We gathered in Nashville on December 24 with great anticipation. His people travailed through the snow and ice of an early winter storm. Many were delayed by hours, some by days, but through it all they prevailed. Why press on? Why risk injury? Why? The decision was easy... for fellowship. To be with the family they have found in the MIA was more than enough reason to prevail.

Around four hundred people braved the elements and worshipped together in Nashville. There was a sweet spirit of unity in our midst. Many had come for the first time while there were plenty of familiar faces as well. We each came away with a highlight. Perhaps it was one of the workshop sessions, a dance, a song, or a personal moment with the Father that you will remember most about this gathering. Our prayer is that your life was impacted in a significantly positive manner from your participation and sacrifice. We thank you all for attending and for your faithfulness to His Kingdom. For all who attended, please take a moment and reply to the survey below as we desire to listen to your input as we grow together.

One of my highlights was the worship. Jimmy Black led the worship team that had come from all over the country. They came and brought forth their gifts with servant attitudes. Our thanks go to the worship team of Jimmy, Yoseph, Les, Jerry, Darci, Mary, Khale, Matt, and Kevin for giving of your time and resources in service to His people. Of course each person who enterred in to worship was also a part of the team!

• Lenny and Varda were such a blessing. These reunions would not be complete without their music and their spirit. Thank you.
• Chester, Amanda, Kate, and Angela - thanks for being here and blessing the MIA with the gift of dance.
• Daniel and Sylvia - you gave so much in the congregational dances and beyond - blessings to your home!
• To all the teachers who came - may you be blessed and encouraged for what you gave to His people.
• Of course our thanks go to Angus and Batya who gave of their time and giftings graciously.
• Steve and Vinny - thanks for humbly serving.
• Wylie and Kelly - you are a blessing to this ministry - thanks!
• We were blessed by so many who contributed from our local assembly and others who pitched in where needed. Thank you.

During the conference we were able to continue to build our relationship with First Fruits of Zion and we thank all connected with that organization for serving and sharing. We look forward to moving forward together in the days ahead.

Prevailing through the storms of life builds maturity and character. It helps to produce a people of integrity. Obviously, much of our teaching focused on integrity. Realizing that while we will have some different doctrinal viewpoints as YHWH molds us into the image of His Son, we understand our integrity is what will hold us together. The Messianic movement will not move forward without integrity. In this day when some would choose to splinter and divide the MIA seeks to multiply. To Hale Harris and John Conrad I give my thanks for being men of integrity.

There are exciting days ahead - exciting and challenging. Together, we can be effective for His Kingdom. We will need all of the strength we can muster and wisdom from YHWH Almighty. Fortunately, we have His Word, His Spirit, and His Son to light our path. Excuses removed, it is time to march on (as Hale Harris pointed out) to Zion, remembering the instruction of Sinai while firmly focused on Calvary, as we realize our mission is attainable and important, "To equip YHWH's people for the restoration of all things!" We look ahead to another holy hill - the Mount of Olives and our Messiah's return! Walking in integrity will go a long way to helping us realize this goal.

See you in Salt Lake City, Utah - May 27-29, 2005!

NASHVILLE CONFERENCE FEEDBACK SURVEY

Only those who attended need reply
(Please copy and paste this into a new e-mail with your response to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it PLEASE do not simply reply to this posting)

1. What were your conference highlights?
2. Was the hotel accommodating and comfortable?
3. Do you have agenda suggestions?
4. Did you hear or see anything that caused you concern?
5. How could we have made things better for you?