Thanks to World Vision, I was able to attend the Women of Faith conference this weekend. Not only attend, but have some amazing seats!

This was my first time at a Women of Faith (WoF) conference. I’ve attended other Christian conferences (Catalyst, Right Now) but I’d never been to a woman’s conference. You’d think they wouldn’t be that different…but you would be wrong.

The WoF conference seems less like a massive conference and more like sitting down with friends for a cup of coffee. Women like Brenda Warner and Lisa Whelchel share their hearts so freely, their words convey such authenticity, that it seems like they are speaking directly to you. Patsy Clairmont is the kind of woman I would love to have for a grandmother; someone who makes you laugh through tears. Andy Andrews is like that crazy uncle who can’t stay on topic, but shares so much wisdom anyway.

And the talent some of these ladies have is incredible. Sandi Patty has one of the most extraordinary voices I have ever heard. She took the stage and launched into When You Wish Upon A Star. I recorded a little snippet of it:

Her voice and story are incomparable.

Amy Grant performed on Saturday afternoon. Even though she was on the stage, surrounded by seven thousand women (and a handful of men), she played like she was in your living room. She shared stories of her children’s lives before the songs. She strayed from the set list when the mood struck her and played what she felt. Her talented band followed her lead, and it was a beautiful moment.

I think my favorite part, though, was at the end of Amy Grant’s performance. All the speakers and the worship team took the stage with her, and they sang and danced together.

Of course, one of the most important parts of the conference was the presence of World Vision. There were several booths set up around the arena, and they were crowded during nearly every break. Marilyn Meberg told a heartwarming story of her time spent traveling with World Vision in the Dominican Republic. Marilyn was able to watch her newest sponsored child be brought into this world. That precious little baby joined the thirteen other children Marilyn sponsors.

I just want to say another huge thank you to World Vision! I wouldn’t have attended this conference if it wasn’t for their generosity. If you have never heard of World Vision, please visit their website and see what an amazing organization it is. I cannot say enough good things about them!