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Young adults from across Winnipeg and beyond are gearing up for the second annual Collide Conference next month.
"We have a heart and vision to see young people, this generation on fire for God and really passionate for Him, stepping into their calling and their purpose," Collide co-director Rhythm Knowler says.
Knowler says that trying to create a space to gather together and worship locally in Winnipeg is one of the biggest missions. "One big conviction that we carry within Collide is we want something locally provided for our people. We're tired of our young adults having to travel everywhere to go and have that refreshing encounter with God's presence and like-minded people in their own generation."
Co-Director Jordan Bochinski followed up with, "It's very much the motto. We're asking the Lord to save the lost and to revive the saved. For young adults to know that there is so much more to their faith and to their relationship with the Lord than what they've experienced."
At last year's conference, Bochinski says, "We saw a lot of people rededicating their lives, re-surrendering and we're really looking forward to what the Lord is going to do this year."
While having one conference under their belt calms nerves somewhat, Knowler says there's still so much on the line for this year's event. "A conference seems pretty easy to pull off but with so many logistics and details, we have a better understanding but you always want to pursue excellence and you don't want to copy and paste so I feel like there's still that pressure."
Figuring out all of the details is not something that the Collide team takes lightly. "There are hearts and souls at stake here that the Lord is wanting to come and wreck in the best way. For our guest speakers and worship leaders, there's a level of discernment. Who do we trust to come and serve our young people well? There is some weight, but it's good weight and the Lord is going to use it," Bochinski says.
UPPERROOM and Circuit Riders will be in town to lead worship and Winnipeg native, Jenessa Wait, along with David Marvin, and Zach Nash will speak at the two-day conference. While Collide is excited about the lineup, ultimately Knowler says, "We want Jesus. He's the ultimate guest."
Leading up to the conference, Bochinski says, "There's something super practical that we're doing this year. It's called the light room. It's a room of prayer and worship that will take place from Monday, April 29 until Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. every day. It's open to anyone to come to the Buntain Chapel at Calvary Temple and we're just longing for the presence of the Lord to come and dwell with us ahead of Friday and Saturday's conference."
While both Knowler and Bochinski admit that they, "Don't want to do something that's already been done, but put one on with excellence and foster the Lord's presence. We need to prepare our hearts." Knowler says.
"A huge part of our heart is unity," Bochinski says. "We're seeing that with the light room with over 50 different musicians and prayer leaders. Among those, probably about 25-27 different churches represented, plus 150 volunteers coming from 45 different churches represented. Different denominations, backgrounds, and expressions of faith but all under one Man, Jesus."
Last year's conference saw people attend from across and beyond the country. "Some cool stats from last year. Vancouver, Calgary, all the way to Ottawa and Toronto." Bochinski says.
Knowler adds, "North and South Dakota. Someone from Maui was there last year. It's pretty cool who the Lord is calling."
Knowler and Bochinski ask that you pray for, "The appointments that the Lord has, will come to pass. He knows who's supposed to come and that He would make a way for them to come, that there would be no barrier for those who need to be there. And for our volunteers. That the Lord would bless their rest, and their health, and that everything we have to do would get done as we're planning. And obviously, that the Lord would show up even greater than we could ever pray for. And safe travels for our guests and artists."
Collide Conference is on May 3-4 at Calvary Temple at 400 Hargrave Street.