When I was growing up, I went to a liberal church that never had a family conference. Conferences were all new to me after I joined the Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1957, three years after my conversion to Christ through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship while a student nurse at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Since 1958, I’ve attended every RP International Conference, all of which God used to “restore my soul, and lead me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3). At each conference, the main speaker brought the specific theme to practical life applications. Being away from the outside world and all its troubles and distractions—phones, TV, radio, and other gadgets—enabled me to totally concentrate on the lectures. As in Psalm 23:5, God “set a table before me.” I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in this much-prayed-for meeting of Christians. We all pray months or even years in advance, as preparations are being made, and continue praying strongly.

The Holy Spirit works in my life to make the Scriptures that I hear, read, and sing come to life. I am enabled to grow in faith and trust as I pray the Scriptures and apply them to my life. Just talking with and getting to know new and old friends that meet at discussion time fed me spiritually. We had time to share prayer needs—problems, sorrows, as well as joys and blessings from the lectures.

We communicated off and on all day as we participated in the interesting variety of programs, and went to meals. Speaking of meals, that’s when mothers have a special treat. I enjoyed a break from cooking and doing dishes for a week! We’re free to relax, learn, and apply Scripture to our lives.

The afternoons offered a choice of activities for all ages. I took my young children for a refreshing swim, while others played volleyball, basketball, ran on the track, or played piano or other musical instruments.

Ken and I always took our three children to the International Conferences to help them get a good, more complete foundation in the Christian faith. They learned God’s truth early in life, and discovered how to obediently apply it to all areas of their lives through interesting Bible studies geared for each age group. By going to conferences, they met many children their own age and made new friends through the years.

I thank our Lord that each of our children came to saving faith at an early age. God answered our prayers, and guided us in guiding them. He gets the praise for this wonderful, eternal blessing.

The conference is a great place for single adults to meet, get acquainted, and perhaps find a person to marry. At the last conference in 2012, single adults were invited to Monday evening table games to get acquainted. It was at that occasion that our son, John, met his bride-to-be. They married the following June. We rejoice with John that Alisha is now in our family. At least one other couple who met at the conference were united the next year. Thank you, Lord!

Talent night is a joyful and fun tradition, where the audience can see and hear God’s gifts of music, gymnastics, and humor in the lives of people of all ages. Our son, John, shared his classical piano music. Also, he led a group of musicians in beautiful chamber music concerts in the afternoon at several conferences, where he played six or more different instruments.

Ken and I got to participate one evening. He played harmonica and I pounded out the Newfoundland Ugly Stick—a fun folk instrument from Canada (pictured below). A variety of ages of conferees lined up to play the Newfoundland Ugly Stick when I gave the invitation, saying, “There’s no wrong way to play.” Two lads from Australia stole the show with their antics. Cameras flashed everywhere.

A cappella psalm singing was new to me when I joined the RPCNA. When I sing with the over 2,000 Christians at the conference, the beautiful four-part singing is like a taste of heaven, where we’ll always rejoice in praising God. Because there’s no piano or organ to lean on musically, I’ve learned to read and sing the other three parts of some tunes, especially tenor, with help from those around me. So, come and enjoy musical growth.

The older I get, the more I realize I need to grow in the Lord, obey, live out His Word, and be more like Him. “Be ye holy as I am holy,” instructs Leviticus 19:2. The conference speakers deal with this issue. Christ is my life. He gives balance, and causes all of life—spiritual, emotional, and physical—to make sense. The more I learn from wiser preachers and teachers, the more paths open up from God to learn. It’s amazing. I never come to the end of learning how to be more holy. The conference is concentrated time of learning, personal application, and sharing. It is a blessing to be experienced by all, where God may lead “in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3).

At conferences I’ve heard testimonies of how others reach out in missions all over the world—China, India, Wyoming—and to their next-door neighbor. I pray and try to apply missionary love and duty to my life and neighborhood.

One great blessing in going to the International Conference is the financial aid some congregations give to help those in need. I pray for people who think they don’t have the time or can’t afford to go. God can make a way. Perhaps some can’t afford not to go. The blessings are a preparation for eternity with our Savior Jesus Christ. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Ps. 23:6).

Author Virginia McBurney and her husband, Ken, live in Beaver Falls, Pa., where they attend First (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC.