Indiana Wesleyan UniversityIn the will of our Lord, we will hold our 41st Family Conference as follows:

Dates:

Wednesday, July 4 to Sunday, July 8, 2018

Venue:

Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN

Theme:

What Manner of Persons Ought Ye to be

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? – 2 Peter 3:11-12

Schedule

 

Speakers/Workshop Leaders:

 

Br. Mike Attwood

Mike was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England.  He was saved by God’s grace just prior to his 21st birthday. He trained and served with New Tribes Mission for six years. He was involved in Church Planting for eight years in the Irish Republic in the South east of the Country, under the auspices of Christian Missions in Many Lands. For the last twenty years he has been involved in itinerant Bible teaching and preaching throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas. He is married to Ann Marie and they have raised five children. Currently they make their home in Springfield, Missouri, USA.

 

 

Br. Sajan Mathews

Sajan Mathews, Ph.D., serves as Professor of Theology and Director of the Faith, Work, and Economy Initiative at Moody Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois. He also serves as Evangelist and Elder at New Life Bible Chapel, in Elmhurst, Illinois. He also produced and hosted a TV program in Chicago for four years titled, ‘Bringing 2 Together.’ Dr. Mathews is married to his wife, Grace, for 39 years, and the couple has three grown children, Jonathan married to Jubin, Joanne married to Noble, and Joshua.

 

 

Br. Nate Bramsen

Nate Bramsen was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa. At the age of 16, God burdened and led him to invest his life into the abused, neglected, and abandoned children of this world for both the sake of time and eternity. After graduating from North Greenville University, (South Carolina) he began pioneer work among this demographic of children and in December of 2006, he founded ROCK International (www.rockintl.org). Today he carries out a global itinerant speaking schedule, podcasts, and oversees development projects. In January of 2018, he married Priyanka Mathews (now Bramsen) of Houston, Texas. Their heart is to see this generation become unconditional followers of Jesus Christ.

 

Br. Samuel B. Thomas

Samuel, son of late V.T. Baby and Mrs. Kunjamma Baby of Bhilai, Chattisgarh, was born and brought up in a disciplined Christian family.  Samuel is post graduate in Management studies (MBA) and was working in the corporate and academic field for 10 years.  He resigned his secular job in January 2007 and moved to Mathura (UP), which is a place known for strong fundamentalist ideologies.  The ministries that he is involved in are Evangelism and Church planting, itinerary preaching and teaching, pastoring, mentoring and counseling.  Samuel and his wife Mini have two daughters Kezia and Deborah.

 

 

Br. Mark Hartley

Mark was born into a Roman Catholic family in the central Missouri town of Boonville. Twenty years later he was miraculously saved by the grace of God. He and his wife Angie were commended in 1987 to the Lord’s work in Peru and later in Spain. After returning to the States in 2002 for the education of their five children, Mark has continued to minister the Word among assemblies of the Lord’s people. In the past few years his ministry has increasingly focused on Spanish-speaking meetings throughout the States and Central and South America. Mark and Angie live near Wichita, Kansas and fellowship at Northside  Bible Chapel.

 

 

George JohnsonBr. George Johnson

George Johnson has been a student of Christian Apologetics and Bible prophecies from a young age. He has been writing articles on these topics in various Christian magazines, and conducting seminars on creation-evolution issues. By profession, he has been a lecturer in India and now working as a teacher in Canada. He also serves as an elder in Hilltop Bible Chapel, Toronto. He lives with his wife Shiny, and children – Jeslin and Joel, in Brampton, ON, Canada.

 

 

John JacobBr. John Jacob

John Jacob Mundukottackal is a Christian psychologist, founder and Honorary Director of Agape Mental Health and Research Institute, a Christian NGO working in the field of mental health in the State of Kerala, India. He has more than 25 years of experience in family, adolescent, addiction, crisis counselling  and other fields of mental health. He has personally counselled more than 10,000 cases and has conducted more than 2000 psycho-spiritual sessions for different age groups and socio-cultural community. He is a member of ‘Child Welfare Committee’, (Government of Kerala) which consists of a bench of magistrates responsible for implementing Juvenile Justice Act amended (2006) which protects the ‘Child in Need of Care and Protection’ for 6 years. He has Masters in Philosophy and Psychology, MPhil in Psychology and presently a Research Scholar towards Doctoral Program.

 

Br. Abe Chacko

While in secular employment, Chacko was in fellowship as well as in the oversight at Highpoint Chapel in Davenport, Iowa for 15 plus years.  Following that, God was pleased to use him and his family as His instruments in a new church plant in Clinton, Iowa where he served as an elder for another 15 yrs.  A new employment opportunity led to his relocation to the Chicago area in 2013. He and his wife Jane have been in fellowship at New Life Bible chapel in Elmhurst, IL  He and his wife have 4 sons (all who have moved away from home ). He is an  ardent student of the Bible and an able expositor of the scriptures.  As a teacher, he loves to present complex scriptural truths in a simple manner with an apologetic flair and cultural relevance.  He has demonstrated a passion for discipleship within a local church context; challenging all Christ followers about the responsibility to be an ambassador of Christ  24/7 in the marketplace.  Most recently, having taken early retirement, he and his wife have chosen  to fulfill the call to ministry on a full time basis. Together he looks forward to this new chapter, maximizing the potential God has entrusted to him by faithfully and enthusiastically preaching/teaching His Word as opportunities present themselves.

