Tampa Bay Fellowship Bible Conference IV Report
July 16th – 18th, 2004
What would bring 36 people with varying backgrounds and experiences together for 3 days? And why would these adults and children choose to stay indoors when they could be at the beach, an art show, the park, walking in the summer rain…..? The answer to both questions is the Tampa Bay Fellowship 4th Bible conference. Actually, those attending would ask, “Why would you want to be anywhere else?!”
These wonderful Bible conferences with our teacher, Brother Zin Yi, began about a year and a half ago, the first one being in February, 2003. At that first conference, we met in two different TBF homes with about 23 in attendance, 11 from out of state. The past 2 conferences have been held in 2 different community centers with about 36 in attendance during each conference. This latest conference, however, included only Floridians, except our teacher, of course, who is from Buffalo, NY. Perhaps those out of state are a little hesitant to come to Florida in the July heat! Thankfully, the air conditioning at the community center worked very well!
It was so wonderful to fellowship together, learning more of Him, with like minded believers. For many of us, it was a very happy reunion as we had many returning attendees from past TBF conferences. But how exciting to get to know 6 new people!
It was hard for many of us to imagine any Bible study topping the ones taught in the past 3 conferences. However, God allowed us to be amazed once more at the wonderful truths found in His word, even in a less familiar passage like Numbers 5 which describes the ceremonial law when “the spirit of jealousy” comes upon a husband. One person attending the conference commented, “Could he have picked a more obscure passage?” However, that person began to quickly see the depth of treasures found in this Scripture passage. Brother Zin kept us on our toes with his challenging Bible questions. We came away with not only more knowledge about the Bible, but how to study the Bible more carefully as well.
Again, we at Tampa Bay Fellowship were amazed how God worked out so many details for this conference, not least of which, was finding a suitable and affordable place to meet. We were also very happy and thankful that God allowed so many to join the conference Online, via the Good Message Internet Radio (www.goodmessage.org). It was also a joy to see how God used each of us at TBF, and our guests, to make this conference successful. How thankful we all are that God allowed Brother Tony Reyes and his wife, Sister Violet, to find our meeting place! Brother Tony G. kept us informed with announcements, and led us in singing many hymns throughout the weekend. Brothers John, David, Todd, Hector, Percy, Harold, Gary, David, Leo, Tony G., Tony Reyes, Steve, and Tom took care of numerous details involving recording the messages, the internet connection, putting up and taking down tables, carrying in food and supplies, and looking out for the safety of those attending. Sisters Jean, Violet, Nitaya, Idarmi, Carol, Robin, Jeanie, Marjorie, Suzanne, and Kathy looked out for the physical needs of the group. God seems to have provided a lot of good cooks! We had a wonderful variety of delicious food, including Mexican enchiladas, egg rolls, spaghetti and meatballs, fried chicken, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies…well, there seemed to be no end to the delicious food. Even the men got involved by having pizza delivered Saturday night. We women appreciated that! We also appreciated Brother Hector bringing an apple pie and flan among other things. As a side note, Hector wanted to thank all of you who prayed for his very ill sister. God has allowed her to feel much better now. In fact, she was well enough that Hector could attend this conference. May He be praised! May He also be praised for meeting all financial obligations for this conference through the generous giving of TBF and guests.
In closing, as the Lord allows ongoing progress with editing, we plan on making available an audio mp3 CD of the conference messages, free of charge. Anyone interested should contact Tom Sollis via email: tsollis@tampabay.rr.com.
When looking at a photo taken just after the conference ended, one person commented, “Everyone seems to be so at peace and comfortable. I had a very, very good weekend!” We hope that all of those who were a part of this marvelous weekend feel the same way, including our friends joining us Online. May all glory and praise go to our great God!
Tampa Bay Fellowship