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Flourish “...a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.” Proverbs 11:28 (Message)
15th Annual Conference
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Schedule FRIDAY 7:00 pm
Welcome
7:15 pm Session 1: Dr. Caroline Leaf Dustin Smith and Faith Alive Band 9:15 pm
Closing
SATURDAY 9:00 am Welcome/Worship: Dustin Smith and Faith Alive Band 9:30 am Session 2: Dr. Caroline Leaf 10:35 am
Break
11:00 am WJOF Speaker Panel and Dr. Caroline Leaf 11:30 am
WJOF Opportunities
12:00 pm Let Justice Roll: Dustin Smith 12:30 pm
Lunch
1:30 pm Worship Concert: Dustin Smith and Faith Alive Band 2:15 pm Publish His Works: Jodi Kozan 2:35 pm
Break
2:50 pm Door Prizes*
Dustin Smith and Faith Alive Band
3:15 pm Session 3: Dr. Caroline Leaf 4:45 pm
Closing
*must be in attendance to win Women’s Journey of Faith (WJOF) utilizes photography and video cameras at all events. By attending this event, your photo could potentially be used in any format for the sole purpose of WJOF promotion.
Journey to Restoration Our Vision: The Restoration of Women Our Mission: Gathering, Nurturing, Discovering, Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ! Our Core Values: Live by Faith, Walk in Love, Affirm the Call Seeks complete dependence on God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She is committed to honor Him through worship, prayer and obedience to God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. Embraces her identity in Christ knowing she is loved, accepted, secure and significant in Him. Honors God, spouse (if married) and respects authority seeking to restore honor in her home, church and community. Establishes warm and loving relationships with family and friends in her home, workplace and social environments. Committed to practicing integrity in all areas: spiritually, morally, ethically and sexually. Prioritizes her life to reflect a healthy balanced life engaging principles affecting her whole being: mind, body, spirit. Values church involvement and is committed to supporting the mission of her church by honoring and praying for her pastor and by actively giving her time and resources. Desires interdependence in the Body of Christ and is committed to reaching beyond racial, social, economic, gender, generational and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity and reconciliation. Practices healthy whole life stewardship including the testimony of Jesus Christ within and is prepared to share His name at any given moment in a hurting world. Prays regularly for discernment and wisdom. She refuses to seek worldly pursuits of a “counterfeit restoration”. Open to correction when needed and leads a life of confession and repentance. Nurtures the next generation through spiritual mothering, mentoring and spiritual friendships. Seeks justice for the poor and oppressed and is committed to influencing the world by her fervent love for God while loving her neighbor and making disciples of Jesus Christ!
“A God-shaped life is a flourishing tree”
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Welcome! A
re you ready for a faith adventure? This year’s conference theme is a beautiful reminder that we were created to “flourish” as we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. It’s a decision: a daily surrendering to God’s truth and embracing His grace on the journey. Our vision is “the Restoration of Women”, and in order for us to align ourselves with God’s plan for restoration, we must take control of any negative toxic thoughts that hinder us from stepping into our destiny. The battle is in the mind, sisters! Science and faith are often positioned as bitter rivals, but this year’s speaker, Dr. Leaf shows how the Bible can inform our view of science and the brain. She writes: “You have an extraordinary ability to determine, achieve and maintain optimal levels of intelligence, mental health, peace, and happiness, as well as the prevention of disease in your body and mind. You can, through conscious effort, gain control of your thoughts and feelings, and in doing so, you can change the programming and chemistry of your brain.”
The restoration of women through gathering,
nurturing, discovering, and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ
Our 15th annual conference is designed for you to gather with other women on the journey, be nurtured through prayer and worship, discover powerful truths accordingly to the Word of God and engage with us to share the good news of Jesus Christ! May you find your song released in the incredible worship times as we are led by the dynamic Dustin Smith and members of the Faith Alive band. We invite you to take time for you in our prayer room, visit us at the WJOF tables in the foyer, connect with our partners in ministry and learn about ways to engage in our culture in ongoing ways to flourish in your faith! Welcome to Flourish, we are so glad you’re here. Loving the Journey! Jodi Kozan President/ Founder Women’s Journey of Faith
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We believe in... The triune God – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The divine inspiration and infallibility of God’s Word, and its authority and benefit for all matters of faith and life. The sovereignty of God as Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, and Righteous Judge. The deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, his virgin birth, his sinless life, his sacrificial and atoning death for fallen mankind. His resurrection to the right hand of the Father and his return in power and glory for all true believers. The justification of the sinner through no merit on his own but by the grace of God and through faith alone.
