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“For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you…” Leviticus 25:12 |
“We’re home!” we exclaim as we walk in the door of our homes! Home can be our physical dwelling, the home that we grew up in, a special place in which treasured memories continue to be built, or simply being with the people that mean the most to us. Imagine the joy of the Israelites when they returned to their family property (Leviticus 25:10) every 50 years for the Year of Jubilee, during which all land was returned to its original owner and slaves to their families. Most would experience this Jubilee once in their lifetimes, if at all.
We are blessed to have the opportunity to experience a similar Jubilee each year when we gather at the International Leadership Conference. This year we are elated to host you in Denver in less than six weeks. In our case we are not returning to a physical dwelling called “home” but rather to the spiritual and emotional relationships that in our hearts define “home” for each one of us as disciples of Christ, and as brothers and sisters of our Savior and each other. The Jubilee in the Old Testament lasted for a full year; ours will last only a handful of days. Still, may the spirit of our fellowship reflect that of my children when my mother visited us recently during a layover at the airport in Denver. The kids kept saying to one another “just keep talking” in the hopes that their beloved Grandma would miss her airplane and be forced to stay just one more day. Even one additional hour would have been treasured.
In my opinion, the fellowship at events such as the ILC provides at least half of what I take home: life lessons, heart-to-heart discipling, and creative ideas about how to inspire and mature the ministries we serve. The fellowship is especially rewarding when we see those that our churches partner with from around the globe, both financially and relationally, to expand the gospel. The lives and sacrifices of those serving on the mission field are both inspirational and convicting. For those who have had the special honor of serving on the mission field, whether domestic or international, the fellowship is a true reunion of hearts committed to a common goal, even if only physically for a short period of time. Oh, to see the gracious faces of Peter and Gayle Boardman whom we affectionately call “our Ma and Pa of the Pacific”! Let’s be praying not only about the lessons from God’s Word that we’ll hear at the ILC, but also about the fellowship and relationships, new and old, that we will give to and more likely be served through.
Lastly, I can’t help but think of how God feels about watching his sons and daughters laugh and learn together. For us, nothing makes visiting our family home more special than hearing and seeing the cousins — the oldest of whom has just become a disciple of Christ — frolic together, sometimes through the night. They are building memories and relationships that we pray will strengthen and inspire them on their journeys to heaven. I can only imagine that God is moved by the same dream as he watches us together. To Him our fellowship is holy (Leviticus 25:12). May it be to us as well. Let’s hold true to this year’s theme and love one another as He has loved us.
Registration prices increase this Saturday, August 1, 2009, so register now at www.icocconference.org to get the best rate! The International Leadership Conference is being held September 3-6, 2009 in Denver, Colorado, USA. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Dawn Ferry
Women’s Ministry Leader
Denver Church of Christ
