HER WORLD, IMAGINE WHAT ONE COMPANY OF WOMEN CAN DO” - Bobbie Houston
As a teaching, worship and creative team we are committed to bringing the heart of God with integrity and beauty. I personally can’t wait to see what God has in store, but what is guaranteed is an atmosphere of worship that will peel back the layers. What I do know is that the Word of God will be rich and strong within those sharing, and as always we will give all to champion the mandate and mission of Sisterhood because the lost, hurting, broken and captive of this world are at the core of this gathering. And because it’s impossible for thousands of women to gather without madness, fun, friendship and lunacy… I know laughter and camaraderie will pervade everything. So whether you are a faithful friend who has been coming for years (thank you) or you are completely new to the page - you are welcome! The party is being planned with you and your friends in mind. So enjoy what this invitation offers - in essence a snapshot of my team, active in their own field of service and calling, capturing fields that speak of harvest and promise. Enter their adventure and allow God to speak to you. These big beautiful pages (and the online experience) will arm you with all you need to know, including the stories of some remarkable everyday women who, like you and I, are being found in the story of God’s girls upon the earth.
THE CHINA TEAM
“FOR AS THE SOIL MAKES THE SPROUT COME UP AND A GARDEN CAUSES SEEDS TO GROW, SO THE SOVEREIGN LORD WILL MAKE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PRAISE SPRING UP BEFORE ALL NATIONS.” - Isaiah 61:11 (NIV)
Jay - Global Communications Director, Hillsong Noodle - Graphic Designer / Creative Director Colour & Sisterhood, Hillsong River - Photographer Seb - Video Editor, Hillsong The girls... Renae - Graphic Designer, Hillsong Heather - Hillsong College Graduate Purity - Hillsong College Graduate Goal… to visually capture Bobbie’s heart regarding the journey and fields
LOVE YOU HEART AND SOUL. SEE YOU SOON. BOBBIE HOUSTON
IN CAPE TOWN - we are pumped to have John Gray speaking. God is moving in an astounding way amongst the women of South Africa and I know John will be perfect for everyone there.
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the fields are calling... WED 21ST SEPT, 2016 - the text conversation NOODLE: “It’s 4am here… me and Riv are getting up to catch a sunrise from the mountains. Soooo tired but I think it will be soooo worth it.” BOBBIE: “Oh my, God bless you… what can I say… He will meet you in the dawn light… He loves those who labour and give all... the midnight lamp and the dawn lamp are precious. Go well my darlings xoxoxo”
Longsheng Guangxi Province, China | Sunday 18th September | 6:05pm
RIVER - the fields “We each had a part to play. We each felt an anointing to do what was suddenly in our hand… and we felt graced for it. We all worked together in a way that I haven’t ever experienced with a team before. I remember our first day in the rice fields. The girls were in white dresses and we had already captured some pretty amazing shots. I pulled them aside and said - “Ok, now I want you to think fight club. I want you to think about the children. The widows. The unrest. This isn’t just some pretty shoot in a pretty field. The field requires us to take action.” Bossy I know, but there was urgency in the air and I knew we all had more within us. Something came over Heather, who is now working (literally) in the field of human trafficking. She knew the weight of what we were asking and she delivered it - she went from pretty girl in a white dress to woman on a mission, getting her feet dirty for the fight we are all in for humanity.”
“IN SIMPLE HUMILITY, LET OUR GARDENER, GOD, LANDSCAPE YOU WITH THE WORD, MAKING A SALVATION-GARDEN OF YOUR LIFE.” - James 1:21 (The Message)
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NOODLE - the scene “In the madness of navigating my little family at home and this critical creative brief, I hadn’t had time to totally process the weight of what we were seeking to capture, but the second we arrived in the fields, I felt it. It was like we were on mission for God. My eyes flooded with tears as I beheld the (creative) scene that I felt God had given me weeks earlier with Bobbie. He had promised to peel back the layers on this trip… and I felt like I was looking at the very core of His promised beauty.”
