The Family Conference is a highly anticipated week for many people; some families have been attending for decades! The 2023 theme this year was “In Every Thing by Prayer.” Speakers’ messages from the Big Sandy April Family Conference are now available to be viewed at embassymedia.com!

Theme-related messages were presented by several guest speakers. Caleb Reed reminded us that our prayers are answered because God is Faithful, not because of our faith in our Faith. He presented several questions to help listeners examine their hearts to see if they are seeking God’s will or their own selfish desires. He also explained some important keys to having power in prayer.

Another speaker, Nathan Johnson, shared how harboring bitterness keeps us in bondage. Until we are free, we are unable to forgive as God does. Nathan pointed to several verses regarding God’s extravagant forgiveness, such as Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” God remembers our sins no more!

Gabriel Cleator shared four truths to help us continue in prayer. His alliterative points are easy to recall as you enter your prayer closet and spend time with the Lord. Gabriel reminded us that even the very power to pray comes from God.

One young lady who attended the conference shared how encouraged she was to be reminded of the conference theme—that the power of prayer is not based on our faithfulness to pray but on the faithfulness of the One to Whom we pray. The unity and fellowship that come from praying together is empowering.

One special highlight this year was the men’s morning prayer times. Each day the men gathered for a time of prayer before the men’s session, immediately putting into practice the conference theme.

Another highlight from this Family Conference was the immediate, practical application time each afternoon. Following sessions on prayer and Bible study, attendees were encouraged to use the next hour to apply what they had learned. One mom described the hour of prayer as “transformational.” Several families gathered one evening for a time of singing hymns. People shared burdens with each other and prayed for one another. Children and young people made new friends. By the end of the week, families left with renewed focus and vision. Read more about the activities enjoyed by the young people in the various programs.

Next year’s Family Conference will be held earlier, April 8–12. This schedule change will place the first day of the conference on the same day as the total solar eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024. Big Sandy is in the path of totality for this eclipse, so make plans now to join us for a time of encouragement and a special demonstration of God’s hand in creation!