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Archives 2007
Queens New York November 12-30, 2007
For the first time ever, I drove in the streets of New York City. It was not a comforting experience. I'm thankful for the Lord's protection that he has placed over me. New Yorkers do not drive the way Tennesseans do, and it was a real challenge. Pastor Dave Rajoon says I should get a Certificate of Achievement for making it through the city in one piece.
My time in New York was truly a blessing and ordained of the Lord. Pastor Dave Rajoon of Grace Evangelistic Ministry was my hosting pastor. I have always felt so welcomed by him, his family, and his congregation, and it is an absolute joy to be with them.
The Lord had surprises for me in NY that I could never have imagined. The new work the Lord has started in my life in Ohio, was about to begin springing forth in other areas. Not only did I have opportuity to share with 3 different churches while in NY, but the Lord has opened a whole new realm of ministry opportunities.
Redemption Ministries International & Grace Evangelistic Ministies (GEM),have come together in the work of the Lord. To learn more about Grace...Click on the Affiliate Ministires page of this website, then click on the Grace Evangelistic Ministries link, and it will take you to their website.
The Lord has shown Pastor Dave and I that this ministry relationship is a covenant relationship that the Lord has designed with strategic purposes in mind for ministry outreach. The Lord has also let me know that somehow my destiny is tied up in this alliance. The fullness of that destiny is still a mystery, but I know the Lord will bring it to pass.
Pastor Dave has freely opened his church to me, anytime I want to come minister in NY. We are currently planning conferences for the month of July. The topics will revolve around worship, the dance ministry, living a sanctified life, and whatever else the Lord cares to share. Updates of this conference will be sent out as they are solidified.
While in NY we did a mini one night conference on 'An Introduction To The Worship Dance Ministry.' Worshippers from another church attended as well. For many of them, some of the things shared were new, and challenging. For some of those who attended, I believe the Lord is about to take them some places they have never been before in worship. We are looking forward to the July Conference.
Also, I had opportunity to minister twice to the ladies group at Grace. God really opened some hearts, and encouraged the ladies to let him bring changes into their lives. There were 8 women who came forward for prayer, and wanted to allow the Lord to work his plan in their lives, laying down the old and taking up his new. It's interesting that there were 8 ladies. In scripture 8 is the number of new beginnings!
I will be returning to NY briefly in February, and then again in part of March to focus on what the Lord desires to do, and to strengthen relationships with the saints in that area.
From NY I traveled to Pennsylvania, and met with Pastor Rob Garrett. He is senior Pastor of Praise Fellowship Church in Downingtown, PA. I had opportunity to minister in both of his churches. The Spirit of the Lord ministered to the people, through the dance, and a portion of my testimony. I had danced to a song entitled, "We Need The River". This song and ministry in dance, really touched Pastor Rob, in a special way, thus changing the order of the entire service. Pastor Rob could not share the message he had intended to share, but rather began to speak on what it truly means to have the 'river of God' flowing in our lives. Before it was all over, many in the congregation has given testimony, of what God was doing in their lives. It was a beautiful time of body ministry. God is so good. I am scheduled to return to Downingtown, PA. and Pastor Garrett's congregation in November of this year.
Also the Lord is taking me into a new area of ministry, as I will be starting to write books. In the back of my mind I had always thought, well, someday I will write of my adventures in the Lord, but now the Lord is speaking and confirming that I am to start writing. I hope to have some of my teachings, and a book entitled Beauty for Ashes published this year.
Some of what has been shared with you in this update has been taken from the current manuscript of 'Beauty for Ashes' which I am in the process of writing. The theme of this book will begin with the time of my husbands' passing, and will demonstrate how the Lord can take a very difficult situation and turn it around for his glory, and our blessing. I say 'our' blessing, because what the Lord has given me is not just my testimony, but through his goodness to me, others can receive encouragement and hope in their difficult times as well.
Because this is a work in progress, I'm not sure at what point, I will conclude the story, but regardless, it will be a living testimony of how great our God is. He has promised to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mournng, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness according to Isaiah 61, and I am seeing him do this in my life.
God bless each and every one of you in Jesus Name. A special thanks to all those who contribute to this work of the Lord. May he bless you abundantly in return.
Linda Conrey
President, RMI
MISSION UPDATE APRIL 18, 2007 Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago
The trip to Trinidad & Tobago was wonderful. The Lord did so many things in my own life, as well as in the lives of those Shirley and I had the joy of ministering to. We saw first hand how when people seek the Lord with their whole heart, he hears, and answers, and makes his presence known! The glory of the Lord was manifested so many times during the teachings and the worship, it was truly amazing!
I personally have never experienced the degree of anointing in my own personal ministry that we saw manifesting all around us and through us, in Trinidad and Tobago. Many hearts were changed according to the peoples own testimonies, because of what the Lord did in their lives, through the biblical teachings and the worship dance conferences. Bondage, and deceptions of the enemy were broken off of peoples lives, and they came into a deeper level of love and relationship with the Lord. This in turn brought great joy, excitement and release, to the people of God, and has helped empower them to be a greater witness for Jesus.
