By Jody Brown
March 30, 2005
(AgapePress) - "A family vacation with a purpose." That's how an upcoming three-day conference geared toward Christian families is being promoted.
Worldview Weekend conferences are scheduled for more than a dozen different locations over the rest of the calendar year. The two-day conferences -- which feature noted Christian speakers and performers, and encourage believers to "think and live like a Christian" -- will be hosted in locales such as Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (April 8-9); Lincoln, Nebraska (September 30-October 1); and Indianapolis, Indiana (November 18-19). But organizers say the upcoming three-day extravaganza in Branson, Missouri (April 29-30, May 1) offers more than the regular fare.
Branson, located in the southwestern quarter of the Show Me State and just north of the Arkansas border, describes itself as the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World." With more than two dozen theaters hosting family-friendly performers like Andy Williams, The Gatlin Brothers, and Jim Stafford -- as well as theme parks and seasonal outdoor activities -- the area attracts more than five million people each year. Among those converging on Branson in just a few weeks will those gathering for the "Worldview Weekend Family Reunion."
Brannon Howse, host for the "Family Reunion," says the line-up of speakers and artists for the Branson event is second to none. "We have incredible talent appearing at [the Reunion]," he says. "This is a weekend for adults, teenagers, and seniors. Everyone is welcome."
Speakers scheduled to appear in Branson include Dr. Michael Youssef ("Leading the Way" radio broadcast), actor Kirk Cameron and author Ray Comfort of "The Way of the Master," Star Parker of the Coalition on Urban Renewal and Education, and theologian Dr. Erwin Lutzer, pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago. In addition, Bob Lepine of Arkansas-based FamilyLife will be speaking on "How to Keep the Secular Humanist Worldview from Harming Your Family."
Musical guests include gospel singer and songwriter Al Denson, Shelly Graves, Denny and Sheila Yeary, and the Branson Valley Boys. Other entertainment includes the comedy of Matt and Thom Gumm, and the illusionist/ventriloquist team of Hamner and Barber.
According to Howse, the conference schedule allows for significant amounts of free time that will permit attendees to take advantage of all Branson has to offer. In addition, organizers have designated an "official conference restaurant" near the conference sight. And like at all other Worldview Weekend conferences, every student who attends the event in Branson will receive a free resource -- such as a book or a CD -- "to encourage them in their worldview studies," Howse says.
An added feature, says Howse, is an opportunity for conferees to witness first-hand the evangelism approach of Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort. He says the "mini-school evangelism training," which will occur during the free time on Saturday, April 30, will allow individuals to accompany the two men and get some hands-on experience in using the Ten Commandments as an evangelism tool -- the approach promoted by the Way of the Master ministry.
"This is a weekend like no other," he adds. Howse encourages families, couples, and singles to register as soon as possible so they can make travel and lodging arrangements. More than 2,000 people, including more than 300 students, attended last year's "Family Reunion" in Branson.
A second reunion conference is slated for later this year as well. The "Smokey Mountain Worldview Weekend Family Reunion" will take place the first weekend in November in Sevierville, Tennessee, just north of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
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