Impressions of a VOM Conference

July 9, 2013
Posted by
VOM Media
Categories
encouragement, Inside VOM, VOM Speaker

A few weeks ago I attended my first VOM Conference in Amarillo, TX. A friend invited me along, so I agreed because she spoke so highly of the conferences. I thought it sounded like a fun little road trip mixed with some volunteer work. Since I have worked at VOM for almost six years now, I expected it to be like an extended chapel service, with stories I had read in the newsletter.

Gracia_Signing
Gracia Burnham greets a visitor and signs a book at a VOM Regional Conference.

As we arrived at the host church and began setting up tables and preparing for the conference, many volunteers came to help. Although they were the ones who were sacrificing their time and energy, they seemed genuinely honored to have us, as representatives of VOM, come to their church. They showed great hospitality to us and the conference attendees by setting up tables of free bottled water, coffee, donuts, and homemade goodies on the day of the conference.

The people who attended the conference amazed me as well. As I helped people register, some would share about themselves and their motivation to come to the conference. Many rose before dawn to drive in from a neighboring state. It was incredible to talk face-to-face with the people who support VOM and partner with us to help the persecuted church. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and the atmosphere of the church was intense, yet joyful. The attendees were amazed by what they heard from the speakers, and they were hungry to learn more by talking to the speakers and coming to the resource table to get books and resources.

Amy Shreve’s music set the tone for the conference. Her passion to help the persecuted church revealed itself in her song lyrics, and she led the conference attendees in genuine worship. As I listened to the speakers, including Eric Foley, Matt Rose, and Gracia Burnham, I felt reenergized and inspired hearing about the courage and faithfulness of our brothers and sisters in chains. I heard the stories as if for the first time, and I had a renewed sense of purpose about my own work at VOM.

The next day, Sunday morning, Matt Rose spoke at the church service. During Sunday School, I was given the opportunity to share about VOM with the Teen Sunday School class. I don’t normally do any public speaking, but after the things I had learned from the conference, I knew I couldn’t turn down a chance to talk about it. The teens listened earnestly as I shared about North Korea, and they took the newsletters we gave them.

Looking back, my expectation for the conference was misguided. I went to the conference prepared to serve and teach; I was the one who received and learned. I would encourage everyone to go to a VOM regional conference.

Naomi J. works in VOM's Partner Account Services department.

Register online to attend upcoming VOM conferences:

Check www.VOMMeetings.com for other scheduled conferences later in 2013 and into 2014.