Women of Vision Empowering Nations, better known to many as WOVEN International, has only been in existence for one year, yet they are already making strides to unite, encourage and strengthen the women of our community, through their upcoming three-day conference, "Experiencing a Time of Refreshing in the Presence of the Lord."

Planned for next weekend, February 14-17, at the Southampton Princess, the conference is open to all.

According to Evelyn James-Barnett, "It's for women, but it's not exclusive. We're inviting and expecting women and men from all over… It is for people who need a time of healing."

WOVEN's mission statement is: "To encourage, equip and empower women to realise their purpose and develop their full potential by:

Fostering unity among women of different faith traditions;

Encouraging sustainable life skills through spiritual renewal and holistic development; Providing a Christian global view of social issues; and Recognising their call as agents of change and reconciliation."

WOVEN International is overseen by Bishop M. Neville Smith, and is chaired by Rev. Marilyn G. Lambe, without who's vision WOVEN would not exist.

"I just saw a need that women really needed to come together," she shared, remembering when she first returned to Bermuda in 2003.

"With previous women's ministry experience in the US, she felt urged to find a way to help women from different denominational backgrounds to come and work together by using their gifts and talents to encourage and support one another, and, in turn, encourage and support their families and communities.

"I really think the conference will be a launching pad for… redirecting women," Mrs. Barnett shared.

Featured speakers for the day include Rev. Dr. Chyanna Mull-Anthony, and Rev. Dr. LaDonna Osborn, daughter of T.L. Osborn.

The Conference will begin with a special luncheon at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on February 14, for Government Ministers and National leaders, so that they can personally interact with the guest speakers for the weekend.

An opening celebration will follow that evening, with workshops running all day Friday, February 15, and during the morning of February 16.

Some of the workshops include Christian Life Skills, taught by Rev. Barbara W. Rogers; 21st Century Evangelism, taught by Dr. Mae Reggy-Mamo of Atlanta, Georgia; Healing of Damaged Emotions taught by Pastor Willa Tramble of Kansas City, Kansas; Breaking the Silence of HIV/AIDS taught by Dr. Marvel McCain Parker of Summit Hills, Illinois.

In addition to the workshops, WOVEN is hosting Club Reign Live, for teenagers and young adults, on the Friday evening from 7.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Jonathan Lambe, a Bermudian ministering in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will be leading the event, along with a group he has brought to the island specifically for the event.

Attendees will enjoy Christian Hip-Hop, dancers, live bands, food, prizes and much more.

The event is free, but space is limited, so tickets are a must. For more information on Club Reign Live.

You can contact Dee Hollis at 337-1389 or 293-2664 or Pat O'Connor at 293-3258 or 517-1198.

As there will be many guests attending from overseas, both as speakers and to attend the conference, WOVEN has coordinated a Taste of Bermuda concert for the Saturday evening.

The concert will feature local artists, including Ruth Thomas, the Allison Trio, Septimus, Tony Robinson, Nicole Francis, Jason Burrows, the New Season Choir, Place's Gombeys and the YARAH Dancers.

You can register online for the WOVEN conference by visiting their website at www.WovenInternational.com.