ONE: Women’s Conference in Marion is Expanding

In its 5th year, the ONE: Women’s Conference is expanding to two days and will be held on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, 2013. Organizers say women and Jr. and Sr. high school girls will be inspired by powerful sessions, engaging worship, the citywide prayer encounter, a catered lunch, giveaways, lots of chocolate, shopping, and the friendship of hundreds of women.

Kathy Toney, conference host and founder, said that in 2009 she recognized the critical issues within Marion and decided to coordinate ONE. Now, five years later, more than 1500 women and teen girls have participated, representing over 60 churches from Marion and the surrounding counties.

This citywide event has grown every year, and Toney (pictured above during a previous conference) said participants have shared their desire for a larger event. This year’s two-day Women’s Conference will be held at the Family Life Church Campus, 2209 Marion-Waldo Road in Marion.

Recognizing the issues our city is currently addressing, ONE decided to bring to Marion Tracy Strawberry, a businesswoman, life coach and international speaker. The wife of former MLB star Darryl Strawberry, her life of dysfunctional relationships, drug addiction and defeated living has been completely changed. Strawberry says that through the transforming power of God, her addictions have been conquered, her emotions tamed and her mind trained to be a powerhouse of successful and prosperous thoughts. Tracy is now dedicated to helping people with a message of hope, strength and practical ways of how to transform their lives.

Other sessions will feature Conference Host and speaker, Kathy Toney, as well as a panel of special guests.

Toney said that another component of the event is the Citywide Prayer Encounter. Each year at ONE, hundreds of women have prayed collectively for solutions for Marion, asking that God would give residents in the community wisdom in raising families, increases in our businesses, protection and excellent education for students, and direction for leaders.

“Since 2009, we believe that there is a growing awareness and determination in our city that Marion’s best days are ahead of us, and we believe that God is gracing our city with increased Direction, Wisdom and Favor,” said Toney.

Doors open at 6:00pm on Friday, August 9, with shopping opportunities with vendors, Main Session and refreshments to follow. On Saturday, August 10, doors open at 8:30am. Saturday features the Citywide Prayer Encounter, empowering sessions, shopping throughout the day, and a catered lunch will be provided with the cost of the ticket. Saturday’s sessions end at 4:30pm.

All tickets include Friday and Saturday Conference Sessions and a catered lunch on Saturday. General tickets are $40 and Jr/Sr High tickets are $10. Tickets may be purchased at Family Life Church, Hope Crossing Bookstore, at participating churches in the community, or online www.yourfamilylife.org.

To view a commercial, conference schedule, speaker bios, or to register online, visit www.yourfamilylife.org, then choose “EVENTS”, then “ONE CONFERENCE”.