Outstanding ministry, delightful biography, earnest prayer, warm fellowship and good food – such was the fare at the annual conference of the Reformation & Revival Fellowship held at Swanwick in Derbyshire from 16–18 November.
Dr Joel Beeke, Geoff Thomas and Wyn Hughes ministered to over 120 people from all around the UK. Dr Beeke presented Christ as he spoke on ‘Our Altogether Lovely Saviour’. ‘In authentic revival, preachers are Christ-centred’ was his introductory contention. He then unfolded the beauty of the Saviour as he spoke of Christ Promised (Genesis 3.15), Christ Forsaken (Matthew 27.46), Christ Risen (1 Corinthians 15.20), Christ Married (Revelation 19.6-9). The Lord was made very real during these four sessions.
Power of the gospel
Geoff Thomas spoke of two ladies who had proved the power of the gospel in the last 20 years. Eva Milton Turner is not well-known but her faithfulness in prayer and love for a nephew who went on to serve God was profoundly encouraging and challenging. Rosaria Champagne Butterfield is probably better known, but the marvel of grace and the wisdom of a godly pastor were recounted. Both stories showed the power of Christ to save whoever he wills.
An evening session of corporate prayer was a wonderful time together as over 100 people sought the prayer-answering God together. For many who come from small and struggling churches this was a wonderful stimulus and encouragement.
The Lord was there
‘Keep on keeping on’ was the theme of the closing sermon brought by Wyn Hughes. It was not an easy assignment to conclude the conference, but the Lord was there as the Word was preached and everyone was sent home uplifted, challenged and encouraged.
