Let me begin by saying, I realize many wives are unable to attend the annual UCG Conference of Elders with their husbands for various reasons. But I would like to encourage as many as possible to make an effort at some time to attend these jam-packed meetings.

As the wife of a member of the General Conference of Elders, please allow me to share with you some of my personal thoughts regarding the merits of attending this year's conference. I appreciate this "special time" together with my husband. We wives share a vital part in our husband's ministry and service to the membership of the United Church of God. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to interface with others in the ministry we might not see at any other time. This fellowship is much needed for us all.

I look forward to being with everyone, sharing ideas and ways to improve my service to God, my husband and the congregations in which we serve as a ministerial couple. This is made possible via special presentations prepared for elders and wives. The breakout sessions allow for interactive exchange of ideas, which we as wives need as much as our husbands.

Nothing Takes the Place of Being There

Regarding the conference, nothing takes the place of being there and experiencing it firsthand. I enjoy hearing what God has done and is doing in His work as the years go by. Most of all, the conference provides a much-needed break from the routine of everyday ministry in our local areas of responsibility. It provides for us ladies the "big picture" of how our loving God is using everyone to do His will on a much broader scale of understanding.

I hope to see many of you at this year's conference. For those unable to attend this year, you will be missed. Hopefully you can plan for another time.

Wishing you all the best,
Your sister in Christ,
Barbara Martin
Macon/Columbus, Georgia