Lake Powell 2006: The New Creation

 Testimonies

Personal Reflections from our Speakers and Attendees

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,  hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,  that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you.  (Philemon 4-7)

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Todd Dennis writes:

Thank you for such a wonderful time at the NCMI conference.  Everything went perfectly, and I was so pleased to see how well all of the administrative aspects went, from the choice of venue to the quality of childcare. 

What really set the conference apart for me was the complete intellectual freedom offered by everyone.  The debates and discussions on typically divisive issues went over very well, addressing matters of fundamental importance for each believer with charity. It was a pleasure to see how dogmatic beliefs were counterbalanced by heartfelt compassion. 

A lot of the credit for the tasteful, equitable style of the Lake Powell conference has to be given to how well Ward and Tami worked together to evenly shape the spirit of the gathering.  NCMI seems to have a special ministry of reconciliation within the Preterist world -- uniquely able through their combined spiritual endowment to neutralize the emergent bitterness and universal pride that attends the ambition of many ministry works.   Unlike a lot of conferences, which place emphasis on large minds, this assembly was filled with many large hearts.  Each of the speakers shared their burdens in a special way, each presenting their materials with love and conviction.

Above all, the true brotherly love among the group in Page was the most fruitful blessing for me and my children.   Our favorite part was the number of families and children there.  Many relationships were made that will surely endure for a long time.  That my whole family shared such a blessed time made it a truly rewarding experience. (And the glow sticks were far-out, Karrie!)

John Hedges writes:

I recently attended the New Creation Ministries conference located in Page, Arizona--a beautiful place which really shows the creation of God. Though the weather at times peaked at very high temperatures, it was well worth it.....One of the best features was the round table discussion. This took place in both the early morning and evening sessions. People were free to ask any question on any topic, whether they agreed or disagreed with any speaker. A lot of great questions were proposed, and each speaker happily answered. 

I would encourage those who couldn’t make this one to definitely go to next year’s conference. Some conferences in Christian circles put the focus on speakers, or perhaps even an idea. This conference was all about Christ and His kingdom, about His glory and no one else’s. That was the focus and it clearly showed throughout the conference. 

Much thanks would have go to everyone at NCMI for their hard work and enduring spirit that made this a success. Every thing from small to big was well thought out and planned, and in my opinion could not have been any better. click here to read more

Don Hendricks writes:

My sincere thanks to Ward Fenley and his ministry team for hosting a feast of practical and theological messages about  the New Creation in Christ.  Ward led the meeting with wisdom and insight and shared his musical talents in worship with us. He demonstrated his theology of mercy in all he did, with grace, humor and genuine openness. He set the tone for an open and loving debate on important issues...

Todd Dennis, to whom I am deeply indebted for his credentials of service to the Preterist movement through the website, brought to the conference a broad historical perspective on what we face and where we are in our desire for reformation in Christian thought. He pointed out many in church history who pioneered this recovery of historic eschatological view. 

I had the deep impression in my heart that Todd has arrived where I desire to be.  I hope some day to heal and be no longer wounded or angry at those who ex-communicate me from fellowship. Todd is a brother who models a theology flowing with the uplifting reality of Jesus' presence in our lives bringing us into the holy city.  click here to read more

Tami Jelinek writes:

When we at NCMI set out to plan “Lake Powell 2006” a little over a year ago, I wasn’t sure where to set my expectations, as I was quite new to the fulfilled view of eschatology and the Preterist community, and had never attended a Preterist gathering of any kind.  As the conference grew closer I felt some trepidation at the thought of my husband and I traveling thousands of miles to spend a week with people we had never met before. From the moment we arrived at the Fenleys’ home, and throughout the days that followed as we prepared for the arrival of the speakers and attendees, and all through the conference itself, we were embraced by warmth and a “circle of grace,” quite extraordinary, and unlike anything I had experienced before.  This warmth and reciprocal affability was especially remarkable to me since in my brief exposure to the Preterist community at large, I had often perceived it as being preeminently characterized by debate or academic pursuit as merely ends in themselves. It has been our focus at NCMI to pursue a deeper understanding of prophetic texts which inspires increased passion for Christ and His people, and which evidences itself in our lives by impacting our relationships with those around us, especially with those of “the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). It was particularly gratifying to practically experience what we have articulated as a ministry vision in face to face communion with other like-minded, and like-hearted, believers. Keith and I would like to thank everyone who came to the conference for a truly memorable and blessed time. We look forward to seeing you all again at our next conference.              

Tim King writes:

Great Conference! I want to express the blessings we received from our time with all of you.  Not only did I enjoy the teachings and dialogue, but the brotherly love displayed in the fellowship was marvelous.  I pray that wherever we are, we can commit to cultivate the same spirit in our local gatherings.  If anyone is ever in Grand Junction, you’re welcomed at our table.

Tim Martin Writes:

I knew when my family arrived at the hotel and each of my children had their own personal "goodies" bag that this was going to be a conference to remember! It wasn't five minutes later when the nerf footballs began flying to and fro in the room. Thanks to all of you at NCMI for all of the preparation and service your efforts represent. This was a truly refreshing and uplifting time for our entire family. 

What struck me about the sessions is how so many different speakers with such different backgrounds could come together with messages that were, for the most part, complementary to each other. I am greatly encouraged when I see individuals who study God's Word independently and ponder the application of our Christian Faith to life and kingdom living come together in such a spirit of charity and grace. Good things are happening in God's kingdom. I am encouraged by the incentive and direction NCMI has taken with this conference. 

I also want to thank Sam Frost for his second presentation that put so many pieces together for me about grace, salvation, and obedience. I also enjoyed all the other speakers. Ward never leaves a dull moment. Mike brought intriguing connections to the table. Tim King was just as enjoyable the second time as he was the first time I met him. Shannon's message of grace and reconciliation was remarkable. It was also a pleasure to meet Todd Dennis in person for the first time. I've always wondered about the person behind the Archive, and it turned we engaged in discussions on topics I was not at all expecting. God is good. Thanks everyone for your sacrificial offering of yourselves, your study, your generosity.

Brian Maxwell writes:

Thanks for putting this together, NCMI!  It was an absolutely wonderful time.   

I wanted to thank all of you for making the week so special.  It really re-energized my faith and my outlook toward the future of Preterism and Christianity.  I covered 1900 miles during the trip and it was worth every mile. 

Mike Sullivan writes:

I enjoyed the sincere humility within the leadership of NCMI. The board members of NCMI are clearly not after a buck or making a name for themselves, but rather after encouraging and facilitating open discussion and teaching on Christ's fully established Kingdom.

Ward's emphasis that heaven is all around us and is communicated through the physical creation was not only profound, but drew me into a deeper appreciation for God's creation.  I thought Ward handled the worship and discussion periods with much grace and respect to all who had attended.  Everyone got to share what was on their hearts...

I really enjoyed Tim Martin's lectures on a local flood.  I felt he made his case from the analogy of Scripture (Scripture interprets Scripture) as well as from historical sources (ex: Josephus). I was also extremely impressed with Tim's humble attitude in and out of the pulpit.  He is a wealth of knowledge.  I look forward to learning much more from Tim and his co-author, Jeff Vaughn, in the future... 

Thank you NCMI for inviting me and being so gracious.  I look forward to what the Lord will be doing throughout the year in your labors and look forward to next year’s conference. click here to read more

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