Yep, that’s right … tomorrow I travel to the “Made for More” Exodus International Freedom Conference. It will be the 17th conference I will have attended.

However, this will be the first one I have attended not being in any official Member Ministry leadership position or on Exodus Staff. One caveat is that I am doing a bit of consultant work for Exodus but … it has nothing to do with the conference and I have no conference “duties” while I am there.

How weird is that going to be? I’m thinking kind of weird.

My first conference was the San Diego California, Point Loma Nazarene College, conference in 1995. The only one I have missed since then was 1996. At the ’95 conference I was so nervous I got a migraine. Not kidding! That quickly wore off as the leaders, especially Mary Heathman who was the Board Chair then, were so kind and approachable.

I heard so many great teachers and it was truly a positive life changing conference for me. It was at that conference my call to Christian ministry was confirmed. It was at that conference I experienced healing and repented for my hatred toward the church. I also met Pastor Bob, Alan Chambers, John Paulk and many people who have come to be beloved and dear friends.

Over the years, I have had many other great memories; sharing my testimony, a keynote in Indiana, more than a few workshops … But what I like most is the Lord *always* shows up and applies that year’s theme dynamically and powerfully in each attendees life. I LOVE the worship times and all the various conversations with friends, leaders, new friends. new leaders, detractors, supporters, speakers, conference staff, crazy travel stories … and even reporters.

Granted, as a staff person it could get very difficult to stay awake by the end of the week. It’s a lot of work!

So this year, it will be interesting to be there as a former Exodus staff person and not as a Member ministry director chasing around 50 or so group members. I am very excited to experience the conference through this new “context” if you will.

Also, I plan on blogging the conference. That’s basically why I am going aside from the fellowship and worship. So, please stay tuned. I will be blogging all this here at RandyThomas.Co plus more on the fly status updates/photos/videos on my public Facebook page  and Twitter.

I’m excited for the conference … for the 17th time .