Our Team Front Row: Deb Macready, Bailey Rudoski, Gerlie Ferarro, Coralee Pringle-Nelson Second Row: Joyelle Gagnon, Melissa Bueler, Sarah Schroeder, Crystal Klassen Third Row: Jamie Snider, Barb Rudoski, Jodi Kozan, Kirsten Knutson Back frow: Catherine Randall, Maureen Brown, Rhonda Schindel, Lisa Braun Not pictured: Courtney Blatz, Shaun Salen and Nancy Smith
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The indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the life of all believers, sanctifying them to live a godly life in example and service. The mercy and grace of God, and his desire for all to come to the knowledge of his will. The resurrection of all believers in Christ to eternal life. Accomplishing the will of God concerning the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, giving all the glory to him. The spiritual unity of believers in Christ.
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Dr. Caroline Leaf
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ince 1985, Dr Caroline Leaf, a Communication Pathologist and Audiologist, has worked in the area of Cognitive Neuroscience. She specialized in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Learning Disabilities focusing on the Science of Thought as it pertains to thinking and learning. She developed a theory and did some of the initial research back in the 1990’s showing how the mind can change the brain. She applied the findings of her research in clinical practice for nearly 25 years and now lectures and preaches globally. She is a prolific author and has been a featured guest of Joyce Meyer, James Robison, Marilyn Hickey, Sid Roth and TBN. She has her own show on TBN called “Switch on Your Brain”. Her passion is to help people see the link between science and scripture as a tangible way of controlling their thoughts and emotions, learning how to think and learn and finding their sense of purpose in life. Caroline and her husband, Mac, live in Dallas, Texas with their four children.
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ustin is an Integrity Music Artist, Song Writer and Worship leader, who has a desire to see the nations ignited with a passion for worship. With an unyielding love for God and His people, Dustin has been able to cross denominational lines with his music. He has an attitude that gives God all the glory, and that attitude transcends age, race, colour and creed.
Dustin Smith and the Faith Alive Band
Dustin is a husband and father of three, who grew up in a Pastor’s home and has been in church his whole life. He has seen the joys and challenges of working and growing up in the church, but his dedication to seek the face of God has caused him to rise as a voice to the nations that increases the value of God in other people’s eyes.
Clasic Interior “Dustin Smith is one of my favourite worship leaders. He has a gift for writing songs that connect with and serve the church... songs that communicate the move of God among His people.”
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– Michael W. Smith
Dustin is a leader of an uprising that helps people encounter, even collide with the presence of God in powerful ways. His “everything inside me” approach to music and his clear-cut teachings are capturing the ears and hearts of believers around the world, leaving people with a fresh view and experience of who God is and what he wants to do for people today. Dustin has taken great lengths to reveal what biblical worship actually is and restoring the honour of God by removing the focus of individual worship to a corporate setting. He offers his insight and wisdom as a leader that demonstrates his heart-felt worship. He believes that a new attitude towards God is being birthed for this generation. Over the years, Dustin has resisted the push of religious traditions and pursued the heart of God.
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he Faith Alive Band is made up of real people with a passion to worship God using their musical talent. Based out of Saskatoon, they strive to make worship more than words on a screen, a cool riff, funky beat, or nice melody. Rather, they take worship to a new depth of God’s overwhelming presence. The band’s desire is to make music that gets the attention of God by honouring Him through every beat, musical note and lyric they sing. If you listen to Deluge, Jesus Culture, Hillsong United or Misty Edwards, you will love Faith Alive Band.
Inspirational Gifts and Books Books, Bibles, Giftware, Music... & our Cappuccino Cafe 106 B 810 Circle Drive East Saskatoon, SK S7K 3T8 Phone 306-244-3700 Toll Free 888-893-3332
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Coaching Discovering Your Purpose, Restoring Your Passion Women’s Journey of Faith is excited to announce that we are launching a Coaching division. Please visit the WJOF table today or online at wjof.com/coaching for more information. Our first 4 week group coaching class begins January 2015 both in person and online!
