A hard-hitting conference which will also feature Grammy Award winner Yolanda Adams in concert is slated to take Bermuda by storm early next month. Inspiring men and teaching them to assume leadership while teaching women how to complement their partners are two of the aims of the conference organised by the First Church of God.

Bishop Vernon Lambe, head of the church, describes the conference as inspirational and said it is aimed at bringing the community together through divine enrichment and spirituality. From December 2 to 5, participants in the Nation Changing Conference will hear from three speakers, including Bishop Eddie Long, Dr. Myles Munroe and Dr. Wanda Turner.

"We specifically chose these renowned speakers to join us at this year's conference as they all have very important messages to impart. At no time has Bermuda needed to hear these messages more," Bishop Lambe said in a Press release this week.

Bishop Eddie Long, of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, will speak about the need for men to stand tall, take their rightful positions and answer their calling to take back their families, neighbourhoods and nations.

Dr. Myles Munroe, the founder and president of Bahamas Faith Ministries International headquartered in Nassau, Bahamas, will share his insights on pursuing excellence in leadership within the home, on the job and in the community.

Dr. Wanda A. Turner, whose ministry in California crosses racial barriers, creeds and denominations, aims to provide fresh awareness for women by engaging them with life changing concepts to partner with men.

"Firstly, we are targeting young men who feel they exist without a purpose or destiny. We are also engaging with women to discuss their roles in complimenting men. Finally, we are targeting leaders in the community in order to encourage excellence in every sphere, be it home life, in business or politics," Bishop Lambe said.

An opening service will be held at 7 p.m. on December 2 at the National Sports Centre. On December 3 at 9 a.m. there are separate sessions for men (led by Bishop Eddie Long) and women (led by Dr. Wanda Turner). This will be followed by an open session with Dr. Myles Munroe at 11 a.m. at the First Church of God on North Shore Road.

A worship service will also be held at the National Sports Centre at 7 p.m. on December 3. The opening service and worship service are open to everyone at no cost. The remainder of the conference will cost between $100 and $375.

For $100, participants may register for all conference sessions and conference materials. For $375, participants may bring a partner to the conference sessions, receive preferred seating and copies of conference CDs.

On Saturday, December 4, gospel singer and Grammy Award winner, Yolanda Adams, along with Darius Brooks, will bring a message of praise through music in a concert at the First Church of God.

On December 5, Dr. Turner will speak at an early service at 11 a.m. The closing service, conducted by Dr. Munroe, will take place at 4.30 p.m. Both sessions will take place at the First Church of God.

To register for the conference, please contact the First Church of God on 295-2297, ext. 247, or register online at www.ncc2004.info.