"In the Footsteps of the Messiah"
Oklahoma Conference a Blessing to Many
The conference, In the Footsteps of the Messiah, took place December 25-28, 1997. Between 200 and 250 people attended the conference largely put on by the families of Mitchell Smith, Tim Kelly and Rob Feith. The speakers consisted of Ronald L. Dart, Yaffah daCosta, Norman Edwards, Joseph Good, Jim Rector, Dean Wheelock, and Ray Wooten. Announcements and introductions were given by Todd Drawbaugh. Each day began with the blowing of the shofar, and the song Oh Give Thanks, sung by Mitchell Smith’s adult children Leona, Cryssi, and Gary Smith and accompanied by Norman, Joel & Josh Edwards.
See the other articles on this page for summaries of the main speaking sessions, see next page to order tapes. In addition to the main speaking session, there were many other events of interest. The panel discussion on Sabbath afternoon covered many topics from "When does the Sabbath Start?" to "How many loaves of Challah (bread) were traditionally baked on Sabbath?" to "Will the Marriage of the Lamb be in Heaven or on Earth?" Please write for the tape if you are interested in these questions and answers.
In addition to the speaking activities, conference-goers had a chance to participate in several other largely "Jewish" services and ceremonies. Since the entire conference took place during the festival of Hanukkah, Hanukkah candles were lit each night. (See the summary of Joseph Good’s first message for an explanation of Hanukkah.) On Friday, a little before sunset, Joe Good performed and explained the traditional Jewish Kiddush (the blessing said over wine and bread, blessing of children, etc.). At 9:30, Sabbath morning, a group gathered together to read the weekly Torah (Gen 41:1-44:17) and Haftarah (1Kngs 3:15-4:1) portions and to discuss them. (Nearly all synagogues use the same system that defines scripture readings for every Sabbath and Holy Day of the year. The Torah is the first five books of the Bible and the Haftarah reading is from the prophets or writings.)
During the Sabbath service, Rob Feith gave a brief explanation of why he wears a keppah (cap) and talit (garment with fringes). He also explained why he prays facing Jerusalem (1Kngs 8:22-49). About 10 songs were sung as a part of the worship service. These varied from traditional "Christian" Hymns, modern "praise and worship choruses" to songs all in Hebrew. Singers and musicians were: Gary, Veronica, Leona, & Cryssi Smith, George & Pam Dewey, Wes & Connie Gordon, and Norman, Marleen & Joel Edwards. Also, Tracy Walker sang a song she had recently written about the Sabbath day. After sunset, Joe Good performed and explained the Havdalah ceremony—the traditional Jewish closing of the Sabbath.
There were also three major audience participation events. The Talent Showcase Thursday night included a number of musical, comedy, and dance acts. Dan Girourd served as the host. The Friday night sing-along was filled with a variety of music, and Davidic (circle-type) Dancing. The Saturday night family dance was mostly recorded music, but everyone was also treated to an impromptu band consisting at various times of Gary & Veronica Smith, Trey Cartwright, Jason Kelley and Joel, Josh & Norman Edwards.
There were a large number of activities for teens. The three teen Bible studies were: My Parents Say, "Marry in the Church"—Where Is the Church? given by Norman Edwards, Straight Talk With Teens,given by Rob Feith, and So, You’re Ready for the Car Keys Are You? given by Pam Dewey. In addition, there were corsage making, country and western dance lessons, basketball, volleyball, archery, hiking, assisting younger children on a nature tour, and plenty of just plain talking to friends. There were activities for the younger children, also: Bible stories, Bible videos, arts and crafts, dance lessons, a nature tour, and more.
—Norman S. Edwards