(A personal insight by Mrs. Joy D. Abiera)

Against the backdrop of a cold winter weekend of January 17, Celebrate ’08 opened its doors at 7:30 PM to the exciting and worshipful performance of the artistic group, Acrodramance.  What a treat to all of us who have never heard or seen worship presentation in song, dance, acrobat and inspiring Word.  It was a fitting introduction to a weekend gathering of all women of the Alliance , sponsored by the Alliance women Ministries.  This is the first time I attended this gathering of over 500 Women of the Alliance .  There were ten of us from the different Filipino Churches, six of us coming from the South Pacific District and four from the Central Pacific District.

One of the ladies that came with us recently lost her husband and this is what she said about the conference,  “As I sat and listened to our wonderful speakers Linda Dillow, Cynthia Heald, Jane Rubietta, Carol Kent and Priscilla Schirer, slowly but surely, the clutter in my mind and doubt in my heart were being cleansed away. I gained a better understanding that life here on earth is not perfect, that even faithful believers experience trials and griefs, that only the amazing grace and mercy of our Lord God Almighty thru Jesus Christ can make us rise above all things, as manifested in the lives of these women of God. Their boldness to share with us their weaknesses and strengths, led me to cry out to God, and to become determined to cross the barrier that was holding me back. I was able to cry on Charlotte 's comforting shoulder as she prayed for me. My name is Angelina C. Zabalerio, my  family and friends call me "Nini".

The other ladies in our group were blessed with the “topics that were well chosen and how the speaker have ministered to the women as a whole”.  Another noticed how well  the staff organized the conference. Most impressive was the “Take Away Challenges” that we were asked to record so that we can take home the important and salient points that each speaker summarized about their sessions.  There were 3 days, 5 speakers and 11 sessions.  I still find myself looking over those summaries and continue to be blessed and encouraged!

I was deeply impressed by the hunger and deep desire of the women in the conference to be intimate in their prayer life.  Our early morning (6:30 AM)”Fresh Encounter” led by Linda Corbin was full to overflowing even after we were moved to a larger room twice the size of what was originally assigned.  We found ourselves praying with ladies that we did not even know personally, giving us a taste of the beauty of wonderful fellowship in Christ.

Another highlight of Celebrate ’08 was the evening were over 50 Hmong ladies came in their most beautiful and authentic costumes, ministering to us in songs of praise and worship.  It was a glimpse of what heaven would be like when we are all together singing and speaking in the language of God.  What a thrill!!

I personally wish to thank the Intercultural Ministries Led by Rev. Joe Kong, for awarding us a grant to allow two of our leadership team to come.  As a result of this gesture, four of us were able to share in this grant.

I will highly recommend all women of the Alliance to start saving for the next Celebrate conference.  We have three years to plan.  Our investment brings eternal value, the experience is incomparable and the time spent at the feet of Jesus, Godly women of God, no money can buy!