A Brief Recap
Go Therefore 2024 Reflections
We have just completed the annual Go Therefore Conference (GTC). This two-day event has become a bright highlight of Kathy and my year. Here are some reflections.
This year was perhaps the best gathering we have experienced. This is saying a lot because, every year has been a blessing. There has not been one year, except 2020, when we were forced to do the conference online, in which God has not blessed. But this year, there was something special.
This year’s gathering started on Thursday evening when speakers who were in town, support volunteers, and some dear Harvest Revival Center friends gathered at Rob’s Restaurant in Brookville. Rob’s is our go-to place. Great home cooking at a reasonable price. The staff is very helpful, patient, and friendly. They took care of 24 of us without missing a beat.
Let me say a word about Harvest Revival Center (HRC). Go Therefore Conference would not be what it is without the extraordinary assistance of Pastor Niel and his staff. The servant hearts of all those who call HRC their spiritual home is evident and very much appreciated. I want to recognize Ben and Kristy as well. You are both the epitome of a servant of Christ.
Kathy and I decided after Go Therefore Conference 2023 to change the conference model. We have had as many as 22 speakers in the past. In 2023 we hosted 14 speakers, but believed even that number was too many. So, for 2024 we invited 9 speakers. This allowed for more fellowship time in between speakers and longer mealtimes. I think this change contributed to the sweetness we all experienced in 2024. Having more time to visit with our brothers and sisters is what we all needed.
After a few years and different combinations of speakers and inviting some speakers that turned out not to be a good fit for our ministry, we have settled on a group of a few dozen that Kathy and I know we can call on to join us in equipping the saints each year. Kathy and I are both blessed and grateful for the men and women God has brought into our lives and the friendships we have developed with them.
One of the best moments of the entire conference was when Kathy spoke with a lady who asked if we would pray for her friend. Of course, we are honored and willing to pray for people, but this instance was much different. A woman and her sister traveled 24 hours on a Greyhound bus all the way from Denver, Colorado, to join us at this conference so that one of the sisters could be prayed for. She is in the midst of a serious health issue and wanted nothing more than to have several of the speakers and Kathy and I lay hands on her and pray for her healing. What an honor!
The testimonies during and after the conference from the attendees and the speakers were all glowing and enthusiastic about what God was/had done. Many tears were shed in joy and heartfelt thanksgiving.
Kathy and I told many people who spoke with us that their words were important to us. The encouragement we received from so many, as well as the many who expressed gratitude toward both of us for putting in the work to make the conference what it is was most gratifying.
Kathy and I are fond of saying when people comment about the next Go Therefore Conference – we will do another one next year IF the Lord tarries, and He moves us to do another one next year. We never assume and we will not run ahead of the Lord.
The remainder of 2024 looks to be a very crazy ride. The direction things are moving reminds us all to make sure you are telling people you meet about Jesus.
As we look to the future and what is in store for us all, we can only remind people to keep looking up for our redemption draws near.
Pastor Mike