Hurricane Ivan did his best to disrupt Immanuel Anglican Church's 2005 Koinonia Women's Conference, but once again the Lord made a way, this time through the wilderness of the post-hurricane Gulf Coast. This year over 180 women from at least eight Anglican Mission congregations converged at the Edgewater Resort in Panama City Beach from February 18-20th, for two and a half days of rich fellowship, worship, teaching and fun.


The Rev. Erilynne Barnum, founder of ARIEL: A Ministry Of Proclamation, creator of "The Call to Discipleship" program and wife of AMiA Bishop Thad Barnum, was once again our featured speaker. Erilynne presented a powerful series of biblical teachings on "Shining God's Light To The Nations". She exhorted us to personal repentance and re-commitment to the Lord, as she showed us how Scripture teaches us to shine with the Light of Jesus, and to reflect His light into the world. An evening prayer ministry time gave many a chance to receive one-on-one ministry.

"Lead Worshiper" Andrea Glenn poured her heart out with us in worship at every session. Her relaxed and humorous manner, rich alto voice and engaging reflections on her relationship with Jesus led us easily from laughter into deep reflection and praise. Late Saturday morning, acting on a leading from the Holy Spirit, Andrea encouraged all of us at the Koinonia meeting to join with a Black gospel women's conference across the hall. Our African American sisters from Mobile welcomed us joyfully into a powerful impromptu worship session. They included us in their anointed prophetic ministry, and a "victory dance promenade ", celebrating our liberation in the Lord. We ended our worship time together by linking arms and singing "Bind Us Together" and "When The Saints Go Marching In". The Holy Spirit was clearly expanding our boundaries in the Body of Christ on the Gulf Coast. Dynamic worship dance leader Tessie Bauer of J.A.M. Ministries was also with us again this year. Tessie brought tears to many eyes with her powerful and expressive rendition of "I Can Only Imagine". She also danced her testimony of joy and freedom in Christ for us, and led afternoon workshops on deepening our intimacy with God through creative movement. Tessie teaches with boundless energy and loads of encouragement; her instruction demonstrated how to worship God with our bodies and strength, as well as souls and minds.

Erilynne's teachings and the other activities were interspersed with delicious and ample meals provided by Edgewater Resort. Unlike previous years, our ladies were housed in spacious individual condo units along the beachfront. Many enjoyed the fact that their "condo-mates" became their small group for the weekend. The Holy Spirit truly brought all the aspects of this weekend together amidst beautiful surroundings to provide a time of refreshment and renewal for all who attended. We are already looking forward to Koinonia 2006!

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