March 5-19
Women’s Journey of Faith has a wide array of women’s ministry opportunities and resources for the local church to connect to including our annual conference, our Speakers Ministry, Faith Stories, WJOF Tours, and various other resources. By coming alongside us as Journey Wings, you can be the connection point and help support growing women’s ministries in your church and community.
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For more information on becoming a Journey Wing, please visit wjof.com.
2015 Mark yo ur calen dars For more information, visit for the 2 0 1 6 I srael To wjof.com/tours/israel-2015 F ur ebruary 27-Marc h 12!
“Lorie Hartshorn is a communicator who possesses the vital ability to not merely speak to an audience, but to actually engage an audience.”
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Lorie Hartshorn (Co-Emcee) Scott Cochran, President of Willowcreek Leadership Centre
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orie is a National Speaker, Author and Bible Teacher with a love for God’s Word and the hope and power that its truth brings to others! Lorie’s greatest passion is to see people grow into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. To see the body of Christ set free and kingdom work flourish to the Glory of God. Lorie has spent more than 25 years in Education and Training. In those years she also provided leadership in the area of Development. She served as the Director Advancement for EQUIP Leadership Canada, Dr. John C. Maxwell’s organization, training leaders worldwide. Lorie is presently the Connections Pastor at C4 Church in Ajax Ontario where she oversees discipleship and part of the teaching team. Lorie speaks nationally and internationally the message of spiritual freedom! Her teaching can be seen on 100 Huntley St TV and The 700 Club TV Canada. Lorie and her husband Dean, live in Whitby, Ontario with their 3 adult children.
www.loriehartshorn.com
REACHING CANADA FOR CHRIST
The 700 Club Canada is an uplifting mix of dynamic Christian testimonies, lifetransforming Bible teaching, and insightful commentary. Join co-hosts Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson and Brian Warren every weekday and see how there is no darkness that the light does not penetrate. Also watch the US 700 Club hosted by Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen, and Gordon Robertson. Enjoy its fresh and insightful interviews, hard-hitting special reports, and news coverage from a Christian perspective. Check your local listings for viewing in your area or visit www.700Club.ca.
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FAMILYLIFE
™
weekend getaway m a r r i a g e c o n f e re n c e
get away... just the two of you
Why not invest a weekend in your marriage? A FamilyLife Weekend Getaway offers Godly wisdom, new relational tools and lots of time for you to connect with your spouse in a beautiful, relaxed setting. Your marriage is worth it!
This saved our marriage. We came with a good marriage. We leave with hope for a great marriage.
Thank you for an enlightening, funny, useful and encouraging weekend!
Visit familylifecanada.com or call 1 800 247 3180 for dates and locations, special offers, marriage/family resources, and other events.
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Dicovering His Story Through Your Story
We cannot keep from speaking about what we’ve seen and heard. Acts 4:20 11
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Devotional
Flourish & Publish His Works!
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“Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.” Habakkuk 2:2 NLV
Restoration begins in the heart, extends to the family which seeks to engage the world!
My pastor said to me years ago: ‘Jodi, you can potentially reach more people with the written word than with the spoken word at all the conferences, seminars or retreats put together.’ At first I didn’t believe him as I much preferred to meet people face to face! Then I stood corrected by the Holy Spirit. I’ve seen the impact first and foremost of the holy written Word of God that transcends any human attempts at writing in our day. At the same time, we carry with us present day realities in Jesus that holds a story that needs to be told. My story, your story. We are living, breathing testimonies of the reality of the risen Lord Jesus right here, right now. God has has placed you in your city, province, nation for such a time as this.
I started sharing my faith in 1996, and seek to to do so at any given moment. My life is an open book and I have come to realize that my entire life – your life – is written by God and He uses all things together for good – the good, the bad and the ugly! WJOF began in 1999 because of another personal encounter with God, and by sharing that with others to step out in faith together in unity, a ministry was birthed. Our journey to publish His works is a group effort, we are family and we are called to share God’s story through our stories! Be it the spoken word, the written word or our actions, our restoration journey requires action for the sake of others. It beckons us to respond to the call and declare flourishing life giving truths so others may experience transformation
as a result of your testimony, your witness, your obedience. The question is, are we willing to share and declare? “Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.” Psalms 96:2-3 NLT We may not be called to be worldrenowned authors, but we are all called to “publish His works”. What would our world look like if all Christians documented their personal tesimony to share with others, which continued to make an impact after we passed from this life to the next? Sadly, many bow down to fear or apathy, not realizing the importance of their personal testimony. How many believers live their lives with the proverbial tape over their mouths or hands preventing them from sharing the good news in this politically correct (continued on next page)
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 Message This is your mission: revealing the truth about Jesus through personal experience. Your story is not about you, but about Jesus and what He has done. We believe your story has the opportunity to give hope and restoration to somebody else! If you know Jesus, you have a faith story to tell!
