Tom: 'strengthened in my resolve to follow Jesus'
Sitting on the train back to London from Prestatyn in North Wales, I am full of great memories of interesting talks, passionate worship, and fun times of fellowship at this year’s Word Alive conference.
There was a great variety of sessions on offer exploring topics such as evangelism, sexuality, mental health, relationships, and beauty, with each of the speakers presenting the fruit of many years spent grappling with the biblical response to their subject. One example was Ed Shaw, who spoke powerfully about the purpose of human sexuality, going beyond the familiar understanding that sex is for marriage, children, and pleasure, to find deeper ways in which our sexuality teaches us about the intimacy of the relationship with God into which we are called. David Burke offered practical advice from a lifetime of pastoral experience, advising us on how we can look after ourselves and those around us in the area of mental health. He pointed to examples from the psalms and Paul’s letters emphasising that the Christian life is not always one of joy and peace of mind, and suggested conversations we might try starting with friends we are concerned about. Tom and Becky Chevis’s seminars on ‘Beauty and the Bible’ were likewise full of helpful references to God’s Word, and helped us to consider how artistic beauty can be found in the process by which a work of art is made and in the purpose it serves.
Twice each day, in the enormous main marquee, we were served by top worship bands, leading us in traditional and contemporary hymns, including music from a new Christian collaboration, Joyful Noise, and stunning solo performances from jazz vocalist Ruth Naomi Floyd. The music was matched with lively and encouraging talks from the Bible, with Conrad Mbewe’s daily sermons on 2 Peter providing us with a central theme for the week.
In the downtime between sessions, and at the end of each day, it was great fun hanging out with other music students and UCCF staff workers, cooking and eating together, and playing games till late. I am so grateful to God for the relationships I have made and continued with Christian brothers and sisters in my time at Word Alive and I sincerely hope to keep in touch and see everyone again at next year’s conference if not before. I have come away feeling renewed in my faith, challenged intellectually, and strengthened in my resolve to follow Jesus.
Julie: 'so grateful for these friendships and ready to grow in my faith'
What a week. I felt so blessed to be spending Word Alive with people who not only are incredible musicians but who share my faith and praise the same amazing God as me. I was struck by how open everyone was to discuss things that we were challenged by in the seminars. I had many encouraging conversations throughout the week about all aspects of Christianity and I have come away feeling so grateful for these friendships and ready to grow in my faith.
In our free mornings and afternoons we played games, went for walks on the beach, swam in the sea and even had a few opportunities to perform: each afternoon we busked, and one evening the Music Network put on our own concert! We had flute duets, Irish traditional tunes, jazz, and some brass chorales. What a joy it was to hear everyone play with the musical gifts that have been given to us by God.
Word Alive was such an incredible week. The Bible teaching was so strong and thought-provoking. A highlight of the day was my 'Encounter group'. Here, I met up with a small group of girls and we discussed what we had heard in the talks, asked questions and prayed for each other. It was a safe space to bring forward all of our weird and wonderful thoughts and queries. I learnt how valuable it is to pray with and for one another about everything!