One new Worship Dance Ministry was birthed through the conferences in San Fernando, Trinidad, and 2 other dance ministries were spurred on to a greater understanding of the importance of pure worship and the power of spiritual warfare in the dance. As news spread about the Worship Dance Conferences, we were asked to bring our newly birthed, San Fernando dance worship team to, THE ESTHER CONFERENCE, (which came from Miami to Trinidad) to minister in worship dance. Many pastors and church leaders shared how they were truly touched and ministered to, by the beauty and holiness of the dance, and the awesome presence and power of the Lord which was manifested. We saw this take place at The Esther Conference, as well as in churches and our other conference meetings. These precious men and women of God gained a new respect and excitement for this type of worship. It always looks good when God shows up!!
Man was created to worship God, and to have fellowship with him. Worship is the one thing we can do for God, that he will not do for himself!! The seed of worship dance ministry has been growing in the womb of this ministry for years, and now the baby is coming forth. When Ken was alive he always encouraged me in this area of ministry, and now it is growing into a praise and glory to the Lord. As we learn to worship and minister to our King, the place we must start is in the heart of the worshiper. We must learn to live holy, clean and sanctified lives as believers in Jesus. Thus a call of repentance is ringing out from this ministry, hand in hand with the call to worship. It is time for us to get our hearts right, forsake the sins that so easily beset us, and prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts! Only then can we speak effectively to the nations!
It seems, as Pastor Ravi said in Trinidad, The ministry still has an evangelistic, missionary minded goal, and the principles of the Kingdom of God are of absolute top priority, but now the ministry is expanding into the importance of worship. Our goal is to help teach believers, not only so they to can take the Word of God, and the talents and gifts the Lord has given them, to reach out and minister to others, but also that they might use those same gifts, to minister first and foremost to the Lord of Glory, thus developing a deeper more intimate relationship with the lover of their souls, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord gave me a new scripture for the purpose of the ministry. It is Isaiah 61. I encourage you to take the time to read through this short chapter. This is the mandate of this ministry. Within this mandate his anointing will be manifested to:
preach good tidings unto the meek;
to bind up the broken hearted;
to proclaim liberty to the captives;
the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord;
to proclaim the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all that mourn;
to give them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness....
that he (the Lord) might be glorified.
Restoration
Raising up and strengthening ministers/ministries
Bringing forth joy and rejoicing in the bride
and bridegroom relationship with the Lord
Bringing in the harvest
Righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations
We saw many of these things happen in peoples lives through the ministry in Trinidad and Tobago. God is so wonderful, that he would take what little we have to offer, mix it with his power and anointing, and use it to bring glory to himself. God is not looking for great abilities, as much as he is our availability. It is an honor to serve him.
Shirley and I had opportunity to minister in different churches, and preaching in the marketplace. In the churches we were ministering in the area of worship dance; and teaching on the importance of Living a sanctified life; Loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind & strength; Repentance and receiving God’s blessing in our lives; The priesthood of the believer(specifically pertaining to worship), Being a vessel of honor; Spiritual warfare (specifically pertaining to the area of worship). In the market place I shared about the Kingdom of God, and what it is compared to in the scripture, and giving the call to salvation and repentance to all those within the sound of the public address system, as it went out over the city’s atmosphere.
Shirley has a lovely ability to sing, and she shared in song, as well as assisting me in the worship dance conferences. She was a tremendous help to me. She helped to complete the areas where I lacked. Isn't that how the body of Christ is supposed to work together?
We did a Memorial Service in San Fernando, Trinidad in Ken's honor. This was not an easy process for me, as a matter of fact it was very trying emotionally, as once again the impact of Ken’s passing hit me with full fury. However, I felt I needed to do this for the people in Trinidad who meant so much to Ken. God’s grace was sufficient. I'm thankful for all who came. Each one helped to make this celebration of his life a precious memory.
Ken's ashes were cast between the islands of Trinidad & Tobago, carried on the wings of the wind, and the waves of the sea, to their resting place, but he will always have his place in my heart. I know Ken is in the presence of the Lord, and though he was in my past, he is now in my future as well, as I know I will see him again when it is my time to leave this earth, or on that great day when the Lord returns to this earth with all his saints to set up his Kingdom. We will again be together in the family of God forever in eternity. It's so good to know that for those in Christ the end of our life on this earth, is the beginning of our life in the fullness of the Lord's awesome presence.
I met with Pastor Sammy and Pastor Morris of Guyana while in Trinidad, these two dear brother have given an invitation to come and minister in their country. We will notify via email when this trip is actually planned.
