NOVEMBER 6, 2004

Impressions from the First Annual Gothic Christian Conference

“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should shew forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 1st Peter 2: 9–10

Beginning on Thursday, November 4 and extending to Monday, November 8, God created a people, the bonds of which will echo into eternity. Donna and Mike Sheehy arrived on Thursday and they truly set the tone for the conference. I knocked sheepishly on their hotel room door not knowing what manner of greeting I might receive but Donna opened the door and any apprehensions I might have had were swallowed up in her warm embrace.

As each person arrived, it was like watching a family reunion except that, for the most part, none of us had ever met. Still, there was a sense of family and more, of divine purpose. I didn’t realize how hungry I was for the company of my people until I was actually there and then I never wanted it to end. For this one weekend, no one was left behind, no one was an outcast, and there was nothing to explain or apologize for. We belonged to and with each other.

Pictures of the event are on my site, they are on ChristianGoth.com and Easternstorm.net. Please look at them and when you do, please notice the joy on each face.

The scripture says, “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love has been brought to full expression through us.” 1st John 4:12

I believe I saw this passage fulfilled at our conference. I saw God bring people, events, and circumstances together, I heard God’s voice in their words and I saw His love in their eyes. It is the closest I have ever come to seeing God.

For so long I believed I just didn’t fit anywhere. I began to think the yearning in my heart was normal and would never be satisfied. Then you came into my life. There is no people I would rather belong to. Thank you all so much for the privilege and opportunity to serve you.

I love you all.

David Dellman