Jonny and Lisa Lobel

I went to the New Canaan Society annual conference in Hot Springs, Virginia last weekend for great fellowship and some fund-raising too. My father, brother, father in law, and pastor all came to the conference, while my sisters and wife came along to relax at the amazing hotel, The Homestead.  We all went to the local hot springs together, the buildings around which were originally built by Thomas Jefferson.  It was a great time to get away and be a family.

We met a lot of great guys who are ready to be a “faithful presence” in their families, communities, and churches.  It was inspiring to hear about what men in business are doing to serve and reach out all over the world.  The NCS guys were hilarious, as usual.  Skip Bowlinski took his antics to new lows and hilarity ensued.

One conference highlight for me was personally meeting Luis Palau, who gave a stirring message at a Promise Keepers meeting I attended with my dad fourteen years ago.  I was convicted and responded with tears in my eyes by deciding to follow Jesus.  I was twelve year old at the time.  Luis was all smiles when I told him about it this weekend. He told Lisa, “You owe me one!”

Another memorable experience was having breakfast with Graham Kendrick, an amazing and experienced international worship leader.  I asked him loads of questions about leading worship and balancing family life with ministry.  He and Paul Baloche led some awesome times of worship at the conference.

The weekend with family and NCS “brudders” built me up spiritually and refreshed me emotionally.  I’m motivated to be a “faithful presence” in my family, community, and church and will be meditating on “Christ in me and through me,”   Luis’ theme on Saturday morning. Here is the video recap of the conference: