LIFT Conference - Life in Exile

I just came back from a weekend away at LIFT conference. Read on to what I had been up to.

It all started from an impromptu decision in registering for LIFT. Basically LIFT stands for Looking Into Full Time. Full time in doing ministry. Firstly I thought LIFT is for people who are serious in being a pastor or an apprentice in the gospel. Well, that perception was altered when I myself went to LIFT for the first time.

Copin invited me to go to LIFT this year. I told her that I was not too sure at first since I was worried that my class tests would be on a Friday or a Saturday and that would just be in the way of the conference. So I told her if my exam was not during the conference period, I would come. Out of all odds, my tests were on neither those days but instead, on Thursday, and so since it was my resolution to be a woman of my word, I registered for LIFT. Maybe I just needed a getaway from my hectic assignment weeks. I just needed refreshment and went to Katoomba (a place I had never been before) to recollect my energy. I don't know.

To be honest, I might have the slightest thought of being a trainee but it would just because of people inviting me to do so. You may think I am a bit skeptical but I am trying my best not to be too caught on or bought by people's persuasions. Anyway, the fears of being an apprentice overpower the motivation anyway.

Personally, LIFT is probably the most uncomfortable conference I had been to. A chill getaway that I was hoping for turns out to be a constant smack on the face. Every seminars and talks just struck me and rebuked me in every way possible. It not only made me think but also reflect so much. I also realised that I am selfish. I was still aiming for worldly achievements and was only ready to spare a proportion of my time in serving God and not just my whole life. How selfish of a creation to its creator huh. I did not put my security and privilege in Jesus who has selflessly died on the cross for our sins. I was still seeking more things unconsciously.

Our Focus 1 Small Group

Regardless, LIFT has actually opened and broadened my view on ministry. There are a LOT of ministry applications not just limited to just being a pastor or a trainee. Serving the Lord requires a team work and you can basically serve in any ways. Like for instance working in a nursing home, spreading the gospel to inmates. I guess for now, even though I feel like being a trainee in doing ministry full time is not within my five-year plan. I feel the conference is quite beneficial to some extent that it challenged me in thinking about the possibilities and the ways that I can help with God's mission. And that at least I am also challenged to set my priorities straight and focus on the real deal while waiting for Jesus' second coming. How I long for it to come soon.