Flourish

On Saturday 3rd May, an event for the “over fifties” Flourish was held in Perth. It was hosted by Wendy Yapp, a gift to the Body of Christ in Perth, who always follows through with what The Lord lays on her heart to unite, connect and display the gifts and talents within the women of our city.

The atmosphere was electric as the two hundred and sixty women gathered. It was a long day (9am–4pm) but it was jam packed with so many different facets and every segment flowed into the next with segments of worship in between. The theme was a walking through the wells in Genesis 26 and speakers were given 15 minutes, and then activation and worship followed.

The wells of God sees you – Beer-Lahai-Roi (Hagar) and Opposition/arguing – Esek/Sitnah really ministered to many bruised and needy women and then came to Rehoboth, a place of flourishing, enlargement, provision and peace.

A very poignant segment was a Song of Lament (Keening) which came from the anointed worship leader and the audience responded in song, a haunting and meaningful cry to the Lord who has called for the “Wailing Women” . Something shifted in the atmosphere and souls were touched at a deep level.

Three other women shared to encourage women to go on in strength – Beersheba, each bringing a unique and practical word.

The Kenyan women danced and worshipped as only they can, and were a joy to behold.

There were significant Break Out sessions which women could choose from i.e. Grief and Loss, Menopause – led by one of the leading Clinical Psychologists, Worship around the piano with oldies singing beautiful old hymns and sharing, Intercession. An artist was outside teaching women to draw a Well, which was the theme. There was a magnificent well prop on the stage which went from being a bare dry well, but as the day progressed, plants, greenery and flowers were added to see the Flourishing taking place.

A female Anglican priest led us in a very beautiful traditional communion, with all the delegates coming up and receiving their elements. It was a very reverent and solemn moment, and a great contemplation and silence came upon the room at the solemnity of the moment.

There was a Miracle Room set up that was open all day and the anointing was awesome and powerful. People were reluctant to leave, we were reminded we are to come to the well to drink and draw water but then move out to transform the city. It was a sanctuary and the presence of Jesus was tangible. Candles, soft lighting, calming worship music set up the atmosphere and God’s presence in the room was magnificent and the Holy Spirit was active in healing and liberating those who arrived burdened and distressed. There were moments of repentance, tears and joy as participants received physical healing, comfort and blessing. Those on the Prayer Team said they counted it a great privilege and blessing to serve the Lord in that way.

Just as the Samaritan woman, who was marginalised and broken, met Jesus, and tasted of the living water that she so desperately needed, the day was geared for the women to drink also.

There were 3 Causes that were given opportunity to expound for a few minutes, which Margi Brookman and myself shared how God opened up the door to Kenya for us when we were 70 years old. A lot of women were challenged and encouraged by that – God has not finished with any of us yet.

The last prophetic statement was when the 260 women stationed themselves on the outer walls of the auditorium and a huge material brick wall was held up by every woman. Women taking their stand guarding and praying for our Nation, city, families, and neighbourhoods – just as in the days of Nehemiah.

It was such a significant time, particularly as it was the day of the Election where our Nation’s future was being unfolded. It was an awesome day – significant, not only for individual lives being encouraged and strengthened but for the Kingdom.

Edna Walter, Leader Northern Suburbs (Perth)