108 Ladies came from New Calodonia with matching red and white outfits!
I didn't get to see much of Sydney, even though we were at Darling Harbour. This feature was interesting, though.
Gill and Karen on Darling Harbour. My Teapot present!
For the last year I have attended Hillsong Brisbane (following the change-over from Garden City Christian Church). I had been attending the ladies meetings, known as 'Sisterhood' and heard much about previous 'Colour' Conferences.
I was a bit dubious about going because I had been given the impression by some that it would be 'fluffy' and 'girly', which are not words folk would readily associate with me! However, a great package became available for flight/hotel/conference/transfers, so I climbed on board. Aren't I glad I did! What a blast! In my evaluation, there was a 5% mix of fun-stuff in with the 95% of serious 'God business', a great deal of which had to do with Hillsong Sisterhood's social initiatives - Watoto orpahage and Baby Refuge in Uganda, sponsoring children in the Philippines through Compassion, helping prevent human trafficking and slavery through A21 and writing to imprisoned Christians through Voice of the Martyrs.
A new facet has been the work of Marilyn and Gary Skinner in Uganda in raising funds for the reconstruction of faces for women in Uganda who have been viciously mutilated by child soldiers in the LRA. The story of Nancy was confronting and inspiring. Nancy had her nose, lips and ears cut off with a razor blade. She was left to bleed to death by her enemies. She survived, but was rejected by her society, who didn't want to look at her! Marilyn Skinner has worked at building the infrastructure necessary to have Nancy's face repaired. We saw a picture of her with her new nose. We wept. Unlike us, Nancy was smiling broadly, just glowing! The news has come through "Nancy has got her lips!" 7000 (I'm not sure if that number is accurate, but think so) women laughed and rejoiced for her. Her ears are on the way!
"Rejoice with me, for that which was lost is found!"
Marilyn has told us that she is building a network of willing plastic surgeons who will do the reconstructive surgery, delighted that it goes beyond the confinements of Western women just wanting to be 'more beautiful'. The challenge is to raise the funds for the attendant medical costs as there are countless women and children in Uganda who have fallen victim to the LRA.
For myself, I was blessed to be able to camp in a room with two terrific young ladies - Karen and Gillian. They certainly made me laugh. I have known them both since before they were married in church circles, but didn't have a clue until I booked into the hotel who I was to room with. Thank you Lord - it was an inspired choice!
I learned lots of stuff, mind you, including the joys of eating DESERT PIZZA in the room at 10.30pm!! Yes, I heard that - you asked "What's dessert pizza?" Picture it! Pizza base drooled in chocolate, sprinkled thickly with sliced strawberries and banana and topped with ICE CREAM! I promise! However, because the girls had brought mine to the room, they thought it prudent to dispense with the ice cream, so I just had the melty remains. I watched hair straightening sessions, clothes layering sessions, and learned tips such as Cover your hair roots with mascara or black marker pen!! They are innovative young ladies.
There were four speakers: Holly Wagner, Priscilla Shirer, Christine Cain and Dr Robbie Sonderegger - all exceptional speakers, but their messages were also profound and intended to fire up, not just inspire or amuse. The Sisterhood mantra is "BE THE CHANGE!" None of the speakers pulled their punches. It was not about those present feeling good, or joining Hillsong, but the message that there is a new spiritual season abroad and we need to be 'of it' and 'in it.'
Many people from other denominations and countries were present. I chatted with a young lady who had flown in from Chennai for this. She is R. Catholic. I spoke with Presbyterians, Baptists, Anglicans and there was 108 ladies from New Calodonia who wowed us with their red dresses and white accessories.
All of us received teapots as presents lending an amusing aspect to 200 of us returning home to Brisbane and going through the scanner at the airport. "What! Another teapot!" the man at the screen exclaimed! These are the words printed on the lid of the boxes:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
No comments:
Post a Comment