Longsheng Guangxi Province, China | Monday 19th September | 6:49am
RENAE - the honour “I felt honoured to be in China representing the Colour Sisterhood again. I’ve been blessed to be on a number of these shoots. Heather and I were rooming together, so we had plenty of time for conversations into the night. She told me her story of finding God and salvation at our New York church, and her recent experience working with A21 in Thailand and on the borders of Cambodia. Our journey to the fields took three hours, and then another hour to hike up the mountain. The fields were everything we had dreamed them to be and they symbolised the “harvest fields of humanity” that Bobbie is always drawing our attention to. As we switched our focus from simply being girls in cute dresses, in picturesque fields… we felt the cause empower us… we felt like strong women, unshakable and ready to fight for what is right. We all dissolved into tears because the moment embodied everything that we were there for.” PURITY - the tears “For me, I felt we were a team with a stance of unity. We are all so different, but we had the same vision and heart as we headed into the project. I felt an overwhelming serenity as we worked to capture for others what we were experiencing collectively. I felt the Holy Spirit awaken my heart to the love, protection and truth He has for me personally, and my tears and silence on so many occasions was simply because of what I was feeling deep inside.”
“HOW BEAUTIFUL ON THE MOUNTAINS ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS, WHO PROCLAIM PEACE, WHO BRING GOOD TIDINGS, WHO PROCLAIM SALVATION, WHO SAY TO ZION, “YOUR GOD REIGNS!”” - Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)
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RIVER - the individuals No words will fully express what it felt like to chat with one of the local girls we met on this trip. She was joy personified, with a smile that lit up everyone. She had a sense of identity and fight about her, yet also a soft and innocent spirit that left us in tears most days. One night as we strolled through the city I asked her about her government’s “one child policy” that was in place when she was born and its impact on people. I asked her what happened if you fell pregnant accidentally with a second child. She said, “most women had surgery.” I asked what happened if the baby born is a girl - “a lot of women had surgery or sold them to the people in the mountains, so they will work on the farms.” I asked our little friend, “So, you’re a girl… why are you here? Why didn’t your parents give you away?” She replied - “Oh I am very lucky because my parents love me.” In tears she repeated, “I am very lucky, but other girls are not so lucky.”
Yangshuo Guangxi Province, China | Wednesday 21st September | 7:04am
So what about the girls who aren’t so lucky, do they ever try to run away? She said that because they’ve been sold, they don’t have ID, therefore the government doesn’t recognise them, making a future impossible for them, so basically they don’t exist. I asked her could the trafficking situation ever change. Her reply was that the problem is too big and impossible. When we said our goodbyes on the last day, I held her tight and whispered in her ear… “I don’t believe things are impossible. Nothing is impossible.” She looked at me with tears and said “I hope so.”
“AND I WILL SOW HER FOR MYSELF ANEW IN THE LAND, AND I WILL HAVE LOVE, PITY, AND MERCY FOR HER WHO HAD NOT OBTAINED LOVE, PITY, AND MERCY; AND I WILL SAY TO THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, YOU ARE MY PEOPLE, AND THEY SHALL SAY, YOU ARE MY GOD!” - Hosea 2:23 (AMPC)
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horizons, harvest and light... JAY - skylines, typhoons and drenched to the bone “As a creative director within our church, every time we seek to capture a moment in order to tell the story for others, it feels like a fight and chaotic race. In those moments nothing else matters except to chase the light and the moment within the ‘light’.
Lujiazui Shanghai, China | Thursday 15th September | 7:16pm
For these images, we found ourselves on a city rooftop, with a typhoon bearing down. Fierce rain and wind made the whole shoot almost impossible. At one point the wind whipped the plastic sheet I was trying to hold over River’s camera blew away and completely engulfed Noodle. She looked hilarious. As the storm sought to blur our vision of the city and compromise the horizon that we were desperate to capture… the lights of the city pushed its way through. Amid the madness of it all, I felt God’s Spirit remind me that the harvest is truly vast. Endless skyscrapers to the edge of the visible horizon spoke to me of the multitudes around the world who need to hear the good news of God’s great love. It’s large and vast but it’s not up to the one or two - it’s up to all of us.”
“...THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL, BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW. ASK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST, THEREFORE, TO SEND OUT WORKERS INTO HIS HARVEST FIELD.” - Luke 10:2 (NIV)
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Yangshuo Guangxi Province, China | Tuesday 20th September | 5:51pm
NOODLE - the streets “We were running late to meet our guide and catch our transport to the next location. I stopped for a moment and looked around… the hustle and bustle of busy streets. Renae was wearing this bright yellow dress and in this landscape it suddenly spoke of life, colour and beauty. We captured it and it’s possibly now one of my favourite shots of the trip.”
