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The New Creation:
A Theology of Mercy
July 12-14, 2007Auburn Hills, Michigan
NCMI's Ministry PartnersShannon Shogren, Ward Fenley, Tami Jelinek
Conference Testimonies
I just got back from an awesome conference. It was here in Michigan, not often we have conferences on preterism in Michigan, and my lovely wife supported me going to it. Needless to say, I was blessed beyond belief. Mostly because I saw some old friends (Tim, Jim, Fred, Adam, and Ron); met some old ones for the first time, although I knew them from online (Tami, Ward, and John); and met some totally new ones (Tim K, Shannon, Bob, Keith, Karrie, Rene, Leah, and Jeff). If you were there and I missed you, I apologize. But, it amazes me how God can put His love in our hearts so that people we've never met before suddenly become so dear to our hearts. The message of the conference was "A Theology of Mercy." While the speakers were great, the true message of the weekend was summed up by my interaction with John Hedges. Suffice it to say that John and I have had our differences in the past. Thanks to the humility that God has placed in his heart, and the love for the brothers (which proves to me that John is truly a "son of God"), he warmly greeted me and made me feel like one of his closest friends. I will cherish this about the weekend - that God's mercy was shown to me by another, especially one that I have mistreated in the past. That's the message of Mercy. That's the message of Christ. While none of us are perfect, we are all perfected in Christ. As we learn to live in that perfected, heavenly state, we reflect the Image of God in us - the Lord Jesus Christ. John was Christ to me this weekend. So were all the others at the conference. It was literally "heaven on earth" for God was there, dwelling with His people, and touching each of us through the other. That's heaven, and we ARE there. In the Unity of the Faith, Ed Burley
This year's NCMI conference exceeded my expectations by a long shot, not just because of all of the excellent theological material (which was as deep or deeper than any conference I have attended) but more importantly because of the practical message. Understanding how mercy and theology (mercy and truth) are inseparably connected stretched our understanding and our charity. The round table sessions were outstanding. We were able to discuss subjects which at most conferences end up being volatile, but at this conference ended up being motivating and wonderfully enlightening. Though there were disagreements (and challenging ones), yet the love of God permeated the forum and kept a spirit of joy among all as Christ was glorified. Every message delivered was with passion and was equally moving and compelling. With the audio messages now available, I believe the 2007 conference will affect many for years to come.
Ward Fenley
Thank you for setting a tone during this conference that exemplifies what Christianity was meant to be. We tend to be so concerned with right doctrine that we forget mercy and the ministry of reconciliation. The spirit of this conference showed me how it could be if we all were somehow able to project the Christ Spirit all the time. Meeting the folks of NCMI has been true joy. The theme and lessons applied Jesus where we live every day. I am so glad we came. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord.”
Lynn Fox
I wanted to let you know that this year’s conference was wonderful. All the messages were well done, based on scripture and seemed to be tied together so well around the main message of mercy that it couldn’t have been planned better. The fellowship was an inspiring time, and I loved seeing everyone. I learned so much about not only love and mercy, but also about restoration and that we need the help of our brothers and sisters to achieve it. The round table times were such a blessing and such an important step to retaining the information we had learned (spoken like a true teacher!). Everyone that presented touched me in so many ways and I will never forget this time so well spent. I was especially impressed by Kayla's presentation; what an inspiration at such a young age! Simply being able to participate in my limited way was a true blessing. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it all.
With Love,
René Hedges
A hearty “Amen!” to what has been shared by speakers and attendees alike regarding both the superb scholarship and practical application of theology presented and experienced at this year’s conference. For my part I would like to express my sincere thanks to some people without whom this amazing weekend would not have been possible. The vision that Ward, Shannon and I, as NCMI, are pursuing could never be translated into conferences without the continuous, heart-felt support of our families. In fact, the partnership of NCMI is really three families, rather than three individuals. In addition to that, the support of the families of our returning speakers, Tim King and Tim Martin, was felt and greatly appreciated even though they were not able to attend this year. And I would like to say a special thank-you to Rene Hedges, who along with Karrie and Keith, served joyfully and graciously behind the scenes continually. You three blessed my heart and your service was a great comfort to me, and all at the conference were blessed by the hospitality you facilitated. And finally to my daughters Kayla and Kenzi who endured a full house so cheerfully, you continue to inspire me to pursue genuine Christian community.
