by John Greening
When the children of Israel faced the impassable barrier of the Red Sea with the Egyptians in hot pursuit, they turned to the left then to the right and realized they were in trouble! But God made a way out, right through the impassable waters. As Moses and the children of Israel stood on the opposite bank, with the fresh memories of the parting of the Red Sea and the Egyptians floating face down in their watery grave, they lifted their voices in massive praise to God.
Looking back ten days prior to the 2008 GARBC Annual Conference, I felt as if my back was against a wall. The scheduled Conference location in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was under water. Our leadership team was contemplating, should we cancel the Conference or go forward? If we canceled, we would miss the benefits of our annual family fellowship. If we went forward, where would we locate? Increasingly it became obvious that Cedar Rapids would not be “back in business” sufficiently by the Conference dates.
God be praised, He made a way through the waters! Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary responded to the need. Led by President Dr. James Maxwell, the school opened its arms wide to welcome the Association to the Ankeny campus.
With the school’s extraordinary response and God displaying His strong hand in the Conference arrangements, there was a growing sense that God was going to do something extra-special during the Conference. That sense came true beyond my feeble-faith prayers. I was humbly reminded that God really is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think!
This year’s Conference was a highlight in the Association’s history. The theme, The Glory of the Cross, permitted us to focus on the heart of God and the Christ-centered Bible story in a thrilling way. The preaching, worship, testimonies and fellowship drew us toward the Savior. The sacrificial service of the Faith staff accentuated Christ’s graciousness. The crowds were the largest in recent history. The attendees generously shared food and money to help sister churches in their recovery from the floods. The spirit of conversations and interactions was harmonious. The enthusiasm on the road ahead for the Association gained momentum. The conference truly was a gift from God.
Thanks to every person who attended, to every individual who helped to make it happen, and most of all, thanks to our Savior Jesus Christ in whose name we gathered. I can’t wait until next year. On one thing I’m certain—the site of the 2009 Conference, First Baptist Church, Elyria, Ohio, is not on the banks of a river!
