Originally the day had been planned around delivering the 2009 ‘Energize’ training modules. A slight problem with this occurred when our trainer, Brian Spurling became stranded by the snow down in Exeter. With his car abandoned on the side of the road and all the training materials stuck in his garage, it quickly became evident we were in need of another plan.

Over the hours of Friday afternoon numerous phone calls were made and spirit of determination began to rise. There was no way we were going to let a bit of snow ruin something we had all been looking forward to for so long!

With some help from our Emerging Leaders Director and some quick thinking form our Regional Director, a Conference – take two was planned. All those signed up for the conference were phoned, notified of the changes and encouraged to attend the day in spite of the challenges the past 24 hours had seen.

As the doors of the conference centre opened that morning over 85% of the original number walk through the door! As leaders were greeted their faces seemed to beam! It appeared that the situation at hand had inspired them with an even greater expectancy of what the day would hold. As one leader so aptly commented ‘Now our strengths has gone, let’s sit back and see just how big God’s can get’.

Over the course of the day amongst a mix of training, worship, games, food and testimony we saw a connection amongst leaders begin to grow far deeper than we had experienced before. As a result leaders began to talk through the possibilities of coming together for a weekend residential and of other opportunities for bringing their groups together for holidays and events.

It is our prayer that this sense of community between leaders and groups within the region will continue to grow and be a strong foundation for development in the future.

Why not think about joining us for our retreat later in the year!