The Tribune

By ALBERT COX

Helping Christian women realise their worth and reinforce their relationship with God was the aim of the recent G5 Women’s Conference held by the Living Waters Kingdom Ministries in Oakes Field.

Hosted by Olivia Wells, with a panel of four speakers – Melissa Hall, Minister Sherry Bethel, Raenell Wells and Madeline Nesbitt – the event took place under the theme “Women of Action”.

The conference was initially scheduled to last for three days, but was cut short by one day due to Hurricane Joaquin.

During the remaining two days, however, those in attendance were treated to Word-driven poetry, godly musical selections, spiritual mime dance and testimonies of triumph. Organisers estimate that about 400 women attended the conference, representing denominations from throughout New Providence.

Raenell Wells spoke on the purpose of G5, which stands for “Glamorous Girls Giving God Glory”, saying: “This was an amazing and spiritual God-driven event to help women appreciate their personal value and relationship to God, to learn more of their purpose to shine from the inside out, not in an egotistical way, but in a spirit-driven, purpose-driven way that is principle to God’s Word...Persons at the event were full of energy, love, wanting to share and communicate with each other. The reception of the women to many of the testimonies was incredible. Persons throughout the event constantly spoke about how they gain spiritual strength from taking in the experience and Word of what was shared. We could see women throughout ministry encouraging each other, giving good energies from what was been said in principle to God’s Word to how we ought to live and walk in our purpose as women.”

G5 was founded by Olivia Wells as a movement within the church to inspire women in their godly purpose and to uphold God’s principles.

Mrs Wells, who also hosted the event, said she was delighted with the participation of so many women.

Dr Raymond Wells, senior pastor of Living Waters Kingdom Ministries, spoke at the first event on September 30. He used former Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia “Mother” Pratt as an example of a woman of action who fulfilled her possibility by leading the Bahamas as the first female acting Prime Minister and how she affected many by living her purpose in her womanhood.

Minister Madeline Nesbitt, who was one of the speakers, said many women connect to her personal story – having had four kids by four different men. She said she grew in her struggle as a single mother by holding on to God’s Word and allowing Him to reshape her life into what He had called her to be for her children.

Minister Nesbitt also spoke about being proud to have raised her children with the direction of God. Her children grew up to be a chef, a lawyer, a doctor and possibly a future professional basketball player.

Shantell Fowler, who is one of the participants of Living Waters’ dance ministry, said: “I was so engulfed with the power of the message that was given, seeing and hearing many of the women ministering their personal testimonies publicly helped strengthen me. And as I saw many other persons who attended from many other churches, it definitely assisted me to strive toward greater possibility in my relationship with God and the discipline in being subject to His every command, along with being a great mother. It was really special in hearing every story shared by all the speakers, especially Madeline Nesbitt. What an incredible story to see and hear how God redefined her life and granted her the opportunity to birth new purpose in this world.”