GO Conference

After this, I saw a large crowd with more people than could be counted. They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood before the throne and before the Lamb. They wore white robes and held palm branches in their hands, as they shouted, "Our God, who sits upon the throne, has the power to save his people, and so does the Lamb." 

Revelation 7:9-10

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus!

I so wish that you could be here with me at the OM GO Conference in Holland!  I've been so blessed to experience just a taste of Revelation 7:9-10.  Each time we sing together, I look around and am amazed at over 300 people from many races, tribes, nations, and languages, shouting variants of "Our God, who sits upon the throne, has the power to save his people, and so does the Lamb!"  Isn't it just awesome that so many people can be brought together with the same purpose - glorifying God?  Only God could cause such a thing to happen!  The next time you are singing together with other believers, look around you and marvel at what God has done.  Don't get distracted by what they're wearing, how off/on tune they are, or what style of music you are singing - just enjoy that you can praise God together.  I also ask that you would pray for each of these new recruits, volunteers, and staff, as they go out to countries around the world to spread the love of Jesus.

Just in case you are wondering what the GO Conference is, it is an orientation conference for all new recruits joining OM for more than 6 months.  It's a time of learning what OM is, about God and culture, and being encouraged as you are sent out to your country of service.  Since I've already attended a GO Conference the first time I joined OM in 2006, I am serving as a volunteer.  The first week I served in the kitchen, preparing food and cleaning, and this week I am working at the Information Desk, doing a variety of administrative tasks.  I've also had the opportunity to attend a number of the sessions in the times where I'm not working.  It's been a great time of getting to know new people, being re-oriented with OM, being encouraged, and worshipping God in many ways.  I've been here in Holland since the 21st, and will fly back to England on Saturday the 3rd.  I will update you on what things will look like in England as soon as I know.  For now, I hope you enjoy some pictures from the Conference below!

In Christ,
Tami

 I really couldn't resist this picture in the Amsterdam airport.  This country has WonderWoman stores, and cookie spread for your toast (called Speculoos) - what more could you want?

 This is a picture from the conference site.  All the buildings are really quaint, and there are bicycles everywhere!

 Another picture from around the conference site

 I took the picture below on a walk into town. There's lots of fields and cows around this area of Holland.

 This is the inside of an old church in the town of Delden.  It was absolutely beautiful, but it felt so dead.

A friend who also came to the conference, who has spent the last 3 months in England with OM Lifehope.

 This pic was taken during an activity at the Conference called 'Mission Possible.'  Participants are led through a series of stations designed to mimic what it could be like going through immigration, customs, etc. in a new country.  It is hoped that the participants will take it seriously and be better prepared for what's ahead.  The staff and volunteers do a really great job of running it - even dressing up in army costumes, dimming the lights, and burning incense.  It can be quite intense!