A large crowd gathered on the track field of the Big Sandy campus on April 8, 2024. Excitement and anticipation filled the air! Despite the cloudy, overcast day, people were hopeful that they would be able to see the moon totally block out the sun. This total solar eclipse would not be visible again in the contiguous United States for another twenty years! 

According to Psalm 19:1, the heavens declare the glory of God. Knowing the truth of this Scripture, and after hearing dynamic sessions from creation astronomer Spike Psarris leading up to the eclipse, the eagerness to see and experience this astronomical wonder was high!

But clouds were blocking the sky and causing many hopeful spectators to pray God might part them. Before today, even the staff had earnestly prayed for the day to be clear. People had come from around the country to see this incredible display of God’s glory in His creation. Would the moment of totality be visible after all?

Minutes ticked by as the moon slowly moved in front of the sun. Thick clouds still obscured the sky. Faces were turned upward as people strained with their eclipse glasses to catch the event whenever slim breaks in the clouds occurred.

Finally, the awaited moment came! The moon fully eclipsed the sun—but at almost that exact time, a thick set of clouds fully blocked the celestial event. The entire area was shrouded in darkness. Suddenly, the clouds parted and the eclipse came into view. The sight was so stunning that the watchers gasped and then broke out in applause! God graciously parted the clouds just long enough for viewers to get a clear sight of totality. Photographers quickly snapped pictures before clouds again hid the darkened sun. 

“It’s just like Jesus to roll the clouds away.” The chorus from the hymn “It’s Just Like His Great Love” seemed to describe this amazing answer to prayer.

So began an incredible conference week of seeing God work in a mighty, breathtaking way. That evening, the opening message focused on how the heavens declare the glory of God. It was given by Spike Psarris, a veteran of the U.S. government space program. Afterward, Pastor Johnny Pope shared a dynamic message on the greatest revelation of the glory of God, which is in the face of His Son, Jesus Christ.

As the conference week progressed, attendees heard stirring messages from a number of speakers, among them ChinaAid president Bob Fu, traveling evangelist John Van Gelderen, and local pastor Bob Gray II. Listening to these God-centered messages were not only conference attendees, but also hundreds of others who tuned in remotely via livestream.

One New Zealand family viewing the livestream sent the following note: “Just want to say a big THANK YOU to the tech team and everyone who is making the livestream possible. . . . We have been so blessed by the sessions and the proclaiming of God’s truth, and that we can join in from all the way here in New Zealand. Thank you so much; God bless you all!” 

In the engaging children’s programs, children learned truths from God’s Word through songs, memory verses, Bible stories, and small group activities. One Pre-Excel leader shared this wonderful story regarding God’s moving during the conference week: “One of the twelve-year old girls that has been in the Pre-Excel program this week was leaving the class today. I waved at her, and then she turned around and said, ‘Miss Hannah? I want to get saved!’ I got my Bible and asked if she wanted to read some verses about salvation or go ahead and pray. She said ‘I want to pray!’ The girl then prayed, admitting she is a sinner and asking for God’s forgiveness and salvation. Praise the Lord for a new sister in Christ!”

We are so thankful for all that God did in and through the Big Sandy Family Conference this year. To God be the glory, great things He has done! We are already looking forward to next year’s Big Sandy Conference, scheduled for April 28–May 2, 2025. We hope you can join us for that special week!