Amazing worship took place at the conference
Fresh momentum and revelation
Jo Marks reports from this summer’s packed North West Aspire regional conference
The theme for our North West Aspire regional conference in May at the Lighthouse church in Manchester was ‘Fresh Momentum’ writes Jo Marks. We were so blessed to have Olivia Amartey (Executive Director Elim) and Dr Catherine Muyeba (Lighthouse church) bring the Word. The ladies came clearly expectant for God to speak.
Olivia encouraged us to ‘get into the presence of one’, that momentum comes in our waiting, in our lingering with the Lord. Here we find the power and the momentum of the Holy Spirit.
The day had many beautiful moments from testimonies shared, incredible worship and ministry through song from some of our ‘younger’ ladies. Many movies featured during the day including ‘Speed’ and ‘The Lost Boys’, finishing with ‘Mrs Harris goes to Paris’. In the after- noon we continued our theme. Catherine shared her personal story interweaving the Word of God in her journey, encouraging us to keep going when we feel our momentum is paused.
One of my favourite quotes of the day was from Catherine: “I can’t think clearly in flats.” I was instantly reminded of a quote from singer Natalie Grant: “Sometimes warriors wear heels.” Whatever the shoes worn on this day, many women sought the Lord for breakthroughs, for fresh momentum and revelation.
Catherine shared the following powerful testimony: “Come awaken us from our sleep, Come bring us to our knees. Come whisper truth in our ears, Come save...” (Sarah Reeves).
• Jo Marks has been part of the leadership team in the Lighthouse for over 20 years alongside Paul and Mags Hallam. She also serves on the National Aspire Team.
• Olivia Amartey is Executive Director of Elim.
Dr Catherine Muyeba’s testimony
After a period of disappointments at work, God used my boss to bring me up again and renewed my passion to help people. The song ‘Come Save’ by Sarah Reeves appeared in my life and God used it to speak to me.
One night six months later while on a visit to Zambia, I woke up at 2am I put the song on repeat and listened to it over 60 times when I actually realised what it was saying.
I found myself falling to my knees, weeping, and asking God to whisper truths in my ears.
“Start REAPing,” the Lord told me. He inspired me to write the whole REAPing plan that night.
Reflect – look back with gratitude, repentance and learning. Keep in line with the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Envision – visualise what could be and write it plainly. Be expectant.
Action – what needs to be done to bring the vision to life? What you do today determines your momentum.
Plan – who, how and when will the actions be done? We are co-workers with God and others.
From that place of faith and vision, I studied the Bible and started REAPing. Soon afterwards a colleague asked me what coffee I was drinking. I shared my experiences and when she opened up and gave her life to Jesus, I realised that REAPing was never meant to be just for me. From a season of doubts and disappointments, God ignited a fresh momentum and taught me how to sustain it, whatever happens in life.
• Dr Catherine Muyeba is a Consultant Psychiatrist in the Greater Manchester region and part of the Lighthouse church.
First published in Direction Elim’s monthly magazine.
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