Jill Steele and Ginny Vincent might be re-writing the famous movie line, “If you build it, they will come.”  Their version is, “If you follow, they will register.”  Transitioning both physically and spiritually this year, the duo was led to create a faith-filled conference geared toward the women of North Central West Virginia.  They followed the spiritual nudge and now registrations are flowing in as women all over the area are hungry to learn more about God.

 

“Neither of us has ever put anything like this together before,” said Steele, who was also beginning her blog, writing a book, starting a new job and battling breast cancer during this undertaking.  “It has been amazing how God has provided and guided us in the process, using gifted individuals to compensate where we were weak.”

 

After months of planning, the conference, entitled Come Boldly to the Throne of God, is now scheduled to take place at the Bridgeport Conference Center on April 16 from 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. 

 

The theme was also guided by divine intervention as each of the ladies were shown Hebrews 4:16, which says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Because the verse was 4:16, the conference was scheduled on April 16, naturally.

 

In addition to Steele and Vincent, Karen Staton of Morgantown and Sharon King of Clarksburg round out the founding organization called The Ripple Effect. This group anticipates organizing more women's faith events in the future.

 

As the logistics began coming together, the ladies drew on their knowledge of women who offer unique perspectives on Biblical principles.  Immediately, a few names stood out.  Among them was International House of Prayer speaker, Nayomi Thomas.  As a singer, speaker and author, she applies the teachings of the Bible to challenges we face today. 

 

Susan Pettrey also rose to the top of the list of God-centered women.  After growing up seeing how God restores hope in her father’s church, Brooklyn Tabernacle, Pettrey has used her spiritual gifts to serve, sing, and lead in the church.  Now the Director of Women’s Ministries, and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Drama Company, she will bring her message to West Virginia in April.

 

Life Coach Pat Farrell hails from Faith House and has used her transitional seasons to really tap into the power of stillness in God.  With a focus on healing and offering hope, Farrell will inspire attendees to seek that power and use both their personal and professional lives to serve. 

 

Cynthia Fralin of Pretty Little Fences fame will lead the women in a workshop on setting healthy boundaries.  Through her personal reflections, she will guide them on strategies that will glorify God and ease typical burdens faced by women.  The balance obtained through this will allow individuals to more clearly see where they can be used in His service.

 

All the way from Georgia, Lawanda Kent will lead the women in worship, offering praises in both word and music.  Angie Lafferty, a local worship leader, will be leading the morning praise session.  The conference will also include additional sessions of music, inspirational messages, worship, prayer and communion. 

 

“We let the Lord lead us in every aspect of the conference and have faith that it will touch the lives of those in attendance,” said Steele.  “We are excited to see it come to fruition and so thankful to be chosen to initiate the gathering of such God-centered women. With women from over thirty different churches of all denominations joining together, we are affirmed that the desire of God's very heart for the whole and healed body of Christ will begin to become a reality.”  For registration and additional information, go to www.steelefaith.com.