BRANSON – Despite a snowstorm that blasted the area on Saturday, the Trust God in Everything Conference (TGE) took place as planned at the Camden Hotel Feb. 28-March 1 here.
“We couldn’t guess the weather and most of the speakers arrived on Friday so we thought we’d go ahead and have it,” said Wanda Shellenbarger, women’s ministry and church strengthening consultant for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC). “And I’m so glad we did. It was certainly different than I expected, but it was a precious and informal weekend and I think everyone had a marvelous time.”
Though cancellations brought attendance down to just 60, Shellenbarger said the weekend event was one of the best they’ve had since they started TGE five years ago. The conference is targeted for girls who are in 3rd through 12th grades and for women of all ages.
This year’s theme verse is Psalm 145:4: “One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts.” (HCSV)
“That’s Titus 2. It’s generation to generation, which is what we’ve been focusing on,” Shellenbarger said. “I feel like we have not talked about God as far as how He works and moves. The next generation needs to know it’s not about luck or chance. God is orchestrating His plan with His divine power. It’s our job to show these kids that this is what He’s doing and give Him the praise and the glory for it.”
She said one of the most important aspects of TGE is bringing girls and their mothers and other supportive Christian women together and away from the busyness of life.
“The girls are desperate for time alone with their mothers,” Shallenbarger said. “During our last worship session, I watched while mothers and daughters and children’s leaders and the girls they brought hugged one another as they swayed to the music. A child will never be that age again. These are precious moments and we need to take the time to slow down and be present.”
Women and girls have a second chance to take advantage of the Trust God in Everything Conference March 14-15 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. For more information contact Wanda Shellenbarger at (417) 529-0724 or e-mail her at wanda4womensministry@gmail.com.