When sorrow and adversity strike, how do human beings get through the crises? The Book of Joshua (22:5) advises the faithful to "hold fast" to God and to obey His commands.
The passage served as the guiding theme for the 2012 Women ACT Interdenominational Women's Conference Saturday at Camden Falls.
More than 300 women converged at the conference for a day of reflection and inspiration. The speakers, Cindi Ferrini of Cleveland and Becki Reiser of Dover, elaborated on the importance of clinging to one's faith to move beyond hardships.
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PHOTOS BY MARYANN KROMER
Lisa Troyer of Sugarcreek leads the singing at the Women ACT Interdenominational Women’s Conference Saturday at Camden Falls in Tiffin.
They shared examples of their own challenges that enlightened and strengthened them. Lisa Troyer of Sugarcreek led the worship and music.
After lunch, conference chairwoman and speaker liaison Barb Postema addressed the conference and explained the process that brings the day to fruition. A committee of women meets regularly throughout the year. Each meeting begins with an hour or more of prayer, hence the "acclaiming Christ together," or ACT. Committee members pray for each participant by name. Postema said the prayers seem to unify the committee and ease the planning process.
"This could not go on without the prayers that go into it," she said. "We believe this is God's conference."
Postema called her committee to the podium one by one, gave the year each had joined and the person's current responsibilities.
They included:
Marty Studer, 2007, prayer liaison;
Jeri Ross, 1990, hostess liaison;
Mary Reimer, 2007, publicity liaison;
Rebecca Osborne, 1996, brochure liaison;
Dianna Distel, 2007, decorations liaison;
Joan Brown, 2006, table packet liaison;
Mindy Wise, 1990, treasurer;
Barb Aley, secretary;
Sue Parrish, 1998, co-chairwoman;
Cindy Voorhees, historian.
One committee member had left after the morning speakers.
"Becky Price has been on my committee since 1999. Back in December, Becky had a physical problem ... and Becky just got out of the hospital a week ago," Postema said. "But Becky is a real trooper. We prayed and we pleaded with the Lord for her life."
Price was not able to fulfill her duties as lunch liaison, so Reimer and Voorhees served as substitutes. Postema complimented all for the work they have contributed to the conference and commended Adam Smith of Camden Falls for his assistance in the planning. She also introduced past committee members who were in attendance: Betty Pahl and Ida Cooley, two of the conference founders; Betty Deason; Evelyn Houck; and Joyce Geyh.
"By the time this day comes around, everything is taken care of, and I have no worries. I appreciate that more than they will ever know," Postema said.
Next year's conference is April 20. The main speaker is to be Lisa Meiners from Centerville. Postema encouraged women to sign up and bring a friend to boost attendance for 2013.
