Main Speakers
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Barb Mulvey - Keynote SpeakerBarb is a certified Biblical Counselor and a CPA. Born and raised in Canada, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1998. Her journey to freedom after sexual abuse is described in her book Hope Ahead. The effects of abuse were shame, broken trust, betrayal, anger, and despair, but Barb now lives a joyful life in Christ – acceptance, security, trust, love, and freedom. A passionate teacher, you'll remember her stories long after the conference is over.
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Barb's Keynote Message:
I get to kick off this year’s REAL Conference teaching in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. I will unpack the concept of “the Father of compassion” with teaching and drama. I will also share my testimony—how I have the privilege of comforting others with the same comfort I received from God. Let’s shed light on some of Satan’s schemes that keep us from trusting God (like pushing us away from God in our time of need). I hope to challenge you, encourage you, and strengthen your faith in our compassionate, merciful Father –the God WHO LOVES YOU!!
I get to kick off this year’s REAL Conference teaching in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. I will unpack the concept of “the Father of compassion” with teaching and drama. I will also share my testimony—how I have the privilege of comforting others with the same comfort I received from God. Let’s shed light on some of Satan’s schemes that keep us from trusting God (like pushing us away from God in our time of need). I hope to challenge you, encourage you, and strengthen your faith in our compassionate, merciful Father –the God WHO LOVES YOU!!
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Jennifer Lee SmithJennifer’s life shines with two loves: Jesus and His Word. Her old life of “sex, drugs, and rock n' roll,” shows the dangers of settling for less. Jennifer is a certified Christian Life Coach, a CLASSeminars trained speaker, and biblical lay counselor as well as the author of God's Way to Success and The Way Out: 40 Day Spiritual Healing Journey - Living Free and Healed from Addiction. She has appeared on Words to Live By and God Answers Prayer. Her joy is helping women live with purpose and passion to the glory of God.
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Jennifer's Keynote Message:
God qualifies the called! God designed you for a specific purpose, with a unique sphere of influence, experiences, and gifts and talents that will bless others and glorify Him. Learn how to overcome the common hindrances, understand how God has gifted you, and discover the desires of your heart. Don’t let insecurities, feelings of inadequacies or lies from the enemy hold you back from boldly walking into the calling God has on your life. He wants to use your pain and experiences in a powerful way to proclaim His name.
God qualifies the called! God designed you for a specific purpose, with a unique sphere of influence, experiences, and gifts and talents that will bless others and glorify Him. Learn how to overcome the common hindrances, understand how God has gifted you, and discover the desires of your heart. Don’t let insecurities, feelings of inadequacies or lies from the enemy hold you back from boldly walking into the calling God has on your life. He wants to use your pain and experiences in a powerful way to proclaim His name.
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Hannah OvertonIn 2006, Hannah and her husband, Larry, started to adopt Andrew into their "forever family.” Before finalizing the adoption, Andrew died of a rare, fatal disease. Both parents were accused of murder: Hannah was convicted and received a life sentence, leaving Larry to raise their five children. In prison, even as she taught Bible studies, she wrestled with deep questions. After 7 years, Hannah was exonerated and all charges were dropped. Hannah and her husband now minister to those behind bars.
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Hannah's Keynote Message:
Even in what seems like the worst experiences, God is faithful and has good plans. Don't be discouraged by your weaknesses. Keep your focus on God and His grace. Whenever God wants you to do something for Him, He will provide you with the grace to accomplish and handle anything He allows! Surrender to His grace and watch Him make something beautiful out of your circumstances!
Even in what seems like the worst experiences, God is faithful and has good plans. Don't be discouraged by your weaknesses. Keep your focus on God and His grace. Whenever God wants you to do something for Him, He will provide you with the grace to accomplish and handle anything He allows! Surrender to His grace and watch Him make something beautiful out of your circumstances!
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Glenda DuranoHere is Glenda’s wisdom, learned from experience: When you can’t see God’s hand, you can still trust His heart. She loves to encourage others in their Christian walk, especially while they walk through adversity. Glenda is a wife, mother, author, speaker, ministry leader, and the owner of College Advising and Planning Services, a full-service, faith-based educational consulting firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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Glenda's Keynote Message:
What happens when your life disintegrates? When the dreams you’ve worked for are completely destroyed? Where’s God in the middle of this mess? Is He there at all? When life spirals out of control, our tendency is to grab on to our plans with a death grip and refuse to be moved, but this isn’t always the best way to handle unexpected devastation. “Let It Go” is more than just the name of Disney hit; it’s a lifestyle that can save your sanity and help you live with heartache, disappointments, and pain…because sometimes, we have to let go of our plans to become a part of His.
