What a few days it turned out to be! Daystar Women of Destiny Conference 2016 surpassed its billing; which is what happens when you surrender leadership and control to the Holy Spirit!
This year's edition of the three-day annual women-focused conference, themed 'The 21st Century Mother', held on Friday, April 22 and culminated Sunday, April 24 at Daystar Christian Center, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos; with women of all ages in attendance.
Many came from far and near and found purpose and meaning; others caught new vision; some re-aligned their lives with God; while many more gained invaluable insight of God's principles as His word was taught with power by the speakers.
Highlights of each day
Day 1, April 22
The opening day saw Pastor Margaret Sowemimo minister powerfully in a message entitled: "You were born for such a time as this", with the subtitle, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made", anchored on Psalm 139:13-18 and Isaiah 55:6-11.
She rounded off her session with a period of spirit-inspired prophetic ministration - it was glorious and life changing!
Music minister, Omenesa (@OmenesaPearls) gave a truly moving ministration as she worshipped in songs and shared her true story - a story of God's saving grace. She narrated:
- how she once attempted suicide following a bout of depression
- how she almost filed for divorce from her husband at some point
- how she underwent several surgeries to fix her Scoliosis (an S-shaped spinal cord)
- how she currently goes around with a metallic object affixed to her back and much more. Her story tells me that our past, with all its ugliness and imperfections, is no hinderance to the fulfilment of God's thoughts and plans for us; rather they are a springboard to the greatness He wants to birth in and through us!
Day 2, April 23
The second day was a fully-packed day as Pastors Nike Adeyemi, Ibukun Awosika and Abimbola Davids ministered.
Their messages were powerful and instructive, as they were practical and applicable. They each shared God's Word laced with real life experiences of being mothers - they have nine children among them, three each!
Pastor Ibukun (@IbukunAwosika) opened as she poured her heart out and spoke passionately on the 21st Century mother.
Some standout thoughts from her ministration:
-Your children came from you but they are not you.
-Children of this generation don't only listen to what you say, they see what you do.
-Teaching is beyond just what you say, but what you do. Your children watch you do, not only what you say.
-Parenting is not about rules and regulations, but nurturing and modelling.
-Don't raise a girl child and tell her she has to respect her husband when you as the mother do not respect your husband.
-Mommies should be huge supporters of their children. They should be their number one fan.
The conference convener, Pastor Nike Adeyemi (@NikeAdeyemi) took the podium after her and expounded more on the picturesque 21st Century Mother. Her words, "God doesn't want you as a mother to be encumbered by many things, but to choose what really matters, which is to sit at Jesus' feet. Never neglect your personal time with God."
More profound thoughts from her message
-Each day with your child is precious. Be deliberate and pour into the child.
-Are you approachable? Can your children walk up to you and openly talk with you?
-Train your child to fly. Do not let your fear get in their way.
-Be prayerfully supportive of your children.
-Bring your children into your space; build their esteem.
-Love your children into obedience.
-Your values should be strong as a mother.
-Ensure your children do not have sibling rivalry.
-Open communication about sex with your children is important. Give them the proper perspective.
Pastor Abimbola (@bimbola_davids) of Global Impact Church was up next.
She outlined insightful tips on becoming a 21st Century Mother:
1. Be knowledgeable (if you are not current you lose relevance).
2. Take oversight (don't leave your children to themselves).
3. Teach children values of hospitality and responsibility (favour will open doors for you).
4. Be available for your children (physically and spiritually, i.e discern by the Holy Spirit); and;
5. Understand that God is never stranded (He is always ahead of the enemy), and trust in Him.
The curtain was drawn on Day 2 with a Question & Answer session where Pastors Nike and Abimbola provided thoughtful and applicable answers to questions from the audience.
Day 3, April 24
Scripture notes that the latter house's glory shall be more than the former; and that proved true of Daystar Women of Destiny Conference 2016 as it ended on a resounding note.
Day 3 was a climax indeed as Pastors Nike and Margaret shared the word in their concluding sessions; and Rev. Funke Felix-Adejumo also ministered.
Pastor Nike shared powerfully in the first service, while Pastor Margaret ministered in the second, concluding her message on "You were born for such a time as this"; Rev. Funke Felix-Adejumo (@FFAdejumo) took the podium for the third and fourth services.
Her ministrations were piercing as they were reforming. They hit the core, shattered it and reframed it.
In her first ministration in the third service, she shared a message entitled: "This is not my child", anchored on 1 Kings 3:16-28 - the story of two harlots who brought their matter before King Solomon because one had killed its own baby and exchanged it with the other.
Some key takeaways from her ministration:
A 21st Century Mother must
1. Be a watcher (don't oversleep. Don't sleep emotionally, spiritually, or physically. Wake up and be vigilant. Watch in prayer).
2. Be a fighter (you fight in prayer).
3. Be a helper (be an unusual helper).
-A mother is an eagle; be watchful.
-Fathers provide strength; mothers are for comfort.
-God doesn't have grandchildren; lead your children to have a personal relationship with Him.
In her second ministration also anchored on 1 Kings 3:16-28, she addressed fathers in another piercing message entitled: "Where are the fathers?"
Some highlights
-Fathers are: ladders, covenant pillars, nurturers, coaches, mirrors, providers, strategic helpers, prophets; and they create platforms for their children.
-If your Christianity as a father cannot make influence in the home, do not export it.
-Fatherhood is a responsibility, and if you're not ready to shoulder the responsibility, do not become a father.
-Your children need your presence as a father, not just your money.
-A father should be a storm calmer; a role model.
-Pray together with your family; be the spiritual covering in your home.
-Fatherhood is a ministry; love, train, and pray for your child.
-Get to know your child; spend time with them.
It was three days well spent at Daystar Women of Destiny Conference 2016; truly fulfilling!
Yay! This is nice. I was there, though I missed the first day. All the speakers were wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed an awesome experience. The knowledge i went away with will dwell in me for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, sis. 'Experience' is the word. I gained new insight.
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