Hope of Heaven Conference
On September 25 and 26, 2009,
B.I.G. Love hosted our first Hope of Heaven Conference at the Town Square Marriott in Sugar Land, TX. This conference
was specially created for families who have lost a child or battled an illness. This year, Don Piper, the author of "90 Minutes
in Heaven," was our special guest. The Hope of Heaven Conference is
not a fundraiser in anyway, but rather an opportunity for hurting families to connect with others and renew their hope.
B.I.G. Love not only offered the conference at a reduced rate, but provided sponsorships for those who were unable
to pay. Over 200 people attend the first Hope of Heaven Conference.
Quotes from Hope of Heaven conference
"I thoroughly enjoyed the conference. I was busy thinking of all the people that I wished had heard about it."
"I came away with such a distinct message. First, I will see my loved ones again in Heaven. Second, You have to find a new normal. And then, you need to help others find a new normal...just perfect. The conference definitely helped me refocus and want to be a better nurse."
"Many, many thanks for the Hope of Heaven Conference. Everything was lovely, and I can't even imagine how you could
have served us better. The meal, the hotel, the people, the message----everything was as perfect as it could be."
Letters from Hope of Heaven 2009
From a cancer family...their 5 year old daughter passed away September 2007.
"Before The Hope of Heaven Conference, I had begun the anger phase of my grief. In my case, I had become very angry. It’s not that I didn’t know or trust that my child was in Heaven; my anger came from not understanding "Why." My analytical personality wanted to know why God could calm the storms, walk on water, raise the dead, etc. BUT He wouldn’t allow my child to live. I understand it’s all in His plan, but that was no longer an acceptable answer for me. I was angry!! I didn’t want to talk about God, didn’t want to hear anyone else talk about God. I didn’t even want to go to church and hear people talk about how amazing God is.
After hearing Don Piper speak about his experience, and how he had come to realize that he was to stay here on earth to help others that have gone through the same experience, I began to feel better about things. Maybe we’re supposed to experience this kind of pain and grief so that we can understand and possibly help others who have gone through the same emotional roller coaster.On Saturday, I had no idea what God had in store for me. Pastor Mike Mille delivered what would be an uplifting and spirit refreshing message. What he said helped me put my feelings and thoughts all back in balance. I realized I had let my soul get out of balance with my spirit. I had allowed my feelings, my thoughts, and my soul to take over. I gave up the fight. I no longer was fighting the battle between my soul and spirit. Pastor Mike’s message opened a lot of doors. It allowed me to talk to my husband about what I had been going through. We had always been able to talk but because of everything being out of balance, I had shut that door. I absolutely LOVED the conference!! I left with a New Hope of Heaven and a New Balance so that we can continue with our New Normal. Thank you BIG for sponsoring the conference."
From a cancer patient...
"I can’t wait to be a big part of next year’s events. You see, in my personality, the more I push away from everyone, the easier it is for me to cope. I now see that this has some serious potential to do damage to myself and my relationships. It takes alot for me to process things that happen and things that should be happening. I have really never been one to ask for help either...so that also pushes me more toward being alone. This weekend was a divine appointment made by God for me. I could not have gotten that from anyplace else so B.I.G. Love does BIG things.
I love you all and am proud to have known so many people that live to help others out, including myself.Thank you again for inviting me. The whole heaven description helped my son too. Now when I talk to him, we can talk on a mature level. He knows that if anything happens to me, I will be in Heaven, and I will be waiting for him, at the Gate, in his time."
From a Cancer family, their 17 year old son passed away December 2005.
Chaney and Jessica...
"We were honored to have been a part of the Hope of Heaven conference. It was truly a privilege to serve those seeking the Lord’s comfort beyond their grief and sorrow. We noticed people’s countenance change immediately once they realized they were among others experiencing a similar journey. No doubt, they quickly recognized that they were not alone in their sorrow. They were in the midst of many going through the journey of grief. They were able to see and hear, from a God far greater than the dark valleys of despair and hopelessness, that hope and healing IS possible.The conference left behind an understanding and reassurance that our loved ones are not only in our past but a glorious part of the future that awaits us all! Eternity was spelled out clearly.Knowing this, we can all look to the future under the new light of Hope. There was so much love in the atmosphere that a healing took place in us all. God did it! He restored our lives with purpose to help those around us who see no way out, with the feeling at times of perhaps wanting to end their own life just to be with their loved one. Hope has begun anew once again for many.
Thank you so much for taking up the call to help heal the broken hearted, restore the wounded and set the captives of grief free. This conference was ordained by our Heavenly Father’s heart to those sitting in darkness…and now life has begun again. It’s a new path, a different course, and a new way to live with hope for tomorrow..."
Conference Agenda 2009
Friday Night: Speaker - Don Piper
Author of "90 Minutes in Heaven" and "Heaven is Real."
Dinner served at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday Morning: Speaker - Pastor Mike Mille - New Orleans, LA
Breakfast served from 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Morning Session begins at 10:00 am
Due to the Fun Run being moved to September, the Hope of Heaven Conference will be moved to another month. When the details are finalized the new dates will be posted here.
If additional information is needed, please contact:
Natalie Molock
Director of Development and Volunteer Coordinator
Jessica Phillips
Director/Founder