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can you hear the whisper... Longsheng Guangxi Province, China | Monday 19th September | 3:01pm
RIVER - the whispers “It was our last day in the fields and our little guide led us to a new area. We were hoping to get a shot of one of the girls in a field of crops, similar to something Bobbie had seen in Uganda on one of her trips there and in line with what was in her heart. We hadn’t found the location, nor the shot… but then moments before we had to get on the bus, we saw it. We had 5 minutes! My head was frantically saying - “just get the shot you don’t have long!” And then again, we felt God’s presence overshadow the moment. Purity was wandering in and through the corn, touching it gently, with the soft breeze capturing the ripening crops. It was almost like you could hear Jesus whispering… “Come away with Me and I will give you rest. Meet Me here in the fields in the late evening as the sun goes down and I will speak wonders to you. I will fill your soul with peace. My burden is light.”
“OH, VISIT THE EARTH, ASK HER TO JOIN THE DANCE! DECK HER OUT IN SPRING SHOWERS, FILL THE GOD-RIVER WITH LIVING WATER. PAINT THE WHEAT FIELDS GOLDEN. CREATION WAS MADE FOR THIS! DRENCH THE PLOWED FIELDS…” - Psalm 65:9-10 (The Message)
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SOIL. PLANTING. CONVICTIONS
The Generations | Faith and Laura
The Colour Sisterhood is made up of thousands of women and girls. All would agree that they’re on a journey of discovery when it comes to all that life entails, yet, in the midst of that journey, they’re doing their best to be found, not only in Christ, but in the soil of their calling, planting and convictions. We took a moment to ask a few girls about themselves and the things that are important to them. The twenty-seventeen language of being “found in the field” is multi-faceted. All these women want to be found alongside a God who has a passion for the harvest fields of humanity, but they’re also everyday women with families, jobs and spheres of influence to tap into. Enjoy a tiny snapshot into the world of some of your sisters, and find inspiration in their gems of wisdom and perspective.
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WHAT CONCERNS YOU ABOUT THIS WORLD? Watching my sons grow up and the urgency of investing godly values into their life grows stronger and stronger every day. The next generation of leaders, who will run the world are right now in child form. So what are we investing in their lives now? How are we teaching them
WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE COLOUR MESSAGE THAT RESONATES THE MOST WITHIN YOU PERSONALLY, AND WAS THERE A MOMENT IN PARTICULAR THAT SPARKED IT ALL FOR YOU? The Sisterhood is something I have always been a part of. I often think about how incredibly blessed I have been to be surrounded with such incredible women - older and younger, who ooze profound wisdom on life. I feel like I have soaked up that godly wisdom over the years, which has helped me become a better wife, mother and business owner. I have honestly been educated on the state of the world with all its injustice and broken humanity, and have been shown how I can play a part in bringing change. I’m so grateful for that. For me, the Colour message isn’t just an experience that happens at a conference once a year… it’s a day-to-day bible based message that is deeply embedded in the core of who I am. I love what I get to be part of.
DO YOU HAVE A LIFE VERSE AND WHY? I love Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NLT-SN) “Be sure to stay busy and plant a variety of crops because you never know which will grow - perhaps they all will”. I believe there is power in investing wisdom, kindness, love and generosity in a variety of different areas because you never know which one might grow. Perhaps they all will.”
DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST AND WHAT’S THE MOST UNLIKELY THING ON IT? Climbing Everest.
FAVOURITE MOVIE, FLOWER, CHORE? Too hard… way too many iconic movies to choose from, but my current obsession is watching documentaries on Mt. Everest. Which totally doesn’t answer your question. Love pink peonies. And when it comes to a favourtie chore… I don’t have one. One should never ever do chores!
WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND AND HERITAGE LIKE? I grew up in a beautiful beach town on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, surrounded with art, sculpture and books. My dad was an artist, teacher, writer and pastor. He would often tell my brother and I - “Always get your own revelation of Christ and the Word before you open a commentary!” Ha. This was actually the best life advice.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY. My name is River Bennett and I live in Sydney with Joel and our three sons - Zion, Rome and Knox.
