6 July 2024

Riverbank 2024: Truth be told!

Rachel Gotobed

Five photos show scenes from Riverbank 2024.

Rachel Gotobed reports on the Riverbank Territorial Women’s Conference 2024.

The 2024 Riverbank territorial women’s conference sought to explore Jesus’ words from John 8:32.

Major David Betteridge (Director of Family Ministries) and Liz Hall (Deputy Director of Family Ministries) hosted. During the first main session, David set the scene, challenging everyone to find freedom in God’s truth that they are accepted, secure and significant.

Mabel Robin

David’s very brave and honest message on the theme for the weekend was very powerful and thought-provoking.

Julie Taylor

Thank you for the sponsored spaces for refugee women. The five ladies from Ukraine had an incredible time. One sent me a note that says: ‘You have opened the door for a new interesting life for me. Now I will consciously read the Bible and it will become my guiding star. You know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’

Liz Carpagnano

This was my first time at this conference, and it was amazing. I’m hoping to bring more from Ringwood Corps next year. One highlight for me was the transparency of the speakers and the affirmation for my own challenging experiences in life, where the truth really did set me free. The impact for me was the presence of the Holy Spirit, which was overwhelming and beautiful.

Tracy Blower

This was my first year at this event and I was quite apprehensive. From the moment I arrived, I knew I made the right decision. I loved every moment and, through listening to all the speakers and the music ministry, I learnt lots. I feel truly blessed and I know that God has got me on the right path for continuing my journey in my faith.

Dawn Coleman

My highlight of the weekend was feeling accepted and that I belong just the way I am. It made me feel that I am enough, and I am ready to tell more of my story so that I can live as the person God intends me to be.

Tania Smith

I went home with new songs in my heart, new truths in my head, delicious food in my tummy, new books in my bag and my body battery on 100 per cent. I was prayed for, cared for and enjoyed the weekend so much! I can’t wait to bring more people next year!

LucyKate Newland

I really loved it as it was such a Spirit-filled event. All the teaching was amazing, as was the worship.

Leonna Wilde

Riverbank was simply amazing. It has helped me start my emotional journey to becoming a better me.

Christine Crewes

The Holy Spirit was with us throughout the weekend, encouraging us as women that, if God is with us, then we can.

Julie Ellitson

I felt God’s affirmation over me. I am a child of God! Yes, I am!

Sharon Wilkes

I realised that God never stopped a woman from doing his work. He encouraged women like Phoebe to just get on with the job.

Tina Rankin

I felt comfortable and was able to start the healing process that I have longed for. I didn’t feel any pressure, I felt supported but not crowded.

Ruth Dykes

I found peace and refreshment. I’m thankful for the reminder to live in the truth and turn my back on the Devil’s lies!

Guest speaker the Rev Dr Helen Paynter revealed scriptural truth about Esther and Phoebe – women who were valued by God and given essential roles within his work. Assistant Secretary for Mission Major Kerry Coke (THQ) encouraged delegates to accept the offer of God’s truth to find everything needed for fullness of life.

A photo shows the @Riverbank panel at Riverbank 2024.

Accept the offer of God’s truth to find everything needed for fullness of life.

Worship leader and songwriter Lucy Grimble, supported by her band, led inspiring worship that sensitively enriched the truth being spoken and enabled women to respond throughout the weekend.

Saturday night’s @Riverbank took the form of a magazine-style panel show. Prior to sharing their testimonies, comedian and magician Steve Legg engaged and amazed the audience and professional singer and actor Ruth Betteridge invoked the joy of theatreland with songs from musicals and operas.

A large piece of artwork created during Riverbank 2024 records the events and takeaways of the weekend. The centre of the image reads “truth be told” in bold, vibrant lettering.

The weekend was enriched with a variety of engaging workshops and seminars which – along with highlights from the main sessions – were illustrated in a graphic recording by Ann Howlett-Foster (Cambridge Citadel).

Listen to a bonus episode of The All Terrain Podcast recorded live at Riverbank 2024.