UNITY CONFERENCE REPORT

     The 23^rd Unity Conference was held August 3-5, 2007 hosted by the Assembly of Yahweh, Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Pastor and Elder Sam Graham was the moderator. Pastor Sam does an absolutely amazing job in not only keeping things moving but also maintaining order when discrepancies arise on a topic. This year was one of the best Unity Conferences held and anyone who could not feel Yahweh’s Spirit among the brethren just simply was not open to it. The weekend is an intense one with little free time. The ladies who prepared the meals for all to eat the entire weekend did an excellent job. The food was nourishing, tasty and abundant for all. They will surely be blessed for their assistance in making the weekend go so well. This geographical area of the country, like so many others, is under a drought condition. Though rainfall is much needed there, it held out until the wee hours of Monday and then there were several “quickie” hard rains which came through.

     There is so much someone can learn at the Unity Conferences. Yes, there are things which on occasion come up that may seem to one or another as being “off the wall.” But, on the other hand, we know that Yahweh is working and it seems in these days, He is working overtime. You do not know why certain things come up but you do know that He is in charge. Therefore, we attempt to follow biblical instructions and “search the scriptures; prove ALL things.” On topics of controversy, we remind ourselves that “iron sharpens iron” and if the time were here that we’d all be in 100 percent agreement, there would be no sharpening necessary. I think all concur that time is yet to be seen and, when it is seen, we will have our true Leader here with us. HalleluYAH!

     As the weekend commenced, Pastor Sam asked each individual present to give a short introduction of themselves. There were some excellent statements made pertaining to the Conference and the prayers of what they hoped to get accomplished. As time permitted between the various speakers, elders from the various assemblies represented were asked to give a rundown of what is happening within the different areas of the country and specifically within their congregation.

     All attendees were blessed to hear Elder George Kinney speak on “Deeper Things,” and something I think most agreed upon was that when we refer to Yahshua Messiah, it makes it sound like He has a first and last name. More properly, we should say “Yahshua THE Messiah.” What an interesting insight to something we’ve said and used for years and years,.

     David Kenders spoke on Daniel and handed out both an article and a “timeline” on “Daniel’s Mystery Solved.” He discussed the “Dome of the Rock” along with addressing questions such as “When will a temple be built in Jerusalem?”; “Will the sacrifices of animals start before or after the temple is built?”

     Rock Key Yah gave a presentation on “New Order --- New Testament,” followed by some lively discussion between attendees and Rock Key.

     Bob McDonald’s presentation entitled “A Pure Bride,” focused on total abstinence of alcohol. It was a well-documented and heartfelt speech, providing much food for thought for the attendees. There was substantial debate on this issue at its conclusion.

     Matthew Janzen handed out a book he prepared/authored entitled “Which Side Will You Choose?” This concerns beards on the men in the assembly and the necessity/biblical significance of them. He provided scriptural and historical information for all to take home with them.

     The above speakers concluded Friday’s schedule. As you can see, it was a very full day with folks breaking up around 9:30 pm and many traveling to their hotels to prepare for an early start Sabbath morning.

     Sabbath morning commenced with Walter Schwenk speaking on “A Parable on Genesis 22.” He handed out a booklet entitled “Glory to Yahweh,” which included not only information on the topic at hand but some other interesting tidbits as well and definitely worth spending some time reading. The topic basically deal with the real meaning of Genesis 22 and the differences between the figurative interpretation of “Offer him up there for a burnt offering” and the plain meaning “Cause him to ascend there, to what is ascending.”

     Sabbath Services were then held with the room getting so full that additional chairs had to be set up for attendees. Many of the folks who arrived just for Sabbath Services stayed for the presentations to come that afternoon. What a blessing to have so many of Yahweh’s people gathered in His Name!

     Jerry Healan spoke on “Wonders in the Hebrew” which focused on the Paleo Hebrew characters. He showed where the characters used in words such as “ground,” meant something related. In this case, the Hebrew word for “ground” is “adamah.” The letters for “ground” are the equivalent of a-d-m-h; for “Adam” they are a-d-m. The last two letters of the name “Adam” make up the word “blood.” As Jerry went through his presentation, you cannot help but to see the power of the Almighty in putting forth His language with all its “hidden” merits. There truly are wonders in the Hebrew language.

     Jake Meyer discussed “Firstborn Redemption” which was the first part of a continuing series he is developing. He reminds all that the scriptures were written for the people seeking salvation. Discussing how sin entered through the fall of one of Yahweh’s creations, he went into how the Bible discussed Yahweh’s ultimate goal to have His creation come back to Him. We are called to receive, ransom and release in order that we may receive the firstborn’s allotted inheritance. An excellent presentation which will be continued.

     Bob Wells then talked about the “Biblical Calendar.” This is a topic which comes up at many of the Conferences. He went into quite a bit of history of how the calendar came to be what it is today. The presentation included four errors in Hillel’s calendar and the three characteristics of barley in the state of Abib. This appears to be one of the most-discussed topics at Unity Conferences historically, and as such, was followed by discussions as to whether unity on this issue is even possible at this time.

     George Garner then presented a book, “God, Deity of the Nations,” which was written by Elder A. B. Traina many years ago and Yahweh’s Assembly in Messiah just completed reprinting it. He mentioned that, without doubt, this is a book that needs to be studied and not just read. You may read this book online by clicking here.

     On Sunday morning, Bob Hopperton started off the presentations with one concerning the Avian Flu. There is a major concern over this flu spreading rapidly in the coming months to the point that some hospitals are stockpiling “body” bags. Although if it hits, there is little that can be done about it, there are some things we may be able to do to protect ourselves and from what some of the information states, not eating pork is one. You do not hear much about it on the news but there has been information in the Smithsonian magazine as well as talk show discussions on it.

     Al Raines, another first-time for the Unity Conference, spoke on “Giants in the Land” and how the mere names of some of the “giants” pertain to and have a parallel with our emotional “giants” in everyday life. We must have the faith component to face our giants and conquer them.

     Last of the speakers was Mike Banak who spoke on “Restoration Trends: The Best of Yahweh.” He attempted to show the results from his study of “restoration groups” and what trends are evident from that study.  Mike also analyzed the downfall of many restoration groups as a warning to those following the same path.

     The Unity Conference ended with agreement that next year’s Conference will be held in Cisco, Texas, hosted by Assembly of Yahweh-7^th Day.

     Every year, sincere believers can see that unity is coming and we will all be unified one day. It will not be by force but by the awesome power of Yahweh and Yahshua the Messiah! HallaluYAH and pray that that day come soon!

(To view more pictures of the weekend, click here.)

HallaluYAH!