Women's conference focuses on fear
MARS — The Bible addresses the subject of fear at least 180 times, admonishing people “not to fear,” yet that emotion is something most people struggle with in their lives.
The Feb. 7 “Fearless” Women's Conference at Woodland Valley Church, 225 Crowe Ave., will address the types of fears afflicting women in particular.
“The world is a difficult place and getting worse. Women are aware of and sensitive to that, which produces fear,” said Norb Levesque, senior pastor of Woodland Valley Church, who authorized the hosting of the conference.
The conference is staged by True View Ministries. Jamie Shaver of Gibsonia and Julie Van Gorp of Marietta, Ga., head up the ministry.
“We believe fear drives many women and the choices they make that may keep them from fulfilling all that God has created and called them to be,” said Shaver. The duo believes fear keeps women from experiencing the peace, joy and overall fruitfulness God desires for them.
“We will be focusing on the various forms that fear shows itself in our lives, what it means to fear God and how to overcome our fears, so we are able to truly enjoy the freedom in Christ that was purchased on the cross and to bring glory to God,” Shaver said.
Levesque feels the most common type of fear women experience is anything related to their family.
“Whether it's loss of a child or spouse, illness, rejection, anything revolving around their husband and children,” said Levesque. “It is important for women to become equipped to face and handle fear because as children of God we are on a never-ending quest toward maturity and completeness in Christ. God does not give us a spirit of fear.”
His confidence in True View Ministries and in Van Gorp and Shaver's knowledge and biblical teaching made him amenable to the women tackling this issue.“Here at Woodland Valley we are trying to make an impact on the community for the Kingdom of God. This is a great opportunity to do that. Based on True View Ministries' track record, I know they will bring life-changing teachings to the community,” he said.“Our fears are many: from fear of failure or not being the best, to fear of loss, death and sickness or financial hardship,” Shaver said. “I remember a time when I even had fear that I wasn't 'good enough' for God, and for many years that kept me from him.”This nondenominational event will target women older than 12 and mature enough to sit through an all-day conference.“A short skit is being performed by Trinity Arts, and the band 'Lightfield' will be leading us in worship,” said Shaver.The event's primary focus, she said, will be on solid biblical teaching and will offer the opportunity for a question-and-answer session with attendees.Lunch and refreshments will be provided. There will be no child care provided.Registration is required. Seats are limited, and attendees can pay by credit/debit card by calling 412-608-2001 or visiting the True View Ministries' website at www.TrueViewMinistries.org/events.php.
<B>WHAT:</B> “Fearless” Women’s Conference<B>WHEN:</B> 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 7<B>WHERE: </B>Woodland Valley Church, 225 Crowe Avenue, Mars<B>REGISTRATION: </B>Register at www.TrueViewMinistries.org./events.php
True View Ministries, www.TrueViewMinistries.org, was established in January 2013 to challenge and equip women to live authentic Christian lives through biblically sound and culturally relevant events, mentorship and the 'True View' television show, all designed to help enable and encourage women to live the life they were created for in Christ Jesus.Jamie Shaver of Gibsonia was introduced to religion at an early age, but it was not until God's divine appointment in her life in 2006 that she understood what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus.Shaver has dedicated hours to in-depth Bible studies, mentoring sessions and pursuing the Lord while facilitating small group Bible studies in her home and church. Shaver became a certified life coach in December 2006. She earned a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Colorado, Boulder.Shaver has speaking experience that spans more than 15 years and includes more than 500 events. At these events, Shaver has spoken on a wide range of topics including Christian living, leadership, and healthy lifestyles.Julie Van Gorp of Marietta, Ga., was raised in a Christian home.She knew from the time she was a young girl she loved Jesus and that he loved her.However, as Van Gorp grew older she got caught up in pursuing worldly ambitions.At the age of 37 she realized the world would never satisfy the deepest desires of her heart, and she finally surrendered her life to the Lord. She has been on an upward journey with him ever since.Van Gorp holds a double undergraduate degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in communication and sociology and a master's degree in social services administration from the University of Chicago. She is also a certified life coach.Van Gorp has not only taken numerous in-depth Bible studies, but she also has taught Bible studies for the past 19 years, both those written by others, as well as studies she has written herself. Knowing that prayer is also an integral part of the Christian life, Van Gorp has led a corporate prayer group for revival for the past 15 years.