FOUND WITH A CAMERA IN HER HAND
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WERE THERE CHALLENGES TO GET HERE AND HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF “ON MISSION” IN THE FIELD? Belief in myself was the biggest challenge and to be honest, stepping into the unknown scares the life out of me. I still feel the fear with every new project, but I’ve learned to work with it. I have discovered that in working hard and giving my very best, God will do the rest. And I think my “everyday” is my mission field. Being myself in every area of my life - from motherhood and investment into our children’s lives, to conversations with the school mums at the gate or the cashier in the store, to stepping into the bigger opportunities of influence.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER? A few years ago, I was gifted a camera by a landscape photographer friend. He had been following my Instagram and said, “You have a really good eye for photography, you should try learning to use a proper camera, you might like it.” I had no idea how to use it, so I went home and read everything on YouTube about how to use a camera. I didn’t have time to go to university or study photography formally because I had three little men at home needing my attention. But I put in hours of practice and whenever I got stuck, I would find people who knew more about photography and would ask for their advice. Over time it started to make sense and I started to practice on anyone who would let me. This led to paid freelance work that has taken me across the globe and into many different communities. I often pinch myself that I am actually doing what I love for work. I then started a website - TheWolfpackMrs. com - “for mamas with messy hair and thirsty hearts.” I interview and photograph incredibly talented, creative people and write their stories. A friend and I also opened a birth photography business, called “The First Hello Project”, where we capture beautiful moments as parents meet their child for the very first time.
WHAT DOES YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE DAY-TO-DAY, AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I am a wife, mother, photographer, writer, blogger and business owner. I love how music has the ability to deeply impact people. It can stir emotion and communicate a powerful message through lyrics and sound. I guess what I love about my work is the challenge to capture an image in such a way that it has the same effect on people.
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? Injustice. Good art. And being in the right place at the right time.
to choose wisdom and make decisions with integrity? Are we teaching them empathy and showing them how to put others first? As mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunties, I figure if we can all invest things of true worth into these little lives then we will see a strong generation of leaders who will lead our world well.
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WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE ‘FIELD’ THAT YOU CURRENTLY FIND YOURSELF IN? It never gets boring - one minute I’m meeting with creative team to talk through upcoming events or venue design, then I’m having discussions about potential real estate opportunities (we desperately need a permanent home for church in New York), through to rolling out new initiatives to increase the sense of community within our growing church.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE COLOUR SISTERHOOD MESSAGE OR EXPERIENCE THAT RESONATES THE MOST WITHIN YOU PERSONALLY? Pastor Bobbie’s messages at Colour this past year really got me thinking. I challenged myself - what if I grabbed hold of everything I heard? What if I didn’t just hear it, but fully believed it and embodied it? What if I allowed the truth to fully course through my daily world and the way I carry myself - my mindsets, paradigms of thinking, actions, conversations and decision making. Then I thought, what if every woman in that room took hold of it also and allowed it to transform her life… they could seriously change the world!
DO YOU HAVE A LIFE VERSE, AND WHY? Romans 8 where it says that nothing can separate me from God’s love. Knowing this gives me courage, strength and freedom.
WHAT ENCOURAGES YOU PERSONALLY? I think the power of human beings to forgive, change and move on is inspiring. There’s nothing more touching than to see Christ exemplified in another person. When you see someone being purely selfless or truly kind - it refreshes my soul and challenges me to be better.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. My name is Tolu Badders and I live in New York City. I’m married to “Captain Awesome” (aka Brett), and I’m Nigerian in background. I work on team with Hillsong Church, helping to manage our New York staff and oversee the day-to-day running of church life… I help ensure the plates are spinning as they should.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE COLOUR AND TELL US WHY YOU CALL PASTOR BOBBIE “BIRDIE”? I love to look at yellow and I love wearing black. I love giving nicknames to the people I love. Why call anyone by their birth name is my motto? Ha! But seriously... whenever I talk with Pastor Bobbie, hear her preach, or watch her lead, I feel like I’ve caught glimpse of a beautiful rare bird. She’s one of a kind. Graceful like a dove. And there’s a delicacy and softness to her and the way she speaks. But there is also toughness and great strength. Perfect combo. And whenever you watch her do pretty much anything, she soars.