What happens when your life disintegrates? When the dreams you’ve worked for are completely destroyed? Where’s God in the middle of this mess? Is He there at all? When life spirals out of control, our tendency is to grab on to our plans with a death grip and refuse to be moved, but this isn’t always the best way to handle unexpected devastation. “Let It Go” is more than just the name of Disney hit; it’s a lifestyle that can save your sanity and help you live with heartache, disappointments, and pain…because sometimes, we have to let go of our plans to become a part of His.
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Richelle WrightLet Richelle train you in Kingdom warfare! Years in the Air Force taught her military tactics, but her weapons now are Holy Spirit-led against a personal enemy (Satan). From her own trauma, she has a heart to help hurting women heal wounds, overcome pain, and experience God’s full blessings. She serves with Children’s, Jail and Prison, and Living Free ministries at her church.
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Richelle's Keynote Message:
Seasons of trials happen throughout our life’s journey with Christ. We are either in a battle, coming out of a battle, or preparing for one. There may be times that the battle-season never seems to end; in fact, we may even encounter mini battles within a larger battle. What do you do when you find yourself getting weary from being in the battle? Learn four tools to add to your arsenal to better equip you for spiritual battles.
Seasons of trials happen throughout our life’s journey with Christ. We are either in a battle, coming out of a battle, or preparing for one. There may be times that the battle-season never seems to end; in fact, we may even encounter mini battles within a larger battle. What do you do when you find yourself getting weary from being in the battle? Learn four tools to add to your arsenal to better equip you for spiritual battles.
Testimonials
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Cris PaulsonWhen Cris is not quilting, reading, writing or editing, she is sleeping or binge-watching Heartland. Since her divorce, 13 years ago, God has taken her in many wonderful directions: writer, editor, speaker, counselor, grandma, world traveler, conference organizer, mentor and counseling trainer. She looks forward to the next grand adventures.
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Sara GhormleySara is a certified Biblical counselor who has a passion for sharing the hope God gave through her struggle, and how He transformed years of shame and clinical depression into Freedom. She has been married to Doug for 28 years and has 3 (mostly adult) children. Her greatest joys come from walking alongside sisters in Christ and sharing the comfort she has received in Christ.
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Jennifer GrayJennifer struggled with shame, anxiety and anger until she experienced the power of God's promise, Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed (James 5:16a). She now lives in the peace and confidence of knowing God's love for her. Jennifer left a successful career to dedicate her time to her loving and supportive husband and two young children. She stays very busy volunteering at her children’s school and serving in the children’s ministry at her church.
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Caitlin CraftAs a young college student, Caitlin found herself in a place of hopelessness and deep despair. Through the truth and loving-kindness of God’s Word, she realized her hope and rescue was found in Him alone. He gave her a passion to see others set free, living abundantly. Her challenge to students is to grow in their walk with the Lord through intentional discipleship. Caitlin’s hope is to be continually refined until the Lord is her one desire. Caitlin is a multi-talented artist, photographer, musician, speaker and student leader.
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Kate StokesWhen her “Prince Charming” became a “Charming Addict” shortly after their wedding day, Kate tried everything she knew to save the shattered relationship. When that failed, she wanted out. God asked if she would let HIM save it and she reluctantly agreed. God patiently, gently and faithfully worked in her first. Even when she tried to control, wear a mask, put up walls, run away, hide or push her husband away, God poured His loving kindness on her. Kate is a living example of God’s active grace and unchanging power.
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Dara HoeyDara was saved by grace at a young age and is grasping how to walk with her amazing Savior day by day—it's His strength, not hers! Married to her best friend, Drew for 11 years, she gets to homeschool their three amazing children, and wants to learn how to build better community with the people God has around her. In awe of how Jesus desires a relationship with her, she is learning to enjoy walking in freedom (not rules!), and listen to His voice in the midst of loud and messy days. 2 Corinthians 12:9
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Julianne LovatoJulianne was a backslider, walking away from God for many years. Since God brought her back into a relationship with Himself through the REAL Conference, Julianne serves as an example of God’s healing grace. She finds joy in helping women in their journey from brokenness to fully enjoying who they are in Christ and finding freedom in Him. A lifelong Albuquerque resident, Julianne serves in various capacities in her church and assists with the healing program of Hope Ahead Ministries.
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Debi FilionDebi is a passionate and hard-working teacher and children's leader. Her goal is to shine for Jesus in every situation, every day of her life. She has been a member of the REAL board for 3 years. She and her husband have 2 grown children.
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Carmen RockwellCarmen has been a Bible study group leader for over 20 years, including the last five years with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). She has enjoyed mentoring young women on a one-on-one basis at Care Net Pregnancy Center as a volunteer for the last six years. Not one to slow down, Carmen has also been a worship team member at her church, Calvary Chapel Light of the World in Bosque Farms, New Mexico.
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