“We cannot stop speaking about what we’ve seen and heard.” Acts 4:20 Ways to engage to Publish His works: • Write out your faith journey as a memoir to share with family and loved ones. • Write a 700 word faith story and share with WJOF! • Start a weekly blog and share about your faith in Christ in your everyday life • Write to your sponsored child and share about your personal relationship with Jesus. • Enter our Publishing contest as it supports one of our restoration principles.* Visit our website for details or visit the Word Alive and WJOF Faith Stories Booth • And more creative ideas! We’d love to hear from you!
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culture? Sadly, the majority; this epidemic must stop! WJOF is emphatic about the testimony of Jesus in the life of a believer to be released so we can be that effervescent light in an increasingly dark world, shining for all to see:
Jodi Kozan Crystal Klassen
Publishing Contest Women’s Journey of Faith and Word Alive Press, a Canadian Christian publishing company, have teamed up to publish and market a book written by a Canadian author. If you’re a writer, go to wordalivepress.ca to find out how to be professionally published for free.
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I would party on the weekends and go to church on Sunday morning often hung over. I knew I needed to keep attending church for a better life for my daughter. I know now that God was guiding me to a better life. I decided to accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour and get baptized!
Restored in Him
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began life in a small town and then moved often; with each successive move I connected with new friends by becoming a people pleaser. Occasionally I went to church with my grandma – a devoted Jehovah’s Witness; but religion wasn’t part of my family, so I found myself confused about religion and church.
During my high school years being a people pleaser led me into smoking, drinking, doing drugs and partying to fit in with the “cool” crowd. At 16 I had sex for the first time and got pregnant. I was afraid of my parents’ reaction, but knew I had to tell them. They were devastated! I decided to have an abortion to hide what I had done. The abortion only caused more problems for me, including living with great guilt and shame. I tried to cover the overwhelming feelings of sadness, guilt and shame by smoking, drinking and partying which only led me into to a more rebellious lifestyle.
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At 18 I was arrested for drunk driving and lost my license for a year. Despite losing my license I continued spiraling out of control into a lifestyle of partying. After graduation from high school, I wanted to escape the hurt, guilt, shame and horrible memories of my life so I moved to the big city of Saskatoon. I thought that starting a new life would enable me to become the daughter my parents would be
proud of; but unfortunately that’s when the partying started all over again. I lived a promiscuous lifestyle of partying. I was searching for true love and that’s when I became pregnant with my daughter. Her dad and I tried to make the relationship work for our baby’s sake, but it was emotionally and physically abusive. This dysfunctional lifestyle led into me being a single mom. I was struggling financially and a friend approached me about doing “massage” for money; that led to a lifestyle of prostitution as a glorified escort. I justified this lifestyle because I needed to provide for my daughter and wanted to get off of welfare. I became addicted to the money, controlling men with sex, and the constant chaos! I convinced myself that I was not a prostitute because I was not having actual sexual intercourse, but performed other sexual acts. I was leading a double life. I would go to classes during the day and work at night, often leaving my daughter home alone for long periods of time. I struggled within myself because I knew what I was doing was wrong but didn’t know how to stop and didn’t feel I had anyone to turn to for help. After I received my certificate for esthetics I began work at a salon where I met a wonderful lady. She gave me my first bible and invited me to her church. I was still leading a double life:
A few years later I was invited by a friend to visit her church. There was something about her that was full of life and excitement to worship Jesus; so I had to see for myself. I was drawn into the music of the worship team and couldn’t get enough. I was so broken from my past and this was the only place I felt true peace and love. I had no self worth left and was desperate for a better life. I remember the worship leader would walk by me every service and say “Hey Beautiful!” I couldn’t believe what she was saying because I didn’t know who I was in Christ and thought she was gorgeous and everything I wanted to be! As I became committed to going to services, Jesus started guiding me to surrender my life to Him! I continued to cry out on my knees at the altar to Him every service. I love Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse got me through a lot of hard times because He started to show me areas of my life that needed change which made it clear to me what my purpose in life was! I cried a lot of tears and it was a cleansing to my spirit. Psalm 51:7(Amp) says it best... “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean [ceremonially]; wash me, and I shall [in reality] be whiter than snow.” Over the last 8 years Jesus has created a new spirit in me and delivered me from a very destructive lifestyle of drinking, drugs, smoking, and sex addiction. God has transformed my mind and my life! “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will!” Romans 12:2 (NIV) This is one of the many scripture verses that I put up on my bedroom wall and meditate on day and night. Jesus is my Rescuer, Redeemer, Healer and my Rock! I now have a life that I can live with no regrets! Angela Sherriff
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Beauty for Ashes n July 2, 2010 my journey with Jesus went to a whole new level when my husband of 23 years, was killed in a motorcycle accident. I found myself in an identity crisis: who am I without my husband? Who will provide for us? I had been a homemaker since 1998 and homeschooled my kids for three of those years. My identity was locked up in my husband, my kids and my home.
