Remembering Rome

Keli attended and helped to facilitate the 3W (Three Worlds) Women's Conference in Rome at the end of February.  Joining her 3W female teammates, the group also shared from their lives about different aspects of ministry in the region, while Rev Denise Douglas (My Scott ChoG, Portland) as the main speaker.  Attending the event were ladies from the three Italian churches, as well as a diverse group of 11 ladies from the USA, from 9 different states and ranging in age from 25 to 75 years.  The following post is from Keli's reflections on the event:

A week ago today our first Three Worlds Women’s Conference concluded.  It was an amazing experience, especially for a trial run!  The Italian church hosted us in Ostia, a beautiful town not far from Rome along the Mediterranean Sea.  Also joining us were ladies from Arco and Treviso, Italy.  We also had 11 ladies of the Christian Women Connection from Washington DC, Seattle, WA and everywhere in-between!  Our speaker, Denise Douglas from Mt. Scott Church of God in Oregon, talked about Hannah and Deborah and also how women are not made to fit any mold.  This was demonstrated by the unique and wonderfully different ladies that all attended the conference together - and there was such unity!  We had a great time together.  My biggest takeaway personally from Denise’s sessions was a more specific way to pray for my kids.

The Three Worlds team members also each led a session on the different aspects of our personal ministries.  I was blessed by their openness, honesty and sincerity.  I have spent time with my team - mainly in our annual staff meetings, which are necessary and encouraging; however, this was the first time (for me) that we were actually able to minister and lead together.  This gave us even greater connectivity and our friendships grew by leaps and bounds just in a week.  This is so important to me as my team is my surrogate family, which is desperately needed for all of us as we don’t get “home” very often.

Patrick & Jamie - thanks for being such amazing team leaders.  Your higher level of accountability has made all of our ministries more effective and healthy.   Your friendship and humor keeps us sane.  Mary Stephens - I don’t ever want to be part of a conference unless you are the trip leader for CWC!  Your quiet spirit, good sense of humor and organization really set a positive tone for all of us.  CWC ladies - wow - each and every one of you blessed me in a different way.  Thank you for your sincere encouragement and prayers.  Italian women - your hospitality is amazing.  Thank you for speaking to me with your heart even though we could not always understand the words.  We are truly one in Christ.  

Keli speaking during her session