Greetings friends,

We are very excited about the new format of our annual conference next July. I would like to share with you a bit of the background behind the transformation. Please allow me a bit of your time, as it is important for you to be able to gain a greater understanding of where we are headed.

"To a Thousand Generations" speaks to our purpose for this new format. Our walk must not end when our own legs become weak. We must encourage and train up the next generation and those after them. We are called to make disciples in all the nations.

Two years ago, I began looking for a college campus where we could host our gathering. My standards were set high and while there were a few options, God pointed me towards Maryville College. At the time, they could not accommodate us as their assembly hall was being replaced by a new civic center and would be under construction for two years. I left it alone for a season.

Last July we went and took a look at the campus. It is beautiful – intimate and charming, yet large enough for us, with a brand new state-of-the-art civic center that includes an awesome theatre, very similar to a first-rate concert hall. We were very encouraged.

We spoke and met with the MIA Shepherd’s Council, leading teachers in the movement, and our Advisory Council. Everyone we spoke to felt this was the time to make the change and it was time to go to a deeper level of understanding and relationships, which more time together would foster. At our 2009 annual conference in Orlando, we mentioned it a few times and received very positive responses.

The first four days (Monday, July 26th - Thursday, July 29th) will be a Boot Camp that will be broken down into primary, secondary, and elective courses. Those attending will have the opportunity to spend about 8 hours a day with the best teachers in the Messianic movement. We will worship together each evening in Isaac's Hall. We shall eat our meals together, walk along the beautiful campus, and fellowship (no doubt until the wee hours of the morning!). I hope no one falls out of any windows!

We wanted to have an environment where entire families could attend together. A youth-focused concept began to unfold. Our desire was to make a significant impact in the next generation, not just host a social event. Brad Scott stepped up and said he really wanted to take this one and Ed Harris said he wanted to work with Brad. I knew we were on a good path for the next generation. I was further convinced when I found out that Gayla Lemons (who did a fantastic job with our little ones in Orlando) lives 10 minutes from the Maryville campus. Yes, the whole family will be blessed as Brad and Ed work with the 12-19 year olds and Gayla leads the team to work with the 4-11 year olds during the Boot Camp.

On Friday (July 30th) we will move to our "normal" conference agenda. This part of the event, our "Celebration," will be filled with awesome teaching, wonderful praise and worship and sweet fellowship. The Celebration is for those who love our past events and those who are new to this walk. During the Celebration you will get to enjoy the beautiful campus, have the opportunity to mingle with the awesome people of Messianic Israel in a relaxed environment, eat meals together, and stay in college housing or a great local hotel. The campus gives us so many options, there will truly be something for everyone.

Imagine a place where there is time for all generations to build relationships as their faith is strengthened. I hope you can picture a leisurely stroll through the quaint campus, sipping Tennessee’s famous sweet tea, while the Smoky Mountains loom in the background. Families and friends will be gathered on blankets across the manicured lawns of the campus while acoustic guitar players and dancers are worshipping all around. Old men will be huddled up debating the latest doctrinal controversy while young ladies learn at the feet of the older women. What a sweet time it will be in Maryville, Tennessee!

We have not stopped planning and are putting together an incredible lineup of worshippers and teachers. I am very pleased to announce that Mr. Jonathan Settel has agreed to be part of our Celebration next year. He will be with us on Shabbat in Maryville. We are thrilled that Jonathan will be adding his beautiful voice to this event!

In the coming days we will announce other additions for, "To a Thousand Generations." I simply cannot share them all with you yet. Just know that you will be totally blessed and somewhat amazed at who will be joining us in Maryville next July. You can register now at www.messianicisrael.com/registration or hold your place with a deposit by calling our office: (800) 829-8777.

I realize the pricing structure is different than in the past, but if you consider what you spent at our prior events for registration, food, and sleeping rooms you will see that the total cost is actually much less. Meanwhile the overall scope of the event is much larger. The need to comprehend the change is why we have announced this event so far in advance. We wanted to give you time to absorb the change and begin to make your plans.

Mark your calendar now. You can attend the Boot Camp, the Celebration, or both. We have attempted to give you a great value in a beautiful venue. Should you have any questions please feel free to give us a call. I truly am excited about this event and absolutely convinced that you will be totally blessed if you choose to participate. Come and let us worship together in sweet Tennessee.

Shalom,
Scott Diffenderfer

Isaac's Hall