I started losing trust in God, angry that He would allow all of this in such a short time. Yet, that was not to be the end of the attacks, because a month later, I was running up to another accident scene. My youngest daughter, 15 at the time, driving without a license with two other friends in the vehicle, lost control of the vehicle causing an accident. One friend died and my daughter and her other friend spent ten days in hospital recovering from serious injuries. My already broken heart was ripped apart knowing that my baby almost died, and that she had caused the death of another mother’s baby. Months passed, filled with trips to Winnipeg to replace casts every ten days as well as assisting my daughter with bathing and all her needs. I was also dealing with selling assets and finalizing my husband‘s estate at this time. I was flattered and distracted by a local “Christian” man’s attention and assistance in this trying time. In spite of being cautioned by God and friends, I entered into a relationship with him. It was purely physical and an attempt to fill the void after 25 years of being with my husband. This caused even deeper scars to my heart as it turned out that he was engaged to another woman in Guatemala and had been deceiving both of us. I started losing trust in God; angry that he would allow all of this in such a short time. I moved my daughter and myself to Saskatoon nine months after my husband’s death. This meant losing everything else that was familiar and provided security. Amidst all of this, were court hearings, my daughter’s recovery care (involving another surgery) and attempts at different careers on my part. I went for counseling and attended grief support courses and also read as much as I could about everything that was out there that was remotely similar to our experiences. I attended church and found that it felt like no one could understand or relate. Everything was new and I had lost all sense of control and safety. My heart was full of fear and insecurity and I struggled with depression. I was well supported by my Christian friends from Flin Flon and was able to be authentic with them about my struggles with sin and trusting God again. They kept me covered in prayer, but were shocked about their friend’s state. Their love kept me. God was still bringing tools that I needed in spite of my sin and my pulling away from Him. He was still faithful although I was unfaithful. One of the men I met through online dating, connected me with the works of Melody Beattie on codependency. This set me on a recovery path through a 12-step program for codependents. I was miraculously connected with a Christian sponsor and her
hands on guidance and nonjudgmental attitude combined with an understanding and acceptance of who I was at the time with all my sins helped me return to a daily and living relationship with Jesus. I stayed connected with church and my sponsor even till present and realize that staying connected and refusing to isolate, both from God and people to support us, are vital to my continuing recovery. He truly has given me beauty for ashes. “... and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3 Ezna Groenewald Nicole Ens
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y husband and I were SO EXCITED when we decided we were ready to have children. I remember planning the timing for our first and second baby’s birth. I thought everything would work out just as planned but after 18 months of trying to have a baby, we realized it doesn’t always work that way. My Doctor was amazing; he helped search out solutions for our concern. With every test done and specialist seen we were told, “We don’t see any problems: you are both young, healthy and there’s no reason you can’t get pregnant.” It was frustrating knowing that we were able to have children but that it was just not happening. We never stopped trusting God and continued loving and serving Him inside and outside the church. We didn’t question His faithfulness. At one point I remember hearing a friends testimony of her miracle baby, and I remember whispering to my husband, “That’s going to be us!” One Friday night service, I finished leading worship and went for prayer; not for anything specific, I was just hungry for God and wanted to allow God to move in me and touch my life afresh. I saw out of the corner of my eye Pastor
Barb (our pastors wife) coming towards me. She looked at me and said, “That’s it! We’re going after this!” She gathered other girls around me and I have to say, it was a God moment. I will forever be grateful for Pastors that are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and act on His nudging! She spoke these words that I will NEVER forget, “Womb-open! Darkness-go! Whatever is holding this body back from having a baby has to LEAVE her NOW!” I instantly fell to the floor, burst into tears, and I could sense a burning start at my head and go through my body; shooting out of my tummy. The fire of God was consuming me! I could hear the voices of the girls around me interceding for this miracle to take place and suddenly there was a shift in my tummy. It felt like something “clicked” inside; sealing what God did in me. I knew I was pregnant and knew God’s protection was present. I got up off the floor and sat by my good friend and said, “You know, I’m pretty
I remember hearing a friends testimony of her miracle baby, and I remember whispering to my husband, “That’s going to be us!”
