Photo via renner.org

Moscow Good News Church celebrated the Women's day

March 8 marks a very significant holiday in Russia called Women's Day, and the congregation of the Moscow Good News Church celebrated their women in high style during their 2008 "You are Beautiful Because of Jesus" Women's Conference, reports Christian Telegraph and Rick Renner ministries. Heart to Heart, the Women's Ministry led by Denise Renner, held a fabulous weekend celebration of women featuring American guest and author, Connie Witter, with weekend festivities culminating around the crowning of the "Queen of the Fruit of the Spirit" and her court.

Upon entering the foyer, ladies stepped onto a beautiful red carpet and were welcomed by the smiling, clapping, cheering men of the church, donned with matching burgundy-colored suit coats and black bow ties. Women leaders from the church greeted each woman with a lavish hug and special Women's Day congratulations. It was clear every woman felt embraced and valuable from the very moment they entered the building.

The conference opened with a video presentation depicting the beauty of women in their many roles of life, accompanied by a moving rendition of the song, "You Are So Beautiful to Me," sung by Philip Renner.

Connie Witter, who authored the book, Because of Jesus, deeply touched the hearts of the ladies as she shared her testimony and insights of what amazing provision God makes for us as children of God - because of Jesus. Her open heart and transparent presentation instilled hope and encouragement to her listeners. Fourteen women responded to the invitation to receive Christ at the conclusion of Connie's heartfelt message.

The Women's Day celebration added a new dimension to the conference this year by including seven seminars from which ladies could choose to attend. Topics included Becoming a Strong Woman of Prayer, Health and Nutrition, Life After 55, The Confident Woman, Going to the Next Level, The Secret of a Happy Woman, and Keeping Your Life Organized.

Gift-giving is also a very important Women's Day tradition. Approximately 600 women attended the conference, and each woman received a beautiful little jewelry box as a gift.

Denise Renner shared a stirring message, drawing from Moses' response to God when asked to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage. "Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" Denise explained how God doesn't trust in our flesh, but in the deposit He has made in each one of us. She encouraged the ladies to remember the One who lives in them — to rely on His ability, who He is, and who He has made them to be.

The ladies responded enthusiastically to Denise's inspiring words. Eighteen women came forward to receive Christ, and 40 women received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Another 50 women responded to the invitation to receive personal prayer and the laying on of hands by Heart to Heart leaders and pastoral staff members. One woman was healed while sitting in her seat as she responded to the word of knowledge given by Denise Renner. The woman had been stricken with terrible pain in her foot and had hardly been able to walk for one and a half years. But in an instant, God totally healed her, removing all pain and setting her free.

There was truly much cause for celebration as the weekend progressed, all the way to the final moments of the conference Sunday afternoon as everyone anxiously awaited the announcement of the queen and her court. (A few months earlier, the congregation of the Moscow Good News Church had voted on the women they thought best represented the fruit of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. The woman who received the most votes was to be crowned queen at the end of the conference.)

The queen's court was first ushered to the stage, a blending of individual women who best characterized each specific fruit of the Spirit. Then Tanya Devoskina, a 72-year-old widow and grandmother, was crowned queen as her court gathered around her. Pastor Rick placed the crown upon Tanya's head as Pastor Denise filled her arms with a beautiful bouquet of red roses. A lovely red velvet robe was draped over the shoulders of the "Queen of the Fruit of the Spirit." Then she proceeded to take her throne as everyone cheered and applauded her.

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[03/17/2008]

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