Team Asia Family Conference Reflections

by Kandice Robinson

Team Asia Family Conference was truly a time for our "family" to reconnect and refocus. As the newest member of Team Asia I was acutely aware that I didn't know many of my teammates before the conference. However, the family atmosphere and welcoming hugs made me quickly forget that I have only been a part of the Team Asia family for a short time.

It was a joy to take in the conference as Wayne and Gina had planned it. From the beautiful conference site, to the playful and refreshing men's and women's day, as well as Wayne's sensitivity to the Spirit's leading with the schedule, it was clear that the conference was God's gift to each of us. Personally, coming from a cooler climate, it seemed to me that even the sun itself was lending its aid to the conference as God gave us nearly perfect weather all week, which in turn allowed us to put into practice suggestions for time alone with God.

It was during one of my times alone on the beach that God spoke to me. As I watched the waves roll in; one after another, never ending, always pulling and pushing, rolling with the tide; I saw in them a reflection of the perfect love of God. God's love washes over us like the waves, is deep like the ocean, and he wants us to run out into the deep water of his love. As I stood on the beach, thinking about God's love, with the water lapping at my ankles God said, "It's not enough. You're not experiencing my love if you are still standing on the beach. You have to run into the water." For me Team Asia Family Conference was the perfect opportunity to run into God's love anew with new friends and teammates who were also being refreshed by God.

Then the goodbyes came, "Until next time," we said with tears. We all knew it was time to go back to the work God has placed on our hearts; back to Cambodia, back to Japan, back to Central Asia, and even back to Winona Lake; but we all remain linked together because we are family. Thank you Team Asia for the work you do and for the bond of God's family you expressed at the conference- welcoming me, loving me and showing me what it is to be a part of this family. Thank you Wayne and Gina for pouring your hearts and energies into this conference. Thank you to the group from Fredrick, Maryland for leading us in worship and watching all those rambunctious kids, giving them good Team Asia family time too. Thank you to the Smiths for speaking from their hearts and reminding us how to find our rest in God. And thanks to all of you who supported this time with your prayers and finances. It was good for my soul to be at "home" with my "family" for a week in January.

If you would like to further Kandice's dream of reaching Asia with the Gospel, specifically by giving relief to those in need in Central Asia, you can give by clicking here.

And to read more about Kandice's life, click here.