He Is Faithful
sure I’m pregnant...I think God sealed the deal in me.” On Sunday at church I shared with a staff person that I was going to be the next testimony of having a miracle baby. He asked if I had checked to see if I was pregnant. I said, “Yes,” and he replied, “And???” I said, “well it came back negative, but I KNOW what happened that night...I’m positive I’m pregnant.” I also told my Pastor, my husband, the girls that lived with us at the time and some other friends the same thing. I kept saying, “I KNOW God did something in me. I know I’m pregnant!” Everyone was happy for me and knew that God had touched me... but the results were still negative. Two weeks and many pregnancy tests later, we were planning to attend our Young Adult Ski Trip. I remember my husband saying, “If you’re positive that you are pregnant you better check again before we go; ‘cause you are not a great snowboarder, and you shouldn’t be falling on the ski hill!” So at 6am, Feb 20, 2010 I took out another pregnancy test, and found myself looking at a negative sign. I looked up and said, “Really God? I KNOW you did something in me! I KNOW I’m pregnant!” As I went to throw the stick out, I looked at the sign again and watched the positive sign become darker and darker! I said “THANK YOU GOD! I KNEW IT!” I ran into our bedroom, flung on the lights and said, “Honey look, look! It’s positive!” Ryan said, “Is that your stick?” I said “Yaaaa! We’re going to have a baby!” We had a huge hug-we were SO EXCITED! Reece Avery Lynn was born on Nov 5, 2010 and her brother Bennett was born 18 months later. She is 4 and he is 2 ½. They are our beautiful miracles from God! Our children are wonderful gifts that I thank the Lord for every day! God is GOOD, He is FAITHFUL, He WILL follow through and if He can do it for me, he CAN do it for you! Jamie Snider Rachel Baird Photography
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I had carved out the consequences of my journey – one bad mistake after another. I could not undo what I had done. I knew all about what Jesus had done on the cross. My mom had taught me about that in Sunday school and my dad had given his best years to preaching about the cross. Yet this truth had no remedy for me. I had carved out the consequences of my journey – one bad mistake after another. I could not undo what I had done. The pastor asked everyone to write down the three sins that had plagued them and nail them to the cross. This was bothersome to me because I didn’t want to think about my sins, I didn’t want to write them down, and I didn’t want to see them on a paper in front of me. I wanted to forget about my sins. Seeing the congregation obediently lining up, I began to write as small and illegibly as I could. I wrote them down right in the middle of the paper so I could fold it in four and put the nail right through the middle. God alone would read these sins. The sins that had stolen everything from me: my peace, my joy, my dignity, my destiny, and my world. As I got in line the music played. I knew the songs they were singing. I had known them my whole life. “Oh, the blood of Jesus, that washes white as snow…It reaches to the highest mountain, it flows to the lowest valley…it will never lose it’s power.” I knew Jesus had died for my sins – the ones I held in my hands. As the worship leader began to sing, “On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame…,” I knew my own self-inflicted suffering and shame had been beyond debilitating and that nothing could change it.
It was at this moment that the Holy Spirit whispered a deafening, yet completely silent series of questions into my being. “Was it not enough for you? What Jesus did; was it not enough to cover your sin? Must He die again so you will receive the gift of forgiveness?” I stopped dead in my tracks as the line-up continued toward the cross. “Must He die again so I could receive His forgiveness?” I looked up at that rugged cross. It was as if I saw His bloodied body, the crown of thorns, and the gash in His side as His life was giving way to death. Jesus never deserved one moment of agony. It was my iniquity that held Him on the cross. How could I be so arrogant as to negate, diminish, and nullify this magnificent gift that was given by the blameless One? For the first time in this miserable journey of failure, I realized that the price had already been paid for my freedom.
