IOM's Christian Leaders Conference - Update

I returned home this afternoon from our Christian Leadership Conference in Van Nuys, California. We had a small turnout (only 22 attendees), but according to the evaluations we received, those twenty-two people were encouraged, challenged, and blessed. These are twenty-two seeds that I believe will bear much fruit for the kingdom of God on behalf of those wounded by abortion, and we made twenty-two new friends in the process.

Greg Hasek of Misty Mountain Family Counseling Center was the "star of the show" so-to-speak. Greg brought cutting edge information regarding the role of men in the recovery process and I believe now more than ever before that God is working on a new level to bring healing to His people through faithful followers like Greg. The pastors in attendence were both stunned and moved by the information Greg shared. Additionally I believe many of the abortion-affected women attendees reached a new level of healing in their own recovery process through the sincere and heartfelt testimony of this post-abortive father.

Our own Anita Dost led a break-out session on steps to facilitating an abortion recovery group. I missed her session, but the ladies reported that Anita did a good job equipping them to begin leading others to healing from the pain of abortion. (Thanks again for your friendship and partnership in this ministry, Anita!)

Yolanda Gorick with Joy for Mourning mc'd the event, bringing her years of experience and insight (as well as her talented staff) to our event. Her dear husband, David, was on hand to help with the audio/visual equipment and blessed us by the servant heart of Christ he displayed.

Kelle Hennings of SafeHaven Ministries, Inc. drove up from the San Diego area for the event as well. While Kelle was not there in any official capacity, her presence there blessed us tremendously. What good friends we have in this difficult journey of raising up abortion recovery leaders!

At the end of the day we were all exhausted and we had a lot of information to process. But we agreed the event was definitely a success. How great is our God and what an honor it is to serve Him in this capacity!

Our next event will be later this month in Mason City, Illinois, as we contribute to SafeHaven's moderator training. Please join us in praying for those involved in planning, preparing, and executing this event.