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)
Tami Jelinek
I want to thank everyone involved in the planning of and contribution to the NCMI conference last week. I was certainly blessed by the teaching and testimonies from everyone, but I was mostly struck by the sweetness of the fellowship among those that were there. It was refreshing to my soul! I'm of the belief anymore that any studies in doctrine and theology that takes place among believers MUST enrich our love for one another. That was certainly the case at the conference and I pray we can continue that in the future. Let me know what the plans are for next year and how I can participate.
Blessings to you all!
Timothy King
What an enjoyable time! NCMI's preparations were fabulous, again. I really enjoyed the open schedule for roundtable discussions as well as the overall venue at the Hawk Woods Center. It seemed to fit the messages perfectly.
The honesty of the speakers, and even the openess of many of the attendees, was a breath of fresh air. A lot of conferences do not have the personal atmosphere that NCMI values and fosters. I can't wait till the next conference.
Thanks to Keith, Tami, Shannon, and Ward for a great time and quality material. NCMI's full-orbed ministry is what we need more of today.
Blessings,
Tim Martin, Whitehall, MT
Tami,
After our discussions, I am glad I had the opportunity to meet you. You have a wonderful family and home and I can see why you consider yourself in heaven now. You and Keith were gracious hosts and thank you for all of the effort you both put into this. I liked the family atmosphere of the conference and the children were well behaved. The food you provided was excellent and first class and it showed me thoughtfulness on the part of you and Keith. You were truly servants seeing to the comforts of the people. It was a pleasure to meet you both. Though I had some different views of some of the ideas that were expressed I felt I was accepted and treated as everyone else.
Ward,
It was also a pleasure to meet you and your wife. Your family was also a wonderful benefit to the conference as you took to lead in example. I liked the music, the songs, and the songs I knew I sung along with. You did challenge me, which I am always open to, and our different views were balanced by what we agreed with. I saw the fruit of the spirit in you and hope you saw it in me as well. I am not perfect and do not expect perfection from others but we both know the spiritual blessings God has given us. We agreed also that we would always be learning from an infinite God. I think your conference theme was appropriate, “The New Creation: A Theology of Mercy.” I enjoyed our talk and wish we had more time but I can say that for all the people I talked with. We both acknowledged that our Christian life could not and would not allow us to accept anything and everything that proclaimed to follow God under the banner of love and mercy. You spoke of God being longsuffering toward us and I agreed fully. I agreed with the fullness of the spiritual blessings poured out upon us. I would not be a Christian today if it was not for God’s love, mercy and longsuffering toward me even as it continues today.
I have to say at times I thought I was in a comedy club but the humor was perfectly appropriate in the manner it was used. Laughter cures many ills. I did not get around to talk with everyone I wanted to because I had many friends there that I wanted to talk with and get caught up with. I hope my questions and comments were not a distraction during the roundtable sessions but as I like other to challenge me I like to challenge others. I am sorry I had to leave early because I suspect there was much time for some good talk that night.
I hope no one thinks I am trying to over-exaggerate my experience at the conference. I love people and being able to look them in the eye when we talk makes a big difference. Unlike the way the discussions get online I enjoy it much when people can express their differences and five minutes later be laughing together. Together be able to see the excitement in each other over the things being talked about. To be able to see in ones eyes the expression that says, “I care for you.” No one has to believe as I do to be my friend and I would hate to see the reverse if I had to believe as others before I could be their friend. Thank you for treating me as a friend.
Lord willing we may be able to meet again and rejoice in the Lord. Until then may the Lord bless all who were at the conference with the spiritual wisdom and the abundant fruit of the spirit. May God’s grace be given to all for their good and God’s glory. May we all walk in wisdom as the image of the Lord is formed in us filling our hearts with love. May we learn to exhort and edify one another that we may all profit and God would be praised.
Fred Robbins
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