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THRIVE Summer Conference 2007 |
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The annual THRIVE Summer Conference in Big Rapids,
This year’s conference was unique on many fronts. One big difference was our (Chris and Jen) leading THRIVE on our own this year, apart from CARE and our friends, CARE Community. This conference was full of mixed emotions as were sad to part ways with a ministry we spent so many years at, but also eager to begin our new season of life. Turning a new page can be exciting and sad at the same time. An uplifting aspect that adds to this year’s uniqueness is our new THRIVE Conference Coordinators, Jody McKenzie and Sandy Coursey. Both women helped tremendously with many details that go into helping THRIVE run smoothly. There are numerous details involved in making a four track conference function, and both coordinators approached their tasks with courage and endurance. Last but not least, this was the last conference where all four tracks run simultaneously under the same roof. Because of the demands involved in a growing conference with a small staff, we decided to split the conferences up so the quality of the training remains personal and meaningful.
This year Jen led Track I for the first time. Jen diligently walked attendees through the five Growth principles, the essential ingredients we all rely on to reach our potential and live an abundant life. Track I consisted of over thirty people who were not only interested in these principles but applied them all week. Track I is where attendees are introduced to the 19 skills and by the end of the week generate enough momentum to practice and apply many of these character skills in their lives. After Track I attendees rehearse the skills in the form of the new skill guide, Basic THRIVE Skills: Mastering Joy and Rest.
Kitty Wilder effectively led Track II folks through the Recovery principles. Pastor Kitty had a small yet highly motivated group this year. The feedback from Track II attendees was positive with several reporting being deeply impacted by the experience, interactions and skill training. After Track II attendees prepare for the third track by going through the second skill guide, Intermediate THRIVE Skills: Mastering Returning to Joy.
Track III was also a small and intimate group, but highly motivated to discover the five types of pain the brain knows. When brain synchronization is negatively impacted by unfinished experience processing somewhere in the five levels, we experience pain. Track III attendees spent much time, energy and practice learning to recognize and address each level of pain. Track III is the most demanding of the three tracks and requires the most maturity and capacity from attendees. This year attendees successfully completed the track and trained Track II and I members with style and confidence. Great job Track III! Track III members will have the opportunity to practice the third skill guide to enhance the skills they practiced all week, once it is finished and available, of course.
Pastor Ed Khouri and Dr. Jim Wilder led the largest track of THRIVE this year, on Addictions. Using recent discoveries in neuroscience and years of experience with addiction recovery and prevention, both men led attendees through the first module of new recovery program from Thriving Recover Your Life called Restarting. Attendees were excited to hear from Pastor Ed and Dr. Jim how to address addictions from a fresh angle. This program has the potential to change the face of addiction recovery. MP3 recordings are available for this track. If you are interested, they are available from THRIVE distribution through the Life Model website or at (309) 699-0171. You will want to listen to the wisdom and experience of these two men. We had a lot of positive feedback from Track IV attendees and much interest in the new Thriving Recovery program.
Jessie Mastick led another successful synchronized dancing experience for the week of THRIVE. Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the synchronized dance times each day. Using her effective teaching skills and sense of humor, Jessie showed attendees they can synchronize their bodies and match energy levels with other people. The dance times were worshipful and joyful. Great job Jessie!
Other highlights include David Takle and his “Hearing God” evening exercises as well as Dr. Karl Lehman’s sharing the new Immanuel Process with attendees. We are all excited for our upcoming Track IV conference as Dr. Lehman and Dr. Wilder will lead a whole five day conference on this new and powerful healing process. (See THRIVE 2008 for more details) We also noticed our nonverbal lunch day was much more energetic, creative and lively this year than in years past. Many attendees enjoyed coming up with innovative ways to build joy, have fun and interact nonverbally. Who says we need words to have fun and communicate with others?
Last but not least was how each evening at THRIVE was spent. We worshipped, interacted and practiced listening to God each evening during the God’s Hour block. What better way to end each day then to be still and interact with our Creator? This was a time to interact with Jesus, experience profound healing experiences and practice various exercises that are created to help us enjoy the active presence of Jesus. This isn’t your average worship time!
Overall we are greatly pleased with our recent conference and thank every one of our amazing attendees for participating in THRIVE. We pray you continue to live and practice the skills you are learning and we thank you for being a part of the THRIVE Community.
Pictures
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Attendees synchronize their steps in rhythmic fashion with each other. Left, right, left right – great job everyone! |
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Pastor Kitty teaches Track II attendees how to diagnose painful absences and bad things that happen at the five levels. |  |
Jen trains mom Sandy Coursey in the bookstore. Sandy and Jody handled the numerous details for the week like pros. Way to go ladies! |
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Track III attendees diligently complete an exercise while Chris reviews his notes to ensure he is on the right day of THRIVE. Is this the third or fourth day Chris? |  |
Great minds gather over coffee to contemplate and deliberate something fascinating. |
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Everyone rejoices how well they are synchronizing and shares appreciation to their instructor Jessie. Way to go Jessie! |  |
Chris with a few friends from Track III. |
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Jen receives an unexpected gift by an attendee. |  |
Attendees have fun and try to communicate something during the nonverbal lunch day. Is it legal to have this much fun during the week? |  |
Chris is caught red handed with one of many enjoyable breakfasts from the week of THRIVE. |
Give honor to the Lord for the glory of His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. Psalm 29:2
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That track II sure knows how to have fun! |  |
Chris and Jen put the spotlight on Jim and Kitty Wilder during Saturday’s appreciation time. Thanks Jim and Kitty for all your hard work for THRIVE. We appreciate you! |
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Pastor Ed and Maritza Khouri are commended for all their hard work at Track IV. Track IV attendees appreciated all the hard work Ed put into making their week delightful and helpful for addiction recovery. |  |
Everyone begins to settle in for the group picture – just look at these smiles! |
Now here’s a group of people who want to be their best and THRIVE.