A Pre-conference Symposium was something new and seemed well received. Thursday evening was great fun and fellowship with Growing Kids leaders and alumni competing in a GK Trivia game . . . Ohio delegates did well and tied for first place.

Friday morning Joey and Carla Link, GFI National Ministry Overseers presented teaching on the three ‘Transitions” that we experience during our parenting as we move our children through the phases of parenting. This teaching gave us all things to contemplate in regards to where we are now and what we are to work toward in training our children for the future.

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JOEY AND CARLA LINK TEACHING WORKSHOPS

The Ezzo’s opened the conference with joy, giving updates on the ministry-at-large. It’s helpful to see how God is furthering His kingdom through this ministry around the world.

Gary Ezzo and Anne Marie Ezzo

Gary Ezzo gave two Keynote addresses during the conference – Here are some of the thoughts he shared:

1. “Holiness is a Lifestyle” – in biblical parenting it’s God’s perspective that matters! Holiness empowers! Once you’re given a glimpse of God’s unseen power elsewhere, you begin to see His power in you. Our perspective can limit God or unfold His power and blessings. Key passage Luke 6.

2. “A Look at Perspective” – Perspective should be considered since perspective can affect our Hope. Consider what is defining your thinking and influencing your perspective. God turns periods (.) into commas (,)—He’s done it many times in scripture—a wonderful example is the death of Christ–which seemed like the end–a period, but was really only a comma–then came resurrection Sunday.

Other news:

The new curriculum is underway and slated to be launched next year. It’s said to be ‘cutting edge’ to engage the new generation of parents that are seeking parenting wisdom. Training will be provided on how to best use the new material at next year’s national. Watch the GrowingKids.org website or our local GrowingKidsNEOhio.org site for conference locations and details which will be posted as they are announced.

It was an honor for us to be asked to teach two workshops. We were asked to develop a new workshop entitled “Building Character in your Children”. We also presented one we’ve taught before, with two of our children, titled “How to Teach your Children to Understand the Bible”. God taught us greatly in preparing for these presentations.

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Other insightful workshops:

How to Keep your Children Pure in a World that Isn’t

Teaching your Children to be ‘Money-Wise’

Dating, Courtship and Mating – What works?

Topics of Turmoil for Typical Teens and How to Tiptoe through Them

The Key to Unlocking your Child’s Heart

AND MORE . . . sound interesting? Watch for conference details and plan to attend next summer!

One of the ongoing highlights for us personally as we attend these conferences is seeing our ‘GFI Family’ from all over the country. There’s a sweetness in fellowship with the like-minded community that we want all to experience. We hope you can be a part of this wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth and encouragement next year.

Grateful to Be – In His Service,

Don and Karen Kurtz

Photos by Amy Link