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any years ago, my shame had become my constant companion. The pain was common and well known to my soul. It was a routine Wednesday that I debated if I should go to the mid-week service or not. By sheer forced will power, I put my shoes on and headed to church. Pastor had brought in a life-size cross that was old and rugged.
Redemption had come a long, long time ago, yet in my self-centered world I could not receive it. I had believed the lie that I would have to pay the penalty for what I had done. I had not trusted God with my humanity. I took aim and repeatedly pounded that nail into the cross and truly received what Jesus did for me for the first time in my whole life. This was the last day that I would let the enemy tell me that it was not enough! I put my hand on the cross and touched the grace that had always been there. I felt its power. I wiped my tears away with a new resolve and determination. I was undone with the gravity and magnitude of this disclosure. Overcome, I left that night knowing I would NEVER be the same! God had promised in His Word that I would have a ‘flourishing’ life, and for the first time in years, I believed it would come to pass. Laura Lynn Tyler Thompson
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Join us on the journey as we share the good news! We hope to encourage women at events and online through our personal testimonies of the restoration at work in our lives.
Ways to engage with us throughout the year:
Share a “cardboard testimony” photo Create a short video message Submit a written Faith Story (see examples in this magazine) Attend our Sharing the Journey seminar May 1st & 2nd, 2015 Invite one of our speakers to your community Host a Faith Stories workshop in your church
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“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an Enter our Publishing Contest! More information on page 13. answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.us Butout doonline this withatgentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) Check wjof.com/faithstories
The WJOF app is here! Download it using the QR code, or visit your iTunes or Android store online!
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Elim Church, 419 Slimmon Road, Saskatoon (Plus Intensive Workshop Opportunity: Friday, May 1st)
Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ! Restoring women by calling leaders, speakers, and women with a passion to serve! We invite you to come along with us on a faith adventure!
Featuring the Women’s Journey of Faith Speaker Team Register at our booth today or visit wjof.com for more details!
Speakers Ministry Let us bring the message to you.
Our Women’s Journey of Faith Speakers are excited to partner with you and your group to share the message of restoration in your community! Visit www.wjof.com for more information!
Maureen Brown
Wilna van Beek
Yvonne St. Germaine
Donna Carter
Jodi Kozan
...and more!
Donna Mitchell
Lorie Hartshorn
Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson
Notes
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FLOURISH
Anno uncing our
Women’s Journey of Faith
Speaker Tour! Invite a WJOF speaker and musician to your community. Sharing God’s story through our story.
FLOURISH
WJOF Recommended “Flourish” Study No matter what you may have been told, the tests that you may have taken, or what you may believe about yourself - you have a unique gift inside of you that can change the world. So, what does God say about your gift? In this ground-breaking book, Dr. Caroline Leaf illustrates the revolutionary link between brain science and God’s purpose for each one of us. This practical and easy-to-understand book will help you discover your special gift, overcome what may be standing in the way of living in your gift, and identify your truth-value. WJOF will be offering a small group study with WJOF leaders using Dr. Leaf’s book “The Gift in You” along with her video curriculum. Check out our website wjof.com to join us, or to host a study in your home or church community!
Join our newsletter for stories,
sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes, videos, and much more!
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Just use this QR code to access the sign-up form, or go to wjof.com
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REACH OUT A great witnessing tool to share Christ with family, friends and neighbours. Each Conference registrant will receive a complimentary copy. Frequent responses to WHY book: “I signed the salvation prayer at the back of the book.” “When I got the book, I found it so gripping I read it all in one sitting.” “The personal testimonies are so inspirational.”
The Bible is out of the schools and many young people don’t even know who Jesus Christ is. The WHY book is an excellent way to get the Gospel message into people’s homes.
Saskatchewan cities are being divided into 50 home routes @ $8.00 per book = $400.00 per route. Gift your neighbours with a copy of the WHY book. The WHY Encounter Box 190 Station L Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Z5
To date, over a million copies delivered personally to families. For more information, see us at our Display Table.
1-800-298-7286 whyencounter@mts.net whyencounter.com
"For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.� Luke 10:10 (Message)
16th Annual Conference
November 6&7, 2015 Friday 7pm | Saturday 9am TCU Place, Saskatoon SK