Special to The Journal

Over 300 women attended a conference on Saturday, March 24, where Kim Hendrix, news anchor and reporter for WSFA-TV in Montgomery, spoke.

The first of its kind in Crenshaw County, the conference was sponsored by Crenshaw County Women for Christ, an organization of Christian women from throughout the county.

South Luverne Baptist Church hosted the event. The conference theme was &#8220Bloom Where You Are Planted,” and Hendrix's presentations &#8220Tomorrow We Walk” and &#8220The Blessings of our Tragedies” captured the audience with her life stories and scripture applications. One of the ladies in attendance said, &#8220It was as if she were sitting in my living room sharing her heart with only me.”

Music was led by Jessica Carpenter and the Women for Christ Praise Team, a group of college-age women who shared their faith and their talents through their music.

Director of Public Relations and Tourism for the City of Troy Shelia Fayson Jackson gave a spectacular performance including a stirring rendition of &#8220You Raise Me Up,” with live keyboard and saxophone accompaniment.

The Women for Christ Players presented two humorous skits including one starring &#8220Minnie Pearl” who encouraged women to bloom right where they were planted no matter what their circumstances might be.

Door prizes were given away during the morning and afternoon sessions.

Under the direction of Nancy Petrey, the Women for Christ Choir sang several songs including a two-song medley, &#8220We Will Stand” and &#8220Take Up Your Cross.”

Beautiful blooming plants were located at the entrances and throughout the church.

The box lunches were decorated with floral ribbon and a sticker with the theme and conference scripture, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11: &#8220To everything there is

a season, and a time for every purpose under heavenŠHe hath made everything beautiful in His timeŠ”

It was a beautiful spring day, and many of the women enjoyed their lunch outside, picnic-style.

Men from several different churches volunteered to serve lunch and clean up afterwards, making it possible for the women to enjoy the entire conference.

Ann Tate, a part of the Women for Christ organization, said, &#8220We are thrilled with the turnout of women at this first conference.

We are in absolute awe of how God blessed this event, exceedingly and abundantly above all that we had prayed for.”