Testimonies

In 1993, I went to the conference discouraged. I didn't feel anything was happening with my writing, true, but more than that I had an overwhelming desire to be a mother. Gary and I had been happily married for ten 10 years, but the longing would not go away. During the conference closing, I was bawling before the Lord when I felt a little hand grab and hold mine. I opened my eyes and looked down, but I could see nothing. Still the pressure remained. Then a squeeze before releasing my confused flesh. I took it as a promise that God would fulfill my desire to be a mother. At the 1994 conference, I got to announce my pregnancy! - Susan Lyttek
 

If God ever whispers a promise and assures you of divine opportunity - simply believe. Though it seems to drag and delay, wait for it! In the fullness of time, every incredible word will suddenly come to life.
     This was my experience at the 2000 Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. I had attended for several years both as a conferee and a faculty member and gleaned tons of writing direction from being in this creative setting. But at this conference I had the pleasure of sitting for a 15 minute appointment with Al Janssen, then Vice President of Products for Focus on the Family. . . . What He promises, He alone brings to sweet fruition. For me, it happened at GPCWC - a not-to-miss gathering where writers and editors from multi-cultural and diverse backgrounds converge and connect in Christ. It's one conference I try not to miss, because my writing destiny keeps unfolding brilliantly in this special place. -  Yolanda Powell. Yolanda's book Soul Food & Living Water: Spiritual Nourishment and Practical Help for African-American Families was published collaboratively by Focus on the Family and Moody Publishers  as a result of a one-on-one appointment at GPCWC.

I attended my first Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference in 2002. I had an awesome experience. Attending the conference gave me more than I could ask for or imagine. You have clearly demonstrated your mission statement, "CWF exists to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ through training and inspiring His people to advance His Kingdom with excellently written and spoken words of truth and love." I am grateful for the training and I am deeply inspired to press on toward the goal God has set before me. My confidence has been boosted and my spirit is energized. I never expected to meet so many publishers, editors, authors, and fellow writers who were open to share their craft. - Dana Fields
 

The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference is a truly extraordinary, life changing experience each and every year. I consider it so indispensable a part of my training and growth as a writer that my family vacations are planned around your conference. The continuing sessions provide ongoing, in-depth training in my chosen area of Christian writing--children's literature--that no amount of reading books on the topic could equal. I know; I've read them.
     At the same time the workshops allow me the flexibility to broaden my understanding of specific skills and areas of the publishing business by choosing among a host of topics offered by outstanding individuals in the field. More often than not I struggle with choosing between two workshops that seem valuable and interesting being offered at the same time. Thanks for making the tapes available right at the conference for all the workshops I can't attend.
     Adding a much more personal dimension are the one-on-one sessions and the pre-paid critiques where expert authors and publishers offer invaluable advice and assistance on my individual writing or manuscript. At the conferences where I have had a portion of my manuscript available, publishers have been interested in taking it with them to review at their publishing house. What an opportunity!

     But by far the most profound part of the conference is the praise and worship that permeates each and every session. Your praise and worship times are absolutely the spiritual highlight of my entire year. There is nothing else that so energizes my faith. I receive such a spiritual blessing from the conference that I believe if God should ever lead me to stop writing, I'd come to the conference just for the worship! God bless you as you continue the vital ministry to believers throughout the world on His behalf. - Dr. Dale McElhinney

God has shown me a wider view of what Christian writers are doing for His Kingdom.  It's very easy for me to focus just on my own writing projects. Coming to the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers' Conference for the past several years provided me with opportunities to learn, to listen to others, to be inspired, to share, to encourage, to worship, and to grow. - Will Schirmer, Author, Reaching Beyond The Mennonite Comfort Zone
 

How grateful I am for the instruction received through Marlene Bagnull and her workshops and conferences. Through her encouragement our book God!  Who Else? has been revised, expanded and reprinted this year. Praise the Lord!  - E. Ruth Greiner


At my first conference I had a personal evaluation appointment with Marlene. That time with her, and her encouraging caring manner, enabled me to gain the confidence I needed to begin writing again. She gave me the opportunity of assisting on staff, and that was so enjoyable. I found the various authors most approachable and helpful. I recommend this conference highly! - Joy Cooley

I had journals full of bits-and-pieces, and a head full of ideas and dreams.  Attending the Christian Writers' Conferences has given me the courage I needed to risk becoming vulnerable, and the instruction I've needed to improve my writing skills and learn the process of working toward publication. The pieces are finally coming together. - Floss Craig

The GPCWC was indeed a blessing when I attended it last year (for the first time). As the Lord leads and encourages my writing efforts, it is exceptional to have Marlene and this forum to strengthen me."  -   Herb Wagner