Elder D.J. Ward speaks from his heart.

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2008 Conference Letter from Elder Ward

In all things, the Hand of God is Sovereign and to Him be the glory.

As a pastor and preacher, Elder D. J. Ward felt the growing need for scriptural doctrinal teaching in the Christian church. In an age where false doctrines and cults beckon the hearts and minds of the religious world, Pastor Ward felt an urgency within him to share the gospel of God's grace to others in a greater manner.

To this end, God breathed upon Pastor Ward the inspiration which led to the formation of the First Sovereign Grace Bible Conference which was held at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during the first week of October, 1985. It was established "to bring together in one place a face-to-face gathering of Grace Preachers and Believers for a week of intense preaching and teaching."

During this week of worship and fellowship, afternoon classes were taught by Pastor W. W. Sasser of Franklin, Tennessee. His teachings consisted primarily with the scriptural basis of the doctrine of God's Sovereign Grace. Worship services were held nightly (Monday-Thursday) which included two sermons; eight ministers spoke. In the spirit of love and fellowship, noon and evening meals were provided each day by the Mt. Zion Family.

The conference was extended through Friday night in order to allow Pastor Aaron Dumas of Jamaica to speak to this assembly of God's people. Financial support (prior and afterwards) was given to Pastor Dumas to aid him in his services in Jamaica. Financial support is now being given to the Virgin Islands Missions, Dr. Bentley Thomas, President.

For the following years, God's favor has rested greatly on the conference and it has grown. Many have attended each year and encouraged others to come. The format of the conference schedule now allows for classes in the morning as well as the afternoon sessions. A sermon, too, has been added to the morning session.

The conference is now being scheduled during the August month which should allow for greater attendance. This year's conference will be opened on Monday night with a concert presented by the Main Street Baptist Church Choir. Sessions will be held Tuesday through Friday.

We honor and praise God for His mercy upon Elder Ward in planting this precious seed in his heart and soul. We praise God further in His being pleased to bring forth this seed to the blessed fruition as we presently experience. May God ever grant us the mind to hunger and thirst after His Word.

In all things, the Hand of God is Sovereign and to Him be the glory.

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