It was the most closely guarded secret at this year's conference.  Steve Green, seven-time Dove award winner, stunned CBMC staff and leaders Tuesday night when he walked out of the shadows and began singing "Find Us Faithful," the theme of this year's conference. Lee Truax, president of CBMC, said, "You could actually hear a collective gasp of surprise and awe that he was actually here." For over 90-minutes Steve sang praises to Jesus and punctuated the memorable evening with rich stories of what Christ has meant to him and his family over the past 25 years.

"I've been in this ministry for over 25 years," bellowed Jerry Molnar of Jersey City, NJ, "and I can tell you flat out, CBMC is back!"  

Steve received two, long standing ovations during the evening of song and worship, and when the curtain came down with his trademark song, "Find Us Faithful," the gathering once again came to their feet and roared their approval. 

Leslie Bundy of Newport Beach, CA, moved by what she had just experienced, said, "I could not believe my eyes when he walked out.  It was a moment I'll never forget." 

Tears, laughter, and more tears of joy were the order of this night and perhaps Joe McDonald of Chicago summed it up best.  With tears dripping down his cheeks, Joe whispered, "This has been an amazing night, one I will never be able to put into words."  Steve and his band joined the 128 CBMCers in the lobby for a time of fellowship and photos and then quietly said good-bye as they boarded their bus for the all-night trip back to Nashville. What a time it was for all. 

Things got off to a resounding start Sunday night with hugs and warm handshakes as friends reconnected throughout the evening. On Monday, Bob Milligan, President of CBMC International, stepped onto the stage and officially invited CBMC staff and leaders to attend the World CBMC Conference in Singapore this November. "We would be honored if each of you would prayerfully consider coming to experience the worldwide dynamic of this ministry," Milligan said.  Korea's John Shin, Chairman of the Board for CBMC International, shared his nation's plan to build the CBMC International Leadership Training Center in Seoul.  Shin expressed a debt of gratitude for what America has done for Korea not only militarily and politically but more importantly for bringing missionaries to their shores during WWII and the Korean Conflict.  As he concluded, back away from the podium, paused and with tear-filled eyes, he bowed. The entire room came to their feet and loudly applauded.

The conference included stellar messages from Walter McCord of Moody Graduate School.  Walt reminded everyone that to be found faithful by the God of the Universe, we must be Living In His Presence... he gave a rousing message on the indisputable fact that Character Counts.  He taught Tuesday morning on the Marks of a Godly Man, and concluded the conference with the real value of A Man Who Leaves a Legacy.  His messages were laser-focused, driving home tremendous Biblical depth with humor and real-life stories winding through his teachings.

"Walt McCord was absolutely wonderful. I am going to see if it might be possible to have him address our Family Camp at Scroon Lake, NY", said Ernie Truax of CBMC New England.  "His slides of the Holy Land, his understanding of the Book of Ruth, his humor and his love for the Word moved me beyond words," reflected Duane Ferrel from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

One of the highlights of this 3-day celebration was the reintroduction of Living Proof. Three episodes were shown and the small group breakouts wrestled with issues of how to interact effectively with non-believers, the battle that often rages between our emotions, intellect, and will.  Jim Bingaman led the discussion of the final episode of the discipleship series, "The Eternal Purpose."  He ignited the group with questions on how having an eternal perspective can shape the legacy we want to leave and what are the rewards of doing so. There is no question that Jim was in his comfort zone leading 128 men and women in this "small group."

The theme "Find Us Faithful" was woven throughout the conference and so was a phrase "Get Connected." After every session, those in attendance were presented with lapel pins, a set of coasters, CBMC Bibles, Nike shirts and window decals... all bearing a new CBMC typestyle and the phrase "Get Connected." Steve Casbon skillfully orchestrated a 2-hour session on Field Ministry Support and then led a rousing celebration of what is happening from sea-to-shining-sea in our ministry. The Get Connected campaign was explained in more detail, and the group applauded at what they heard throughout the morning.  

While all of this was going on, the women were down the hill at Chatlos Chapel for an emotional time of worship and reflection.  Author Lee Ezell shared her testimony of brutality, recovery, of connecting with a child and of coming to Christ.  For nearly 2-hours, she poured out her heart and our wives were profoundly impacted.  

The conference saw incredible time of healing as former President Phil Downer and his wife, Suzy, returned and were warmly received.  Phil was moved beyond measure at the reception he received, saying, "I made some mistakes during my time at CBMC, and I will never be able to describe what it has meant to us to be here to reconnect with so many people that I have desperately missed."   The healing, the depth of teaching, the joy of being in the midst of the Holy Spirit, watching the emotional and moving videos prepared exclusively for this gathering all combined to make this year's Leadership Conference one that few, if any, will forget.

The curtain came down with people standing and sharing what this conference meant to them with extended hugs and words of encouragement coming from every corner of the Training Center at The Cove.  And as the attendees packed their cars and began to head out of Asheville, Bill McAvinney from Fredericksburg, MD summed it up perfectly, "How will we ever top this one?"