Earlier this year, nine Schweitzer ladies packed way too many bags and headed to Fort Worth, Texas for IF:Gathering 2024 . Most had never been and didn’t quite know what to expect, but we knew we needed coffee from 7Brew to kick off the trip.
Our time together was unforgettable for many reasons, not the least of which was how God moved in each of our lives. This year marked the 10th anniversary of IF:Gathering. It was held at Dickies Arena. It is difficult to put into words the feeling of being in an enormous space filled with 10,000+ women all there for the same reasons — to hear from God and experience his holy presence — and we did! The conference featured a packed list of speakers and incredible worship.
As with any conference, there’s a lot to process. I asked everyone who attended to share their takeaways and was moved when I read their responses, especially those of our younger ladies. Of the nine who came, four were teenagers: Norah Rowlett, Ainsley Cologna, Stella and Jazzie Green, “The messages were inspiring to everyone, no matter what age you were,” Stella said.
Of the speakers, there was a unanimous favorite — Christine Caine. Stella said she enjoyed how Caine brought everyone into her message through laughter and then delivered an impactful message. Stella’s sister, Jazzie, said Caine’s quote has stuck in her mind, “The same God that was with me then is the same God that is with me now.”
Ainsley also referenced Caine, “She talked about how God performs miracles with our broken pieces.” In these words, I am reminded that we all have brokenness. Isn’t it wonderful to know God meets us where we are, picks up our broken pieces and makes something beautiful?
This conference was just a brief moment for a few ladies from Schweitzer, yet the key takeaways can apply to everyone.
“I was reminded not to play it safe with my faith. And to be proud of what He has done for me and share it with others.”
“IF definitely helped me to get back into the habit of reading my Bible and praying daily.”
“There is no storm in my life that God can’t stop.”
Personally, I am eager to find ways to engage with women of all ages, and I know a fellow mom and Student adult leader, Nicole Cologna, echoes this sentiment: “I want more women, young and old, to enjoy the renewing of their faith in God.”
Next year, IF:Gathering will pause and instead host Gather25 , a global Christian conference for men and women. There is a group discussing hosting this event at Schweitzer. This fall, the Wednesday Night Women’s Bible study will be doing Christine Caine’s study, “20/20.”
If you would like to know more about Gather25 or about the fall women’s Bible study email us at connect@schweitzer.church.