Upstate Widows' Conference

February 4 & 5, 2011

Being a widow brings a myriad of questions from "Who am I now?" to "Does anyone understand how I feel?" Join us to hear personal stories of God's grace for widows, to meet others who relate to a window's unique problems, and to network with others in similar situations.

Three widows will share their individual stories of God's provision in the midst of the turmoil of loss; small group sessions will be provided for open sharing and support networking; and ample time is allowed for fellowshipping and building new friendships in our coffee shop.

Come and join us if you are a widow and would like to receive encouragement from other widows or if you would like to help other widows as they journey through this trying time. Also, a special small group session will be provided for those who need knowledge to effectively minister to widows.  This information is invaluable to those in ministry.


Conference Psalmist
Joy Gilbert:

Music has been a vital part of Joy's life from an early age. Her training began at the age of ten when she received a guitar from her father. The Holy Spirit began to teach her how to play and sing. This start led to 25 years of music ministry around the Southeastern United States. For fifteen years, she ministered with her husband, Rev. Ron Gilbert until his passing in February 2010.
The Lord is now doing a new thing in her life, opening the doors to minister to people on another level. Her anointing is powerful and prophetic, and her desire to minister to the Lord FIRST is evident. Joy is a woman after God's own heart as you will experience in your services with her!
She is the mother of three children, and seven precious grandchildren. She resides in Easley, SC where she has lived for the past seventeen years.

Conference Speaker
Melanie Riddle:

On what appeared to be a normal August Friday morning, Melanie's dreams, hopes, and plans for the future vanished into nothing as her husband collapsed in their living room with a fatal heart attack.  Only God's grace, which proved to be more than sufficient, could take all the loose details of her life and weave them into a new, vibrant one.
Melanie's passion is sharing poignant stories of God's work in her life, many times sprinkled with real-life humor, to inspire others to trust her Savior in life's difficult situations.
Melanie is a high school teacher and ordained minister.  She is a graduate of Anderson College, Erskine College, Clemson University, and Southern Baptist School for Biblical Studies.  She and her two children reside in Belton, South Carolina.

Conference Speaker
Patty Rhodes:

When tragedy struck Patty's life, her world as she knew it ended.  She lost interest in everything and no longer had a desire to live.  She cried out to God to help her physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  He answered with a wake-up call that led her to experience Him far beyond her expectations.
Patty is a life-long resident of South Carolina and a graduate from Furman University.  She currently lives in Taylors with two "worthless" cats. She enjoys fishing, home improvement projects, and listening to Christian music and audio books.

Conference Speaker
Dee Davis:

Living a wonderful life as a wife to John and mother to Tayler, Dee Davis thought she was invincible.  She was happy, vibrant, and serving a mighty Lord; then her husband received a diagnosis that she didn't want to hear stage 4 colon cancer.  Her father-in-law had just succumbed to cancer 6 months before, so she had a good idea of what was ahead.  Then after 3 years of doctors, chemo, and hospitals, John received his ultimate healing, just one week prior to Christmas, 2006.
The years that followed have been agonizing, to say the least.  Where was God; why didn't she feel Him with her?  Her journey through grief, pain, and a suicide attempt has finally brought her to a new season.  He was there all the time and now He has called Dee to minister to women to remind them that He never leaves or forsakes those who love Him.

Dee is a graduate of Lander University and Southern Wesleyan University. She and her daughter Tayler live in Fountain Inn.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Friday
7:30pm- Brief intro of speakers/group leaders by Pastor Kathy Sandlin
7:45pm- Music byJoy Gilbert
8:15pm- Session I :Melanie Riddle
9:00pm- Coffee Shop open with snacks and fellowship

Saturday
8:30am- Coffee Shop open
9:00am- Music by Joy Gilbert
9:15am- Session II :Patty Rhodes
10:00am- Break(Coffee Shop Open)
10:30am- Session III :Dee Davis
11:15am- Session IV:Small Groups
12:00pm- Final prayer time together


Registration:
$25.00 - Suggested donation
Registration fee will be reduced or eliminated for those with financial constraints.

Please call International Cathedral Of Prayer for more information.
Please pre-register by calling (864) 655-0009 or E-mail to melanie.riddle@icopusa.org
Conference Location:
International Cathedral Of Prayer
100 Davis Avenue Greer, S.C. 29651
(864)655-0009