An Exhortation:
God is not looking for preachers, singers, musicians, dancers, theological doctors of this or that, he is looking for worshipers. Worship is the one thing that we can give to God, that he will not do for himself. Jesus said, God is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth. This should be the goal of every believer. There is no greater joy than to worship the King of Glory!
When we worship God with a pure heart, the world takes notice, and they see that we have something that is different than religion. This stirs their hearts, and they desire to know what we have in the Lord. This opens the opportunity to share with them how they can have a relationship with this wonderful God that we have come to love and serve.
The Lord has given to every believer the ministry of reconciliation, which is showing people how they can have a relationship with the one and only, true and living God, that created them and loves them so much. May we be a shining display of his grace and mercy in our lives as we reach out to others.
Thank you for taking the time to let me share with you. Also thank you to all those of you who have stood in support of what the Lord is doing through this ministry. Truly we are co-laborers together in Christ, and your gifts of love and encouragement mean more than you will ever know.
May the Lord's richest blessings be upon you.
All gift given to Redemption Ministries International are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support.
Linda Conrey
MISSION UPDATE JANUARY 27, 2007-
THE PASSING AWAY OF OUR BELOVED PASTOR KEN CONREY
On November 7, 2006, our beloved Pastor Ken Conrey passed away suddenly into the presence of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A Memorial Service was held on November 12, 2006 at the Restoration Church in Dickson, Tennessee.
Ken had spoken in times past that if he passed away before the Lord's return, he wanted his home going service to be a celebration of his life. Ken did not want people to overly grieve, because he would be in the presence of the Lord.
Ken's wife, Linda, organized and officated her husband's Memorial Service.
One hour before the service there was a time of visitation. During this time, a slide show of Ken's life and mission work, was being projected in the sanctuary, with Ken's music playing over the PA system.
People came from all directions, and from many miles to celebrate the life and ministry of our beloved Pastor Ken.
Some of the area church services, were cancelled so entire congregations could attend the memorial service, and show their love and respect for this precious servant of the Lord.
As the worship began Linda rose to the task, determined that her husband's homegoing would be the type of celebration he desired, one that would bring glory to the Lord.
Linda knew that the people would follow her lead, so as the music began, she stood up, and raised her hands to the Lord, and began to worship the Lord. The grace of God was absolutely amazing to keep her, and empower her during this ceremony for her beloved.
There was an incredible joy and anointing released during the praise and worship. Many people had never been to a Memorial Service like this one.
Because Worship Dance was a part of Ken and Linda's ministry together, it was very appropriate for her to dance at her husband's Memorial Service. Linda wore a white, flowing dance garment, as she stepped to the front of the church. She had chosen the song, "Here I Am To Worship", to dance before the Lord, as an act of honor, trust and love, for the God that holds her and her husband's life in his hands.
Her dance was also in honor of her husband, as he loved to see her worship to this song. For Linda, it was a statement to God, Ken and the devil, that regardless of her circumstances she would continue in the ministry of the Lord. Her dance was a statement of honor, trust, commitment, and warfare.
During the dance something supernatural happened. As Linda took up her worship flags near the end of the song, a powerful anointing, and presence of the Lord invaded the congregation, and the people jumped to their feet, and began to shout their high praises to the Lord. Heaven and earth came together in that moment, and the atmosphere was charged with the power and presence of the Lord. It was as if there was no separation between heaven and earth. It was an awesome experience, especially for Linda. It was truly a gift from the Lord.
Throughout the service, testimonies were shared, relationships mended, friends and loved ones reunited, God was glorified, Ken's life was honored so powerfully, and lives were touched and changed. This is what Ken would have wanted.
Ken Conrey was only 54 years old when he departed from this earth, and was escorted into the presence of the Lord by his holy angels.
Many times as Ken and Linda would share Christ with people, they would ask them the question, "If you were to drop dead right now, where would you spend eternity?" Most people do not think this will ever happen to them. However we do not know the number of our days. Ken was here one moment and gone the next. He was ready to meet his maker, and to be welcomed into the glories of heaven, but all people cannot say they are ready to meet their maker. Even with the instant departure of her husband, Linda will use the suddenness of her beloveds passing, to bring to the lost the reality, that one must be ready at all times for eternity, and the importance of them being in right standing with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, and his atoning work for them on the cross.
Pastor Ken was dearly loved by so many people, and he will be terribly missed, but a day is coming when we, who have recieved Jesus as our Lord and Savior will all be together again, and we will be together forever in eternity, with our Lord Jesus Christ.
The ministry that Pastor Ken started will continue, and the vision will go on.
There is also a Memorial Service scheduled in the nation of Trinidad for March 10, 2007 at the Word of Life Faith Center, in the city of San Fernando. All are invited to attend.
Please visit our TRIBUTE TO KENNETH DUANE CONREY by clicking the page link on the left.
We want to thank all of you who have responded with such love, compassion and support since Ken's passing. Your kindnesses are truly a testimony of the Lord's care and mercy. We love and appreciate each of you. God bless you.
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