ARE THERE FRUSTRATIONS WITHIN YOUR CALLING? I’m a planner, so I always want to know everything about what’s coming up. But God is showing me that I just need to know the next step. I just need to step forward and do that next step well - and He will direct the plan He has for my life. Whenever I’m offered a new step or new role, my first thought is usually that I don’t have the capacity for it - but then God reminds me of how He has prepared me for this exact season. All I need to do is step up and have faith.
HOW DID YOU ENTER THIS POSITION IN NYC? When the New York church was planted 6 years ago, I volunteered to manage the sign-up sheet for a connect group. It was one sheet of paper and I simply had to make sure any new people gave us their details so we could help them further. Since then it’s just been saying yes to whatever I’ve been asked to do. I love filling the gaps.
DO YOU EVER FEEL CHALLENGED WITHIN YOUR ROLE? Totally - there are a gazillion things we want to achieve, but it often takes much longer than anticipated to work things through. Having patience is a challenge, plus remembering to stop and celebrate progress is a discipline I’m still learning.
FOUND IN THE WONDER AND BUSTLE OF NEW YORK CITY
TOLU BADDERS
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When I met Julius, he was supporting eleven orphans that he had found living underneath a bus in Northern Uganda. Julius had a vision to help rebuild the region he had grown up in, and I felt God was asking me to
After missing my third Olympics, I met a man named Julius at a running camp and heard his story. He was born into poverty in Northern Uganda, captured at age 12 by the LRA terror group and forced to be a child soldier. After 3 months he escaped and made it safely home to his family. He taught himself how to run and he ended up competing at two Olympic games as the civil war in his homeland continued to rage.
But my dream didn’t come easily. I qualified for the Sydney Olympics at age 16, but suffered a stress fracture before the games and couldn’t compete. The same thing happened when trying for Athens in 2004, and again Beijing in 2008. At that point I wanted to quit. It was the first time in my life that I hated running. I was discouraged and questioned whether the Olympics was really a dream that God had put on my heart, but as always, He turned the situation around for good.
My name is Eloise Wellings. I live in Sydney and am married to a great guy, and together we have a three year old daughter, named India. I love to run and eat Messina gelato ice cream. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to compete in the Olympics. It was all I dreamt of - in fact, I was obsessed with the idea.
FOUND RUNNING ALONGSIDE OLYMPIANS
ELOISE WELLINGS
I feel these were the years of being refined in my faith, which was tested over and over again, but God is faithful to turn it all around if we remain persistent. Even when we feel like we can’t see how it will work out, or when we feel like life is at its darkest - He has a grand plan that is greater than we ever hoped or imagined.
And yes, I finally achieved my Olympic dream by qualifying and competing in both the London and Rio Olympics, and I am believing to attend my third in Tokyo in 2020. I feel like I’m on a mission to use every step that I take in running to bring glory to God and shed light on what He is doing in Uganda.
People were desperate, however we felt from the beginning to help them to create a sustainable future for themselves. We did this through the simple supply of seeds and tangible encouragement. These women taught me strength, resilience and joy despite their difficult circumstances and I’m so proud of these women that we’ve been able to stand alongside.
do the same. So we started a charity working with the people of rural Uganda called Love Mercy. Most of the women we began working with had just returned to their homes after spending the best part of 10 years in the IDP (internally displaced people) camps with their families.
eloise FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE COLOUR SISTERHOOD 500 PROJECTS , THAT ENGAGE A WIDE VARIETY OF HUMANITARIAN RESPONSES,
SEE THECOLOURSISTERHOOD.COM
ORPHANS. SISTERS. NATIONS.
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DO YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO? I love that I can worship and express my love for Jesus through the instrument that God has put in my hands. That moment every night on tour when hundreds of people respond to the invitation of Jesus, makes it all worth while.
WHAT IS YOUR JOB AND LIFE LOOK LIKE DAY TO DAY? I am part of the Hillsong UNITED band, and my “day-to-day” life is mostly on the road, touring with the team.
WERE THERE CHALLENGES IN MOVING AS A YOUNG TEENAGE GIRL? My biggest challenge was obviously the language issue as I didn’t speak a word of English when I moved to London. As a young teenager, I had a major identity crisis at the time and felt like I lost all my future, friends and ability to express myself to anyone. I had to find out who I was and who I was not, and every day was a fight to step out of my comfort zone and interact with people.
WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO THE UK? I was 15 when we left Korea to live in London.
