Leaders from our sister churches all around the world have feasted on spiritual meat at the International Leadership Conference and are eager to go back to their respective churches and put it all into practice. They've also been encouraged by the fellowship and inspired by the unity of the believers. Here's what three conference-goers said about their experience:

"The fellowship was so rich and deep. The women's program was re-energizing. They called us to engage the mission again. I learned from women, who never held back and now have adult children who are fired-up disciples, how to handle the delicate balance of being a wife and a mother while working in the full-time ministry." -Julie Landi, women's ministry leader, Los Angeles

"Personally, the conference has brought out evidence that the church is moving forward and of the power of forgiveness, which has allowed that moving forward to happen." - Kevin Herman, minister, Memphis

"I'm very inspired by the direction that our church is going. I feel that across the board everyone is one in spirit. That they want to preach the word, evangelize the world and call people to total commitment (to Jesus). -Jeremy Lindley, campus minister, Austin, Texas

In all, there were about 60 Bible lessons preached at this year's ILC, ranging from keynote sermons to men's and women's workshops to ministry-specific classes. We'll let you know when the audio files of the complete sermons are available online. I highly recommend that you listen to as many as you can. They're hot!

In his closing remarks, Los Angeles Congregational Evangelist Bruce Williams said:

"It has been a real honor and privilege to have all of you with us ... We hope that thousands of lives will be changed because of (this conference) ... I do believe God is brought about an incredible revival. I sense it. I feel it. I see it in all of you."

Announcements:

*The International Singles Conference, "Visions & Dreams," is Aug. 29-31, 2008, in Texas. Info: ISC-2008.com

*The 2008 International Leadership Conference, "The Edge," is Oct. 8-12 in Kiev, Ukraine. Info: ilckiev2008@mac.com

Well, it's been an honor to blog about the ILC. Hope you enjoyed it.

Brian Martinez, L.A. Church member