My life group mates asked me about my expectations towards this year's Oceania Convention, and I don't know what to reply. This is the second time I've attended a conference, and I wasn't told that we need to have expectations towards such things. Now, I realize that that wasn't just a lousy excuse, but also a colossal mistake. After my experience, I can safely say that not knowing what you want from attending a conference is equal to not having your heart prepared for God to make changes in you. I went in empty, and I came out as empty as before.
During prayer on the first night, I felt a gush of heat running through my spine, from top to bottom, but I didn't know what that was. Later, on the second day, pastor Randy Clark explained that heat and energy usually implicates healing. And for the second time, I felt that heat again during prayers, and I was comforted by God's presence.
Randy Clark taught us about words of knowledge about people's situations when we pray for them. It is amazing to see how God uses different people for different purposes by granting them different gifts.
At night, when Pastor Randy prayed for the floor to ask for impartation of the Holy Spirit, I see many manifestations. Though I wasn't shocked, simply because I've come prepared, I was rather disappointed when I wasn't one of them, to be honest. I felt as if God was very distant. More so when I heard others' testimonies or stories about their experience. I know I shouldn't be having that feeling, but I couldn't help it. However, at the same time, I rejoice for those who have had an encounter with God.
The next day, during the healing rally, I invited a few of my friends to join us. It was a whole new experience for me and for them, and I was glad that their response were positive, too. I believe, the journey is still long and this is just the beginning. God's presence could be sensed in the hall, and He was performing miracles after miracles.
My experience of this year's OC is rather uneventful, but I've learned my lesson: never come unprepared.
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