Christian Women's Conference will feature Ruth Graham, Gwen Smith

[April 07, 2014]  Lincoln Christian University's Christian Women's Conference, scheduled for April 30, will feature Dr. Ruth Graham, daughter of famed and cherished evangelist Dr. Billy Graham, and acclaimed worship leader and author Gwen Smith.

This year's theme, "Fear Not Tomorrow, God Is Already There," is inspired by Ruth Graham's book and devotional of the same name. Her passion and ministry is to stir God's people with His comfort and acceptance while motivating them to move from a place of brokenness to wholeness. Having experienced much trial in her own life, Graham's authenticity and honesty has connected with sold-out audiences across the nation.

"I didn't always live up to what my parents wanted for me," she said in a 2009 interview in Tampa, "But they gave me unconditional love when I needed it most."

Graham is the third child of parents Ruth — whose name she shares — and Billy Graham, who has been named in the USA Today/Gallup poll's "Top 10 Most Admired Men in the World" 56 times since 1955.

Gwen Smith is one of three co-founders of "Girlfriends in God," a nondenominational ministry that crosses generational and racial boundaries to bring the body of Christ together as believers. The ministry currently has more than 500,000 subscribers to its online devotionals.

Smith is also a speaker, author, concert artist, songwriter and worship leader. Her enthusiastic, relatable communication style puts audiences at ease and bridges generational, denominational and racial divides. She has shared her stories and songs on many television programs, including "LIFE Today," "The 700 Club," "The Good Life," "The Harvest Show," "Homekeepers" and "Atlanta Live," and on numerous radio programs.

The annual conference at LCU's Earl C Hargrove Chapel Auditorium is an opportunity for Christian women from Illinois and neighboring states to be inspired and renewed by world-class speakers and each other. This year's event will also have an interpreter for the deaf present.

"We want to make a lasting difference in the lives of Christian women," said Sue Rogers, event organizer and administrative assistant to the associate vice-president of alumni services at LCU. "It is an ongoing goal to provide a day that will plow deep and wide and bring growth into their spiritual walk with Christ. We want women to walk away feeling spiritually, emotionally and intellectually refreshed."

Registration is required and includes all four conference sessions and lunch. Cost is $35 before April 23 or $40 thereafter. Seating is limited and advance registration is strongly encouraged. Online registration is available at www.LincolnChristian.edu/cwc, or by phone at 217-732-3168, ext. 2215. Guests may also mail in their payment and registration form to:

Christian Women's Conference
Lincoln Christian University
100 Campus View Drive
Lincoln, IL 62656

[Text from file received from Lincoln Christian University]

Established in 1944, Lincoln Christian University's mission is to equip Christians to serve and lead in the church, the workplace and the world. Today, LCU offers a variety of degree programs for undergraduate, graduate and seminary students. Classes are offered on campus, at extension sites and online. To learn more, visit www.lincolnchristian.edu.