Bobbie - “Jihea is the cute and cool bass player you see playing with Hillsong UNITED. She was born in Korea and currently lives in London with her family. She’s an active member of our church and a professional musician who has played with some of the world’s most famous secular artists. She has the sweetest spirit - always gracious, kind and warm. On a recent worship tour in the United States we were highlighting our partnership with Compassion child sponsorship and our collective ability to intervene into the lives of children (and their families) through sponsorship. Part way through the tour someone told me that Jihea’s father was himself a sponsor child many years ago in Korea. Knowing this was moving for all of us, because we suddenly realised that perhaps this beautiful young woman would not be a part of our lives, had her father not been given a help out of poverty. On that particular tour (which included 18 cities), every time I asked the people to turn and watch the story of a Compassion child on the screen, I was mindful of Jihea, standing quietly in the shadows of the stage, praying for the children about to be sponsored and embraced. We asked Jihea a few questions.”
FOUND IN THE SHADOWS AND SPOTLIGHT
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WHAT MAKES YOU CRY, AND WHAT ENCOURAGES YOU PERSONALLY? I cry when I talk about my Jesus and His love. And knowing that I am part of something bigger always encourages me.
ON A RANDOM NOTE: FAVOURITE MOVIE, STYLE OF MUSIC, FLOWER, AND WHAT ONE PERSON IN HISTORY WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET? I don’t like violence or horror, so I usually choose Disney or Pixar movies. I love Gospel, Soul and R&B… and sometimes I resort to a little hard rock and metal. Love sunflowers and daisies. And I would love to meet Beethoven. I love his compositions.
IS THERE MORE YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH IN THIS FIELD? I want to influence influential people, and I want to do so from within the church and outside of it also. I don’t want to draw a line and choose one over the other - I want to merge the two fields together and bring my best to both.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF “ON MISSION” IN YOUR FIELD? I want to bring my best skills to the table, but even more important is loving people. I want to accept the people I work with for who they are. I want to build genuine friendship and be there if they need someone to talk to. I want people to know they can rely on me, especially when we often find ourselves together and on the road 24/7.
SHARE SOME OF THE JOURNEY THAT LED TO THIS CURRENT SEASON OF LIFE. I have been a pop bass and keyboard session player for about 8 years. I studied musical performance at university and have served as a volunteer in Hillsong London until recently, when I was asked to join UNITED full time. As a self-employed session player I had to remind myself everyday, before facing the world, of who I am in Christ. I discipline myself to have confidence in what God has called me to, regardless of whether things are going well or not. He holds my tomorrow.
ARE THERE CHALLENGES IN WHAT YOU DO? I don’t see challenges. I am so grateful for where I am, but I remind myself to remain healthy - from my physical wellbeing to how I am doing spiritually, because if that is good, what will flow out of me to others will also be good.
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GO ONLINE FOR MORE INSIGHT INTO THE SISTERHOOD, AND MORE STORIES OF EVERYDAY WOMEN IN THEIR FIELDS OF ENDEAVOUR AND CALLING.
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come
The Wave - 20 years of cheering our sisters onward
THE INVITATION. BELONGS. TO ALL.
CHOOSE YOUR 3.0, 2.0 OR1.0 COLOUR EXPERIENCE. ALL PROMISE TO BE A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN FOR YOU AND THOSE IMPORTANT TO YOU.
YOUR HOSTS
SYDNEY Colour 3.0
Our three day “flagship” conference where it all began
BOBBIE & BRIAN HOUSTON
THE THEATRE AT ICC SYDNEY CONFERENCE ONE: 16 - 18 MARCH 2017*
The leadership and worship teams of Hillsong Church (global) will host and present the Colour experience alongside Senior Pastors, Brian and Bobbie.
USA Colour 1.0
Together we will give our finest to create a stunning environment of creativity, worship, teaching, inspiration, innovation, fun and empowerment. Signature to Colour is the mobilisation of women to Be the Change in their local planting of community, church, city and nation. The Sisterhood vision is ongoing and progressive, and we know you will be blessed and inspired.
