The CBE Scroll

Comment by cokhavim

August 18, 2007 @ 12:03 pm

I was overwhelmed by God’s love and grace at this conference. As Mimi said, it really was a joy to fellowship with other egalitarian believers. It was the first time in a long time that I truly felt safe. I felt safe to tell my story to complete strangers at the conference because I knew that I didn’t have to explain it: they just understood. I felt safe to ask all my hard questions because I knew that I wouldn’t be judged, nor my questions be joked about.

I was excited and humbled to be in the presence of so many brilliant authors whom I have read. Even my favorite author, who I didn’t think would come, showed up one night and ended up chatting with me. I have the picture to prove it!

I also experienced so much grace in the many gifts I received at the conference, just for being an international. On the plane after the conference, I started reading one of the books given to internationals, and I was thrilled to find some clarity about one of my questions, one I didn’t think anyone would write about.

God, I thank you for CBE and for this conference. By bringing me to it, I can see that you love me so much, and that you heard my heart’s cry.

Comment by Patti

August 18, 2007 @ 12:32 pm

This was the first CBE conference that my husband Bill and I have attended. We both were encouraged to be in the presence of so many believers who were both Godly and intelligent. The entire weekend was a gift from God, and we thank the hard-working and friendly CBE staff for putting it on. Bill made an insightful comment: ‘When I looked around at the faces of the women there, it was obvious that they were not oppressed by anyone!’ What a testimony of what the Lord has done in setting us free!

Comment by Mary Ann

August 19, 2007 @ 7:38 pm

Yes! It was such a wonderful conference. My husband and I are deeply indebted to all those who gave so that we would have the scholarships to attend this conference. I wish I could thank each individual personally. I am so thankful! My life has been changed!

I was so inspired to hear from and learn from and observe that there are so many women who have gone against all odds in order to be faithful to the Lord’s calling and gifting - and men who have made similar risks in order to be a voice against the injustice. For so long, I thought I was part of a very small handful and felt very alone and helpless, but attending this conference showed me that there is hope. God is on the move, and we are not so helpless after all.

I have been silenced by older men in my life from using the gifts and answering the call that I believe I’ve been given. The wounds inflicted immobilized me for quite a long time. But, after last weekend’s conference I feel empowered and inspired to take steps forward. Thanks, God, for CBE. And, thank you all who contributed to make it happen!