Photo Caption: Attendees at the fourth Greater New York Conference (GNYC) Prayer Convention show off their commemorative T-shirts at Camp Berkshire. GNYC president Henry Beras, front row sixth from right, is seated between his wife, Angela Beras, GNYC Prayer Ministries coordinator, and Jehomar Peña, guest speaker for the weekend. Patricia Langley, front row fourth from left, Northeastern Conference Prayer Ministries coordinator led weekend prayer sessions. [Photo: Greater New York Conference]
Greater New York Conference (GNYC) members and visitors gathered at Camp Berkshire in Wingdale, New York, October 1-3 for the fourth GNYC Prayer Convention. The weekend theme, “Be Still and Know,” was based on Psalm 46:10 (NKJV): “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” More people attend the event every year, and God continues to bless each person who attends.
More than 300 members and visitors were present to pray, listen, and learn more about God. Jehomar Peña, a pastor serving the Central Dominican Association in the Dominican Republic and founder/speaker of “Despertando con Jesus” (“Waking Up with Jesus”), was the main guest speaker. Patricia Langley, Northeastern Conference Prayer Ministries coordinator, led the prayer sessions that motivated each member to let go of whatever they were holding on to and encouraged everyone to let God take charge of their life. Attendees watched virtually on GNYC’s Facebook page and YouTube channel allowing many people to benefit from the program and share the power of prayer with their loved ones. Another well-appreciated and new activity for the weekend was the “Campfire” segment. On Saturday night, after the Sabbath, attendees gathered at a campfire to sing praises to the Lord. The evening ended as each participant wrote their prayer requests on a slip of paper and placed them into the fire.
Over the weekend, attendees learned what it means to “be still.” Humanity needs time to refuel, replenish their souls, and listen to God because they need a closer relationship with Him. The original Hebrew word used for being still is Raphah, which means to stop striving, allowing yourself to let go and willingly submit to God and His control. It also means surrendering to God, leaving alone, becoming weak, relaxing, and being silent.
From the various prayer times and inspirational messages, those in attendance discovered that in their stillness, God wants them to let go of everything that causes stress and anxiety in their lives and give it all to Him. One must actively initiate the “letting go” process and become small for Jesus to become significant in their mind and heart, surrender their will and accept His. The presenters shared many scripture passages reminding everyone that they are not alone and compelling everyone to put their trust in God. When they hear His whispers, consequently, peace will abound because Jesus is in control. During the weekend, one person decided to follow Jesus and surrender her life to Him. She chose to demonstrate her love for the Savior and be baptized during the GNYC Prayer Convention—marking the first time a baptism has taken place during the event.
The entire weekend was a blessing! The prayer sessions, prayer room, prayer wall, and prayer requests were well organized and available for everyone to have the opportunity to engage with the Lord. Everyone was reminded of how much God cares for them and the many blessings in store when God reigns and takes control of their hearts, minds, and soul. They will be amazed at the power of God when they are still and wait on the Lord.
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Tania Mangum, administrative assistant to the president, Greater New York Conference