Sister’s Workshop Leader

Grace MathewsSis. Grace Mathews

Grace serves the Lord together with her husband Sajan Mathews at the New Life Bible Chapel in Chicago, Illinois. She served as Spiritual Integration Lab facilitator for women students at Moody Theological Seminary from 2006 to 2011. She now serves as Coordinator for the Student Wives Fellowship at Moody Bible Institute since 2010. She travels with her husband on ministry trips, and is very passionate about ministering to women and children. The Lord has blessed them with 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

 

 

Plenary Sessions

The theme will be developed in five plenary sessions.

Plenary Session I – Recognizing the need –Honesty in His Presence – Mike Attwood

When we consider the things of the world the Bible tells us that we should see “that all these things shall be dissolved” (2 Peter 3:11).  In this session, being honest in the presence of a holy God, we will consider how the things of this world has made its way into the Church and to the Christians lives so that we can understand what manner of persons Christians ought to be.

Plenary Session II – Repentance – The need of the hour – Sajan Mathews

2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us that “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  God has call his people to repent and turn to the holy and living God.  This session we will consider what it means to repent at an individual level and also within the Church as a whole.

Plenary Session III – Re-dedication – God is a God of new beginnings – Mike Attwood

When king David repented from his sin, he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”. Our God is a pardoning God and he is a God of second chances and new beginnings. In this session, we will consider the pardoning God and the Christians responsibility to rededicate their lives for His glory.

Plenary Session IV – Revival – What does it look like personally and corporately – Sajan Mathews

The song writer wrote “Revive us again, fill each heart with Thy love, may each soul be rekindled with fire from above.”.  Christians often pray and sing about revival.  In this session, we will consider what is revival both in the Christians life and also in Church.

Plenary Session V – Restoration to Holiness of Life and Character – Mike Attwood

2 Peter 3:11 asks the Christians “what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?”  Consider the condition of the church and the need for repentance, in this session we will consider how a rededicated Christian and Church can experience a revival and live a restored life of holiness and character.

Gospel Meeting

We preach the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believes (Romans 1:16). Even though this is a Christian conference, there are many unsaved family and friends that attend the conference. It is our desire that many will hear the Gospel and be saved. Br. Nate Bramsen will preach the Gospel on Saturday evening.

Youth Sessions

There will be two youth sessions preached by Br. Nate Bramsen.

Workshops

The following workshops are offered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. When registering, please sign up for a different workshop on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Workshop #1 – Our Home a Birthplace for Heaven (Sajan Mathews)

The Lord Jesus Christ instructed His believers to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel…” Mark 16:15. For this purpose God has placed believers all over the world in homes interacting with neighbors, friends and family.  A vast majority of our time we spend in our homes.  This session with consider how we can make our homes a place where there is a witness so that souls can be born again and come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ

Workshop #2 – Now what? God’s will, what it is and how to find it (Nate Bramsen)

Workshop #3 – Understanding Bible Prophecies Correctly (George Johnson)

Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has been a hot topic of debate over the past year.  Many evangelical Christians considered this to be a major step towards the fulfillment of many Bible prophecies (Zech. 12:3; 14:1-4; Is. 2:1-4). However, there were Christians from traditional churches, who could not see any prophetical value.  Why are Christians divided on this issue? This is mainly because there are two types of eschatology (the study of future events) believed among Christians today.  The traditional churches (85% Christians) believe in “an eschatology with Church in, but Israel out from God’s future program.” On the other hand, evangelical churches (15% Christians) believe in “an eschatology with both Church and Israel in God’s future program.”  In this workshop, you will learn why the latter view is correct, and thus you will be able to recognize the major Bible prophecies to be fulfilled in the Middle East, Europe and America, in connection with the nation of Israel, before the Lord Jesus returns to this earth!

Workshop #4 – Growing in Oneness (Malayalam Workshop) (John Jacob)

This workshop deals with how to grow in oneness between husband and wife in the scenario of increasing family discord.  Experiencing and growing in oneness needs grace, effort and wisdom.  The goal of workshop is to understand how male and female are different, how to make them complementary, understand, accommodate, appreciate, and accept the difference between spouses and celebrate their unity.  It helps the transition from independence to interdependence which is absolutely vital for unity.  Even though initial unity starts with attraction and compatibility, long term unity develops with shared values and commitment to covenant.  Workshop helps to reflect the challenges and hassles which threaten oneness. It also helps to grow in oneness, celebrate the difference and reflect the unity of Christ and Church.

