A Fresh Perspective on RPIC

by Charity Williams

The 2024 Reformed Presbyterian International Conference was a blessing to me in more ways than one. As a first timer, I went into the week with expectations formed only by the descriptions of those who had gone before me, so I waited with anticipation to experience it firsthand.

Seeing almost an entire auditorium filled with people from around the world, connected by our belonging to the Reformed Presbyterian denomination, and ultimately the salvation we share in Christ, is an exciting yet humbling thing. To see so many souls brought together by the Lord’s providence was astounding. Being part of the college age group, I especially appreciated the various college-age activities and workshops planned throughout the week. Something pleasantly surprising was the variety of things to do, even in the free time—like lawn games, gym activities, psalm sings, walks around campus with old friends, fellowship over coffee with new friends—and that could all be in just one afternoon!

Lectures each morning under Pastor Warren Peel were especially significant given the theme, “Glorifying God in Babylon.” He revealed the parallels of the book of Daniel with our 21st-century culture: the frightening realities of sin and its pernicious effects on humanity throughout every age, and God being King over all. My peers and I were appreciative for and motivated by the talks, and they led to a lot of great conversations.

One important thing I learned about RPIC is that, because it is a rich week full of lectures, sermons, seminars, and fellowship, rest is very important. That can be hard when it is tempting to fit in as many activities and as much social time as possible, especially being in the young adult group. But it is important to recognize that with such opportunities like this conference, as in daily life, we must prioritize rest if our hearts and minds are to be engaged in those wonderful means of grace the Lord has given His people.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to attend RPIC 2024 and, Lord willing, am planning on attending future ones.

RPIC in a New Chapter of Life

by Alice Odom

It was joy beyond description to step back onto the campus of Indiana Wesleyan for RPIC 2024. This summer marked my fourth conference, but it had been eight long years since I’d last attended. In 2016, I was 13 and in the middle school program, and before that I had been attending since I was 5 years old. I regret not being more active in paying attention to the sermons and lectures during the week while I was younger.

I remember thinking how crazy it would be that in two conferences I’d be 21, but now I’m here, and I’ve never been happier to return and experience RPIC with new eyes. Pastor Warren Peel’s lectures on Daniel were some of the most practical I have ever heard, and I feel they are especially applicable to today’s Christian youth, living in the “Babylon” of the 21st Century. Also, the variety of college and adult lectures I attended enhanced my confidence in evangelism, renewed my heart for missions, and opened my eyes to new areas of the ministry of the RPCNA and other sister denominations.

In addition to excellent instruction in the Word, the fellowship I experienced was what I can only describe as a taste of heaven. I was able to reconnect with childhood friends, reunite with my TFY class, make new friends, and, especially dear to my heart, sing God’s psalms with like-minded believers from all over the country and the world. The psalm sings and the talent show were by far my favorite parts of the week, as well as the Sunday during the conference, which was one of the most restful and beautiful Lord’s Days I’ve ever experienced.

Praise be to God for allowing His people in the RP Church to gather once again after eight years, and may He be glorified in future conferences. I hope to see many of you in 2028!