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...and provide for those who grieve in Zion-
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
Ramah International 3rd Annual Conference
July 11-14, 2007 Nashville, Tennessee
It gives me great pleasure to invite you to join us on July 11-14, 2007 for our third international Conference at the Embassy Suites Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. This event is designed to address the needs of everyone involved in pregnancy center and/or post-abortion ministry efforts. If you are working with abortion-minded or post-abortive men and women, this conference is for you!
Our theme for this event is based on Isaiah 61:3, "For the Display of His Splendor." We believe that God will use this special conference to plant and nurture "Oaks of Righteousness," who will minister His love and comfort to others. Our speakers this year will share a wide-variety of issues and concerns to educate and equip your efforts. In addition special worship and prayer sessions will be available so our unique congregation can participate in the reverence of God's splendor through our ministry efforts.
Each workshop or keynote topic will be "cutting-edge" as it relates to various areas of ministry leadership. Thirty different workshop topics will be offered this year over a three day period. These sessions will provide vital information in six separate tracts of ministry, with six separate workshops for each tract. These tracks are based on various areas of pregnancy ministry service and include:
Basic Post-Abortion Leadership Training - To educate and equip new post-abortion ministry leaders
Veteran Post-Abortion Continuing Education - For exist leaders to expand their insight and education as it relates to post-abortion ministry management
Deep Issues - To address intimate areas of ministry that relate our lives and those of whom we serve
Men's Ministry Development - Topics include working with both abortion-minded and post-abortive men. Also included is a special workshop for male pregnancy center directors!
Pregnancy Center Directors and Staff - For those involved in the details of administration and programs (i.e., directors, abstinence education leaders, volunteers and board members)
Healing Sessions for Abortion's Wounded - For men and women who are struggling to find God's forgiveness and healing after and abortion decision.
To encourage attendance by more than one person from an individual organization, a reduced fee for multiple registrations is offered. Special pricing for daily attendance is also available. There are also special discounts for those organizations who are affiliated with Ramah International.
Equipping pregnancy care centers and churches to ministry God's love to wounded individuals is Ramah's primary mission. We hope you will join us for this special event. Expect a time of renewed vision, education, encouragement, prayer and networking with other ministry leaders to prepare you for the ministry days to come. I hope to see you this summer in Nashville!
In Him!
SYDNA MASSE
Keynote Speakers:
FOR THE DISPLAY OF HIS SPLENDOR
SYDNA MASSÉ
Sydna Massé has been equipping and encouraging pregnancy centers since leading Focus on the Family's Crisis Pregnancy Ministries (1991-1998) Sydna currently serves as the president of Ramah International and is the co-author of the book, Her Choice to Heal: Finding Spiritual and Emotional Peace After Abortion.
THE PRINCIPLES OF FORGIVENESS
DR. CLARENCE SHULER
Clarence is the President and Founder of Building Lasting Relationships and the author of two books: Winning the Race to Unity: Is Racial Reconciliation Really Working? and Your Wife Can be Your Best Friend. He serves on Ramah's Board of Directors.
PATHWAYS OF OUR LIVES
JOANN TALLMAN
Joann is the President of Helping Hands International. She has established ministry efforts in Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, Israel and Russia. Her ministry works to display God's love in practical ways.
ACHIEVING AN ABORTION-FREE AMERICA
THOMAS GLESSNER, ESQ
Tom Glessner, President of NIFLA, has been working to establish pregnancy centers and post-abortion ministry services since the late 1980's. In the last ten years he has led the movement in the establishment of medical services for clients of pregnancy centers. Tom also serves on Ramah's Board of Directors.
LET ME GRIEVE BUT NOT FOREVER
VERDELL DAVIS KRISHER
In 1987, Verdell's husband Creath, was killed in an airplane crash while returning from a Focus on the Family retreat. Through her journey of grief, Verdell authored a book that shares how to examine and ultimately find healing in the process.
