by Kayla Kennada
The 15th Annual Leadership Conference
This year’s 15th Annual Leadership Conference 2024 – Rest in the Finished Work, was nothing short of spectacular! Held at the beautiful Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, North Carolina, it provided mesmerizing views. If you missed it, don’t worry. You can Save the Date for next year’s conference by marking your calendars. It happens again on August 27-29, 2025!
The spiritual meaning of the number fifteen is rest. We know that God finished His creation on the sixth day and rested on the seventh day. When Jesus died on the cross He said “It is finished”. He also is resting as He is seated at the right hand of the Father (1 Peter 3:22). According to Ephesians 2:6, we too are seated with them in a position of rest. The work is completed for us. We don’t have to earn or work for anything from God. We only need to trust Him and receive all that He has provided for us.
Refreshing and Dynamic
My spirit is still stirred and I can’t help but smile while I reflect on all of the different aspects of this amazing event. With all of the challenges that happen in our daily lives, this was a refreshing, inspiring, and delightful experience. From a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers to a delicious brunch conversing with fellow attendees, there was much to enjoy. As we sat around the tables, a video played which recapped pleasant memories from our events of the past year.
Lori Mason was enthralling as our Master of Ceremonies. From the first session to the last, her skill and poise were displayed throughout the conference. The Word brought to us was so rich as our keynote speakers consisted of:
- Dr. Johnnie Blount
- First Lady Donis Blount
- Pastor Brad Carter
- Pastor Brad Olson
They brought heaven to earth as they spoke to our hearts through their Spirit-led messages that coincided with our theme “Rest in the Finished Work”.
We had a special treat with the Q & A sessions which included:
- Dr. Johnnie Blount and Pastor Brad Carter
- Dr. Johnnie Blount and Melinda Sainsurin
- Darice Renee and David Lowry
They inspired us and brought clarity and knowledge to us, both spiritually and naturally.
Praise and Worship both nights was on fire! The Calvary Wallace Worship Team ministered anointed songs that led us to focus on the greatness of God. Their talents and passion were demonstrated as they sang and played from their hearts. We so appreciated their presence as they made a huge impact.
Features This Year
An added feature this year was our Kingdom Marketplace. It was a networking, shopping, and conversational combination. There were diverse exhibits that drew a good amount of attention. It was wonderful to see people be able to share their business, ministry, products, or skills with others. One person exclaimed “This was a great idea!” I believe this is a keeper for future conferences.
Deb Knapp beguiled us once again with her superior knowledge of human anatomy. She instructs with stretches that align the body to a correct posture which in turn relieves it from structural pain. Many leave with free movement they haven’t experienced in some time. I was one of those many years ago. Her workshop is always a grand slam!
The Men’s & Women’s Breakout Sessions
Dr. Johnnie Blount ministered to the men. They were so deeply moved and enjoyed their time together that they created a group text to stay in contact with each other. They even suggested they do this every year and some said every month.
I ministered “Rest Brings Restoration” to the women. Lori Mason and Darice Renee added to this experience. The women were encouraged to release their burdens and to forgive. Good feedback was received as the women were allowed to release and relax.
After The Sessions…
It was wonderful to have a young lady request to be water baptized. We quickly shifted to the beach where we entered the ocean and Dr. Johnnie performed her water baptism. She was excited and moved to tears at the same time. What a beautiful experience.
For those who like to take advantage of the late night hours, playing cards in the lobby was the icing on the cake. We played Uno, Four Up Four Down, and Cover Your Assets. Dondray dominated the Uno game this year. The laughter and camaraderie was very apparent. We saw sides of each other we hadn’t seen before. It was a barrel of fun!
A New Book Was Released
Dr. Johnnie released his third book! “Father Is Speaking – Do You Know His Voice?” is now available for purchase on Amazon. (Follow this link https://tinyurl.com/yd8uxs6t )
It was exciting as Melinda, a missionary from Haiti and the Dominican Republic, told her captivating story. She testified how she received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and immediately began to tell others about Jesus. Many received salvation and deliverance. Among them were a witch doctor and a prostitute. After seeing her boldness and strong faith, twelve people received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues!
Last, but surely not least, at the end of it all, the volleyball court was the place to be. Dr. Johnnie’s team won the first game. My team was winning the second game, that is, until his team hit the ball over the bushes onto the beach and then it was never found. How convenient for them! Now, Dr. Johnnie claims they won the tournament. However, it was extremely fun while it lasted! We will make sure we have a backup plan for next year.
Thank you!
Finally, we surely could not have done all of this without our volunteers who worked diligently and graciously throughout this encounter! Also, we are hugely grateful for all who graced us with their presence. We humbly thank you. In addition, I also want to give a shout out to Victor White who stepped into the sound tech mode in my stead. His expertise was greatly appreciated. This exceptional group of God’s people helped to make this one-of-a-kind conference a remarkable success! We love you and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Until next year!
Discover more about our Speakers and Leaders here:
Dr. Johnnie Blount: Order his new book Father is Speaking on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/yd8uxs6t
David Lowry: Hair salon: https://dllowry.com/about/david-lowry/
Find his Book: https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Out-Emerging-confusion-Opening/dp/171930209X
Pastor Brad Carter: https://calvarychurch.cc/location/wallace/
Pastor Brad Olson: https://www.bcfellowship.com/about-us
