WELCOME TO A NEW AND EXCITING COLOUR SEASON... AND WELCOME TO A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE WHEN IT COMES TO “THE INVITATION”.
This year a handful of our creative team asked to go to China to shoot photos for this year’s Colour Conference. We’re entering our twenty-first year of a women’s conference that is hosted in five countries across the world, and, as always, our only desire is to capture the heart of heaven for the women who gather each year. Innovative planning and the help of a gracious sponsor (thank you) made what was in their heart possible. As I drew aside in California to write a book called “Stay the Path”, they embarked on a little adventure to the Chinese province of Guangxi to chase the light and do all to find the message of Sisterhood within the fields of China - a message that resonates value and worth towards the feminine soul, a message that champions those whose hands and feet are committed to the pursuit of justice and the welfare of others, and a message that is not shy nor afraid of the romance and love of a Saviour King.
A PICTURE. PAINTS. A THOUSAND WORDS.
It’s been said that a picture paints a thousand words and I’m confident you probably agree. Have you ever witnessed a sunset and felt the silent pull of something greater than what is your normal everyday life? Have you ever found yourself in an open field, or felt lush green grass underfoot, and felt a sense of calm that reminds you that life perhaps isn’t supposed to be as hectic and crazy as we often make it. The psalmist David wrote often of the pull of eternity. In Psalm 19 he said that the heavens speak without words, yet their message has still gone out throughout the entire earth, testifying and bearing witness that there is more to life than what often meets the natural eye.
To this end my little team sought to capture in film and photography something of God’s eternal heart towards us, because whilst we are aware of our current “here and now” - we are also aware of a world beyond this that compels us onward. My prayer is that this visual invitation will stir your soul, open your spirit and excite you for what lies ahead in your own personal experience. The reality is that most of us are not about to run bare foot through the fields of China, but we are all on a journey through life and we all have plantings to be responsible for.
My prayer is that the images and scriptures chosen, and the narration of what my team experienced and felt, will resonate within and inspire you that God’s will and plans for you also are wide-open places of freedom and possibility. My prayer is that this little “essay in photography” will serve to seed hope into the lives of those yet to discover a God in heaven who truly believes in them.
BE FOUND. IN THE FIELD.
So in context of twenty-seventeen - the over-arching theme of placing value upon womanhood remains, but we are excited to focus our attention on the language of “being found in the field”.
The metaphor alone stirs imagination. On a more global front, I believe that as we gather as an expansive and diverse sisterhood, God will water what is within this collective force of “friendship and cause”. I believe vision and destiny will heighten in clarity, with the effect being felt in communities all across the world. I believe that ceilings of containment will lift again on a movement that is now several generations deep and that God will surprise us with the “exceeding, abundant and above” that He is famous for (Ephesians 3:20). I also believe that as we explore what it means to be a woman found in the various fields (or spheres) of life, and as we continue to keep our eyes upon the harvest field of a world in need, that something profound and lasting will happen.
My role as host is to cultivate and steward this environment, and my desire is to constantly encourage women to draw near to the One who never fails. My role is to “re-imagine” in faith the possibilities within this fabulous mandate entrusted so we can together rise up and make a felt difference in the world.
So on that note - I’m excited to tell you that fabulous friends and guest speakers are joining me in this year’s Colour experience.
IN SYDNEY AND LONDON - the amazing and lovely Lisa Harper is joining us for the first time, along with dear friend Sy Rogers. You are going to love Lisa. She is a seasoned bible teacher and (apparently) hilarious in the way she brings it all to life. I also have great respect for Sy and am confident that his endearing manner and unique anointing will bring freedom to many.
IN CAPE TOWN - we are pumped to have John Gray speaking. God is moving in an astounding way amongst the women of South Africa and I know John will be perfect for everyone there.
IN KIEV - I’ve invited Lucinda Dooley to speak into the lives of our Russian- speaking sisters. Lucinda is Lead Pastor with her husband Phil in South Africa and an exceptional leader. I know she will love and inspire the girls in a part of the world that has never ceased to captivate our hearts.
ACROSS THE UNITED STATES - we are pioneering new territory with the Colour experience compressed into an exciting “one day, power packed event” in three locations - New York City, Phoenix and Los Angeles. Our own Hillsong team will bring their unique leadership distinctive to the table, and I’m excited to host Colour in not only one city - but three.
As a teaching, worship and creative team we are committed to bringing the heart of God with integrity and beauty. I personally can’t wait to see what God has in store, but what is guaranteed is an atmosphere of worship that will peel back the layers. What I do know is that the Word of God will be rich and strong within those sharing, and as always we will give all to champion the mandate and mission of Sisterhood because the lost, hurting, broken and captive of this world are at the core of this gathering. And because it’s impossible for thousands of women to gather without madness, fun, friendship and lunacy... I know laughter and camaraderie will pervade everything.
So whether you are a faithful friend who has been coming for years (thank you) or you are completely new to the page - you are welcome!
The party is being planned with you and your friends in mind. So enjoy what this invitation offers - in essence a snapshot of my team, active in their own field of service and calling, capturing fields that speak of harvest and promise. Enter their adventure and allow God to speak to you.
These big beautiful pages (and the online experience) will arm you with all you need to know, including the stories of some remarkable everyday women who, like you and I, are being found in the story of God’s girls upon the earth.
LOVE YOU HEART AND SOUL.
SEE YOU SOON.
BOBBIE HOUSTON