7:00 - 8:30 a.m. - Complimentary Breakfast for Embassy Suites Guests
9:30 - 10:00 a.m. - Worship - Main ballroom
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. - Devotions - Main ballroom
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. - Keynote - Tom Glessner, "Achieving an Abortion-Free America"
11::15 - 11:45 a.m. - Break
11:45 - 1:00 p.m. - Workshop Session 4
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. - Lunch (on your own)
2:30 - 3:45 p.m. - Workshop Session 5
3:45 - 6:00 p.m. - Break
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Banquet - Main ballroom
7:00 - 7:25 p.m. - Praise & Worship
7:25 - 8:45 p.m. - Keynote - Verdel Davis , "Lord, Let me Grieve but not Forever"
Saturday, July 14, 2007
7:00 - 8:30 a.m. - Complimentary Breakfast for Embassy Suites Guests
8:30 - 9:15 a.m. - Worship - Main ballroom
9:15 - 9:30 a.m. - Devotions - Main ballroom
9:30 - 10:45 a.m. - Workshop Session 6
10:45 - 11:00 a.m. - Break
11:00 - 12:00 p.m. - Memorial and Anointing Service - Sydna Massé
12:00 - Conference ends
2007 Workshop Titles by Track
(Subject to Change)
During each session, you will have your choice of five different areas of ministry or tracks. The workshops for each session are outlined below. Attendees will be not be locked into one track but be able to attendee the workshop of their choosing at any time.
Director and Staff of Pregnancy Center Session
1. Evangelism Issues in the Center Setting - Anne Cox
2. Recognizing the Jezebel Persona - Sydna Massé
3. Effective Communications in Conflict Resolution - Michelle Roberts
4. Ministering Across Poverty Lines - Clarence Shuler
5. Protecting Client Confidentiality - Jean Lewis
6. Ministering to Pro-Choice Individuals - Pat Lindlay
Men's Ministry
1. Ministering to the Heart of a Man - Clarence Shuler & Sydna Masse
2. PAS and Addiction Issues in Men - Scott Miller
3. Networking for Male Pregnancy Center Directors! - Mark Heile, Brent Lambert
4. Establishing Men's Ministry Programs - TJ Lewis and David Whittaker
5. Helping PAS Men - Part 1 - Scott Miller
6. Helping PAS Men - Part 2 - Scott Miller
Basic Post-Abortion Training
1. The Emotions of Healing - Part 1 - Nancy Knowlton
2. The Emotions of Healing - Part 2 - Nancy Knowlton & Vikki Parker
3. PA Groups Supplemental Tools - Karen Fifer
4. Memorializing 101 - Carol Martin with Franie Aguilar
5. Interviewing Skills for New Clients - Sharon Landes
6. Bible Study Programs and Formats - Panel (Vikki Parker, Franie Aguilar)
Veteran Post-Abortion Ministry
1. Stand Alone Post-Abortion Ministry Efforts - Laurie Wren, Reveille Ministries
2. PAS Ministry Behind Church Walls - Machelle Montgomery
3. Ministering to Infertility Issues in PAS Hearts - Kaylee Braxton
4. Marriage Dynamics and Abortion - Karen Fifer
5. Specific Dynamics of the Grieving Process - Verdel Davis
6. Recognizing Mental Illness - Sydna Massé & Jean Lewis
Deep Issues
1. Understanding the Mindset of the Sexual Abuse Victim - Darla Weaver
2. Helping Loved Ones Heal from Pornography Addictions - Clarence Shuler
3. Activities that Promote Healing - Elise Davis
4. Comforting the Sexual Abuse Victim - Sydna Massé
5. Recognizing and Combatting Spiritual Warfare - Talitha Phillips
6. Keys to Overcoming Your Circumstances - Nancy Knowlton
Healing Sessions for Abortion's Wounded
The healing sessions during the conference are designed for those who have experienced an abortion and want to go through the restoration process. These sessions will run throughout the workshop times and keynotes will be optional.
