From Warren:

Life in the Upside-Down World #14

Australia 2010 Conference Report:

AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE REPORT Our first ever conference was a long anticipated one and was over too soon. But we took with us so many precious memories of our time together during that long Easter weekend that will last us for a long time to come. It all began with Warren and Robbie arriving in Australia for the first time on the 31st of March at Melbourne airport. It was a lovely autumn day and we were so thrilled and happy to see them. We couldn�t believe that they were finally in our midst! We later took them to the conference venue in Lilydale which was an hour�s drive from our place in Craigieburn. Once there, they met some of the folks who were waiting for them including those who have arrived early from interstate. There were plenty of introduction and hugs all around. Someone has said that it felt like he has known Warren and Robbie already. Talk about being one in Christ! Warren also set to work in setting up the conference hall the minute he walked in the place. Our first night together was on Thursday when we formally introduced Warren and Robbie to everyone. We warmly welcomed them and our other overseas family members like Denise Hayes (South Africa) and Rey Lamayan (Philippines) with songs and some Aussie presents. In return, both Warren and Robbie shared of their joy in finally meeting everyone. They also talked about the special gift which they presented us with. Each participant was given an �acorn� pin together with a printed copy of a poem entitled �The Acorn� by their daughter Teresa Ferraro. The message that night by Warren was centered on the essence of the acorn. Over the next few days, Warren ministered to us on the theme �The Message�. He covered several aspects of the theme including God�s eternal plan and Paul�s final gospel. Its impact on the hearers was profound indeed; the Holy Spirit was at work in bringing knowledge and understanding as we searched the Scriptures. It was also most pleasing to see the young people (aged from 11-16 years old) who were sitting in the front row throughout the whole time, diligently taking notes of Warren�s teaching. He referred to them as �scholars� and truly honored them amongst us. On two occasions, we had the chance to listen to Roger Bodary (Christ Life representative in the Philippines & Asia) as he shared and ministered the Word to us. His presence, as well as that of Denise and Rey�s, was much welcomed by all of us. They both shared with us about the work that the Father is doing in their respective countries. In between our sessions, we all enjoyed our time getting to know one another during tea breaks, meal times and during our free time in the afternoon. We took some folks to different sites around Lilydale and it was most enjoyable for all. All in all, the conference was a gathering in Christ which refreshed us in many ways. It has given us the chance to get to know for the first time our family members from around Australia and other countries. It was also a reunion of sorts for those who already knew each other from South Africa and Zimbabwe. But most of all, it was a wonderful opportunity for us to meet Warren and Robbie whom we had all longed to see for a long time. We are so grateful to them for the long journey they have taken to be with us all, and to our Heavenly Father for the privilege of being with them this year. We look forward to seeing them and everyone again next year for the 2011 conference! With much love and hugs, Jenny Asibal and family Australia