NEW YORK: KINGS THEATRE, BROOKLYN
INTERNATIONAL GUEST SPEAKERS
CONFERENCE TWO: 20 - 22 MARCH 2017
Our premium conference condensed into one day CONFERENCE ONE: 1 APRIL 2017
PHOENIX: HILLSONG PHOENIX, MESA CAMPUS
LISA HARPER
CONFERENCE TWO: 4 APRIL 2017
SY ROGERS
LA: ORPHEUM THEATRE, DOWNTOWN LA
JOHN GRAY
CONFERENCE THREE: 8 APRIL 2017
YOUR HILLSONG TEAM & FRIENDS
CAPE TOWN Colour 2.0
TEACHING. WORSHIP. VOLUNTEER ARMY.
Our premium conference condensed into two days
GRAND WEST PLAZA
So many and too many to name, but be confident that these astounding and capable men and women will add their passion, warmth, wisdom and genius to the table, including worship from Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Young & Free and Hillsong Worship.
LONDON Colour 3.0
One of the strengths of Colour is that the menfolk are front and centre of all we do, and give their all to make it magnificent. And, as always, an army of gorgeous volunteers will do everything they can to make your few days with us memorable.
CONFERENCE ONE: 26 - 27 APRIL 2017 CONFERENCE TWO: 28 - 29 APRIL 2017
Our three day premium conference
THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY (Formerly Wembley Arena)
KIDS We have fun and interactive kids programs available for children aged 1-12 years old with praise & worship,
4 - 6 MAY 2017
games, crafts and stories from the Bible. There are also facilities for mums and bubs, where you can remain connected to every moment of conference. For more information, and to register your child, visit colourconference.com
KIEV Colour 2.0
Our premium conference condensed into two days
GO ONLINE TO REGISTER
ZHOVTNEVYI PALACE (OCTOBER PALACE) 12 - 13 MAY 2017
COLOURCONFERENCE.COM
*Conference One in Sydney is at capacity.
Plus find information for locations, guest insights, Colour Kids and all other details.
#allwelcome #comeasyouare
20 YEARS fb.com/coloursisterhood | fb.com/brianandbobbie | fb.com/hillsongchurch
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@coloursistahood | @bobbiehouston | @hillsong
THE SISTERHOOD
@coloursisterhood | @bobbiehouston | @hillsong
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“I AM SISTERHOOD IS A DECLARATION, A DECLARATION THAT IS BOLD AND STRONG, QUIET AND CONFIDENT. A DECLARATION ABOUT VALUE AND IDENTITY, PURPOSE AND MISSION. IT IS A DECLARATION INTENTIONAL IN REACH AND EMBRACE. IT TRANSCENDS CULTURE AND CREED, AGE AND STATUS, PREJUDICE AND PREFERENCE. IT’S A DECLARATION THAT POSITIONS ITSELF AMID AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY, CONCERN AND CARE, INJUSTICE AND SOLUTION. A DECLARATION ULTIMATELY CONCERNED WITH THE WELFARE OF THE WORLD AND HER INHABITANTS. IT HAS COURAGEOUSLY WOVEN ITS WAY THROUGH TIME AND HISTORY AND CONTINUES TO WEAVE ITSELF ACROSS OUR LIVES AND FUTURE. IT IS OUR COLLECTIVE HERE AND NOW - AND BELONGS TO ANY FEMININE SOUL WHO SOMEHOW BELIEVES THAT SHE WAS BORN FOR MORE THAN WHAT IS TEMPORAL AND FLEETING. IT’S FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES AND BACKGROUND, PERSONALITY AND STYLE, COLOUR AND VIBRANCY. IT’S FOR THE BOLD AND BODACIOUS, THE DEMURE AND UNASSUMING. IT’S THE SISTERHOOD THAT PERHAPS HEAVEN IMAGINED WHEN A VERY INTENTIONAL CREATOR CREATED HIS GIRLS. IT’S STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL, FEMININE AND GRACIOUS, AUTHORITATIVE AND GENTLE AND ABOVE ALL ELSE, WELCOMES THE BROKEN AND DISCARDED. WHICHEVER WAY YOU SEE OR UNDERSTAND IT, IT IS A GROWING MOVEMENT OF WOMEN ACROSS THE EARTH. OUR HOPE IS THAT IN YOU READING AND ABSORBING THE TRUTH WITHIN THESE WORDS YOUR HEART WILL BE ENLARGED AND BLESSED. LET’S TAKE WHAT IS IN OUR HAND AND GENUINELY USE IT FOR GOOD. TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE.” © 2009 Bobbie Houston
COLOURCONFERENCE.COM