1. Evangelism Issues in the Center Setting - Anne Cox
2. Ministering to the Heart of a Man - Clarence Shuler & Sydna Masse
3. The Emotions of Healing - Part 1 - Nancy Knowlton
4. Stand Alone Post-Abortion Ministry Efforts - Laurie Wren, Reveille Ministries
5. Understanding the Mindset of the Sexual Abuse Victim - Darla Weaver
Workshop Session 2 - Thursday, 11:15 - 12:30 p.m.
1. Recognizing the Jezebel Persona - Sydna Massé
2. PAS and Addiction Issues in Men - Scott Miller
3. The Emotions of Healing - Part 2 - Nancy Knowlton & Vikki Parker
4. PAS Ministry Behind Church Walls - Machelle Montgomery
5. Helping Loved Ones Heal from Pornography Addictions - Clarence Shuler
Workshop Session 3 - Thursday, 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
1. Effective Communications in Conflict Resolution - Michelle Roberts
2. Networking for Male Pregnancy Center Directors! - Mark Heile, Brent Lambert
3. PA Groups Supplemental Tools - Karen Fifer
4. Ministering to Infertility Issues in PAS Hearts - Kaylee Braxton
5. Activities that Promote Healing - Elise Davis
Workshop Session 4 - Friday, 11:45 - 1:00 p.m.
1. Ministering Across Poverty Lines - Clarence Shuler
2. Establishing Men's Ministry Programs - TJ Lewis and David Whittaker
3. Memorializing 101 - Carol Martin with Franie Aguilar
4. Marriage Dynamics and Abortion - Karen Fifer
5. Comforting the Sexual Abuse Victim - Sydna Massé
Workshop Session 5 - Friday, 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.
1. Protecting Client Confidentiality - Jean Lewis
2. Helping PAS Men - Part 1 - Scott Miller
3. Interviewing Skills for New Clients - Sharon Landes
4. Specific Dynamics of the Grieving Process - Verdel Davis
5. Recognizing and Combatting Spiritual Warfare - Talitha Phillips
Workshop Session 6 - Saturday, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
1. Ministering to Pro-Choice Individuals - Pat Lindlay
2. Helping PAS Men - Part 2 - Scott Miller
3. Bible Study Programs and Formats - Panel (Vikki Parker, Franie Aguilar)
4. Recognizing Mental Illness - Sydna Massé & Jean Lewis
5. Keys to Overcoming Your Circumstances - Nancy Knowlton
Conference Fees
Ramah Member / Non-Member
Before June 1: $225/person $245/person
$215 each additional person
After June 1: $245/first person $265/person
$230 each additional person
Thurs Only: $85/person (includes lunch)
Friday Only: $100/person (includes banquet)
Hotel Information
The 2007 Ramah Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites Airport, 10 Century Blvd, Nashville, TN 37214, 615-871-0033. This facility is 2.5 miles from the Nashville International airport (complimentary shuttle). The hotel is 5 short miles from the world famous Opryland Hotel, The General Jackson showboat, River Taxis and the Grand Ole Opry, and 4.5 miles from OpryMills Mall. It is located within minutes of Downtown Nashville where restaurants, entertainment and shopping abound! The conference room rate is $109/night single/double ($10.00/person above double occupancy), excluding taxes. Reserve your room(s) by contacting the Embassy Suites directly at 615-871-0033 - Fax: 615-883-9987. Be sure to request the Ramah International rate. Book as early as possible to assure reduced rates.
LINK -- Embassy Suites Hotel Nashville Tennessee
At June 15, 2007, the room block for the conference has been filled at the Embassy Suites. Our alternate hotel is the Doubletree Guest Suites at the Nashville Airport. This hotel is very close to the Embassy and will shuttle guests to and from the Embassy Suites for the conference. Their rates for two-room suites are the same as at the Embassy Suites. To book your rooms, please contact them at:
To ensure the same rates as the Embassy Suites be sure to mention that you are part of Ramah International's room block
CANCELLATION POLICY
Registrations cancelled before June 15th are eligible for a 75% refund. Registrations cancelled between June 16 and July 5 are eligible for a 50% refund. Absolutely no refunds for cancellations after July 5, 2007
