Tiana Holgate during the Speak Life Women’s Conference

The power of speaking life

The recent ‘Speak Life’ Women’s Conference left a lasting impact on all who attended, writes Tiana Holgate, one of the conference hosts and young adults’ coordinator at Coventry Elim

About 250 women gathered at the Aspire’s latest regional women’s day conference, hosted by the ROAR Team at Coventry Elim.

The theme, ‘Speak Life’, resonated deeply with the mission of the church’s ROAR Women’s Ministry, which likens the power of women’s voices to the roar of a lion – capable of shifting atmospheres and changing lives. The conference aimed to empower women to speak life over each other and embrace the words that God speaks over them, prioritising his truth above all else.

As women arrived from all over the country, the eagerness and buzz for the day was wonderfully exciting. The event commenced in typical Coventry Elim fashion, with a stirring time of worship where women boldly declared God’s truth over their lives. This set the tone for a day filled with expectancy.

Jen Baker spoke first, delving into Philippians 4:11-13. Her message challenged attendees to find contentment in all circumstances by relying on Christ’s strength within them. The response was overwhelming, as nearly the entire room responded to the call to trust in God’s guidance.

Amidst the teaching and worship, Beverley Samways had prepared a poignant spoken word piece. Through this, everyone was reminded of the divine gift of their voices, wherein lies the power of life and death. It was a moment of profound reflection on the significance of our words in God’s eyes, and a reminder that he loves to hear his daughters’ voices.

One of the highlights of the conference, held on 15 March, was the distribution of prophetic cards, a tradition of the ROAR Team. Each woman received a personalised message, and this year testimonies were shared by three recipients who had experienced the fruit of the prophetic cards they had received at the same conference in previous years. Their stories served as tangible reminders that God is faithful to his promises.

The afternoon session brought forth another powerful message, this time from Shirene Agbelusi. Her words and vulnerability encouraged attendees to boldly approach God, recognising that his provision far exceeds their needs. Throughout the day, testimonies of transformation echoed in the room. Chains were broken, lives were changed, and the presence of God was palpable. It was a testament to the truth that God is always speaking, and sometimes the most profound act of faith is to pause and listen to him.

As attendees worshipped with their giving, over £2,000 was raised in an offering for the Panzi Foundation, as we contended for the safety of women and girls in Congo through prayer.

As women departed, they carried with them a deeper understanding of the power they possess through Christ – evident from the testimony cards that were shared with the team. As one woman’s testimony declared: “The snare is broken, and I have escaped. My help is from the Lord who made Heaven and Earth!”

Women were reminded that their voices, when aligned with God’s truth, have the potential to bring about profound change in their lives and the lives of those around them.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.

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