Workshop #5 – Sisters Ministry in the Local Assembly (Grace Mathew) – SISTER’S ONLY

Women in the Bible have played key roles in their homes, churches, and communities.  In the NT we see their significant partnership in the advancement of the gospel. It is true that the Apostles and preachers did their part, but women like Pricilla, Phoebe, and many others played a crucial supportive role. How can we make a difference in our homes and churches today? Sisters, let us explore what drove the women in the Bible to passionately and sacrificially serve the Lord, and discuss some practical life application principles that would encourage and empower us to serve Him, and impact our homes and assemblies for the glory of God. Pro. 31: 29-31 ‘Many women do noble things but you surpass them all…. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gates’.

Workshop #6 – Scriptural Conflict Resolution (Abe Chacko)

While this workshop will address conflict resolution in general, it will give emphasis on marriage conflict resolution. Wherever there are two human beings, there is opportunity for conflict. Conflict arises in various forms like blaming, jealousy, mistrust, hatred, etc. From the beginning of human life (Gen. 3: 12,13; Gen. 4: 1-8) through present day, conflict has become part of life. Some important verses to consider for conflict resolution are 1 Cor. 13: 4-7 and Mt. 18: 15-17. This workshop will focus on how conflict arises in marriage and how to resolve them – through love and humility, respect and honor, trust and forgiveness, holiness and purity, etc.

Workshop #7 – Personal Bible Study & Family Devotion (Mike Attwood)

The central theme of the bible is Christ. The Bible reveals the heart and mind of God. The Bible is a guidebook for Christian living (Ps. 119: 105). It is prudent upon every Christian to study the word of God and be obedient to it (Jam. 1: 22-24). It should be the desire of every Christian to let the word of God dwell in him/her (Col. 3: 16). Family devotion helps the family to grow together in Christ. In 2 Tim. 1: 5, Paul refers to Timothy’s genuine and authentic faith which was first in his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. The word of God instructs parents to pass down the law from children to children (Deut. 6: 6-9, 11: 19-21). This workshop will address how to study the Bible systematically, the various tools at ones disposal and how to apply the truths to ones life.

Other Meetings & Opportunities for Fellowship

In addition to the above Plenary Sessions, Workshops and Youth Sessions, there are many other meetings and other opportunities to fellowship. The following is a list of the many meetings and events:

  • Men’s Fellowship Meeting
  • Women’s Fellowship Meeting
  • Young Children’s VBS
  • Youth Classes (KG-3, 4-6, 7-8 and High School)
  • Singspiration (under 21 years old)
  • Ministry Reports
  • Nursery during Plenary Sessions
  • Hymn sings
  • Excellent Gymnasium (racquetball, volleyball, basketball, climbing wall, exercise room, running/walking track, outdoor tennis courts)
  • Game room

Registration

Registration materials will be mailed out in the beginning of May and online registration will start in May.

You can also register securely from the www.s767953309.onlinehome.us website. You will need to login to register.

Pricing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Housing

Indiana Wesleyan University has a beautiful campus. We have access to Townhouses, Apartments, Suites and Dorms. But each of these are limited in number, especially the Townhouses and Apartments. Please review the information below and select the appropriate housing.

Townhouses are air-conditioned, self-contained units with 3 bedrooms, 3 private bathrooms, a small kitchenette, and living area. Each bedroom has two twin beds. This can accommodate 6 people comfortably. This is ideal for a larger family.

Apartments are air-conditioned with 3 bedrooms (two twin beds in each), one to two bathrooms, and a small sitting area, which can accommodate 6 people comfortably. This is ideal for a larger family.

Suites are air-conditioned with 2 bedrooms (two twin beds in each) and share one bathroom connecting each bedroom. This is ideal for an average sized family or singles rooming together.

Dorms are air-conditioned with 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms. Thus 8 people share two bathrooms. This is convenient for a large family or two families or people that want to stay together.

When registering, please indicate if you require first floor accommodation due to physical disability. We will try to assign you a room that is either on the first floor or in a building with an elevator. We should have plenty of rooms available to us, but as always, housing is assigned on a first come first served basis. Please register early to ensure that you get your preference.

Transportation

Airport

The IWU Campus is close to Indianapolis (Indy) International Airport (about 1 hour & 40 minutes away) and Fort Wayne International Airport (about 1 hour away). If anyone plans to fly into Indy, please call Br. George Abraham at 917-297-4090 or email him at GAbra60313@aol.com.

Bus from New York

For the convenience of those on the East Coast who would like to attend the conference, we have arranged a bus from Bronx and Queen’s, NY to Marion, IN and back. The round-trip cost is $165 per person. The seats are on a first come, first serve basis. For further information and to reserve your seat, please contact George Abraham, Staten Island, NY, at (917) 297-4090 or email GAbra60313@aol.com. A check towards advance may be made out to “Indian Brethren Fellowship” for the full amount and mailed to George Abraham.

Contact

Please contact the following people during the day or early evening.
Shaji George (GA) 770-513-6973
George Abraham (NY) 917-297-4090
George Mathew (IL) 847-530-7170
George Varghese (MO) 443-636-0324
John George (MA) 617-605-3212
Elson Abraham (MN) 651-202-8564