Women Called to Unity at Conference

Women from across the area gathered at Southside Baptist Church in Olney on Friday and Saturday for the “Holy Spirit Reign Down” Ladies Conference, an ecumenical event focused on faith, unity and personal testimony.

Organizer Judy Underwood said she wanted women from all Christian denominations to feel welcome and free to seek guidance and support through the Holy Spirit.

“I wanted it to be a unity thing,” Ms. Underwood said. “I felt God put it on my heart that He wants unity.”

Ms. Underwood said troubling events locally and around the world have made unity especially important.

“I want God’s people to not be afraid to come together,” she said. “I want people to release their feelings to each other and receive help from the Lord.”

She chose to focus the conference on women to encourage them to become a positive force in their families, churches and communities.

“I want the women to rise up and say, ‘We are here to serve and be an example to coming generations,’” she said.

The two-day conference included testimony, teaching and music from several women. Vickie Brown sang, while Becky Brewer and Jana Overton spoke.

Christa Freil, director of Graham’s 100-voice community choir, delivered a message about the Holy Spirit and Christian unity.

Author Brittney Singleton spoke about the experiences chronicled in her book, 21 Mug Shots, including the 21 times she was incarcerated and her journey of faith and recovery.

Angela Lockard, executive director of the Olney Senior Cub Center, shared her journey out of addiction in a testimony she called “Seven Phases to Salvation.”

Ms. Lockard described a progression from childhood innocence through turning away from God and plunging into what she called “the abyss of selfishness.” Her testimony concluded with the realization that “our human ways cannot save us” and that salvation requires surrender to God.