August 28-31, 2018
Watersmeet, MI
Northwoods Conference Center
Event description
Family Conferences are weeklong, life-changing family events. Rich fellowship, inspiring messages, and hands-on workshops make Family Conference something to look forward to by anyone who has experienced one. Whether making new friendships with other families or rekindling relationships from previous years, the conference is an annual highlight for many.
The conferences are structured to foster spiritual growth as young and old alike are challenged to honor God’s Word in every area of their lives.
This year’s conference theme is taken from I John 4:10, which says, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Experiencing Christ’s love personally and becoming a channel of that love to others is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets.
Speakers
Keith & Jenny Daniel
- Keith & Jenny Daniel are from Cape Town, South Africa. Keith is an evangelist with the African Evangelistic Band. Jenny’s transparency and candid sessions for women endear her to her listeners.
Jerry Benjamin
- As an “itinerant Bible teacher,” Dr. Jerry Benjamin has traveled throughout the world to proclaim the pre-eminence of Christ in all things. He opens the Scriptures with the rich cultural insights gained from his Jewish upbringing.
Otto Koning
- The life lessons Otto learned during his 14 years on the mission field ministering to tribal people not only impacted the tribes but also countless others who have heard his stories.
Wilkes Family
- The Wilkes’ desire to exalt Christ and His Word is contagious, and they delight in encouraging others to be
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
- As parents of 19 kids, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar teach invaluable lessons about equipping and releasing their children to follow what God has called them to do.
Gil and Kelly Bates
- Gil and Kelly have seen God take care of their family of 19 children. They delight in sharing testimonies of God’s work in their lives.
Gabriel Cleator
- With contagious enthusiasm for living for a living Savior, Gabriel animatedly and clearly exhorts both young and old to personally know Jesus Christ. Gabe resides in Big Sandy where he works in the ATI Department.
David Waller
- David Waller, father of four and fifth sibling of ten, is grateful for an upbringing that challenged him to combine a Scripturally-founded faith with real life situations. David serves as director of ATI.
Tim Levendusky
- Tim’s involvement with IBLP ministry spans over 27 years in various responsibilities. He and his wife Angie served in Mongolia and Korea, and they now reside in Big Sandy, Texas.
Programs
Student Sessions
- Sessions for students aged 12 and up will focus on the importance of fully trusting the Lord for every area of your life. This includes your future, your work, your marriage, and your ministry.
Pre-EXCEL
- Fun times and solid Biblical teaching await young ladies between the ages of 8–11! Enthusiastic leaders model for younger ones the joy in knowing God and serving Him.
Pastors’ Workshop
- This is a time set aside just for pastors. Come be encouraged. Come share a burden you have. Come apart and be with others who understand. Just come.
Music Opportunities
- Present special music as a family or participate in orchestra and instrumental ensembles.
COMMIT
- Young ladies aged 12–15 enjoy activities and sessions motivating them to seek the Lord first, to love Him with all their hearts, and to humbly serve others in their youth.
Children’s Institute
- This program is for children aged 4–7 years old. Small and large group activities provide Godly instruction in ways that are both understandable and exciting to them.
ALERT Cadet Challenge
- This all-day program is for young men aged 8–17. Participants experience challenging outdoor activities, spend time in God’s Word, and learn and practice new life skills.
Pricing
Online Conference Registration (Closes August 21):
- Regular family — $200
- ATI family —$150
- Regular individual —$75
- ATI individual — $55
At-the-door Conference Registration:
- Regular family — $250
- ATI family —$200
- Regular individual —$95
- ATI individual — $75
Children's Programs:
- Children’s Institute —$55
- Pre-EXCEL — $65
- COMMIT — $50
- ALERT Cadet —$75
Lodging
The Northwoods Conference Center, owned and operated by IBLP, offers 63 hotel-style rooms, 10 suites, and 6 apartments on a first-come first served basis. Each suite includes a living area and kitchenette. The apartments consist of two bedrooms, two full baths, kitchen, and living area. All rooms are furnished at the beginning of the week with linens and towels. To find our more information please see the below information. Please call the Northwoods Conference Center at 906-358-4500 to reserve lodging. Other housing ideas are listed below.
Standard Rooms: ($50 per night)
Standard rooms provide comfortable, hotel-style accommodations for two people. (Maximum occupancy of 5 people.)
- Two twin beds, a king, or two bunk beds
- Full bath
Suites: ($65 per night) Suites, offering a bedroom and a separate living area with a kitchenette, are perfect for families who are looking for a little more space. This is made available to families of 5 or more members. (Maximum occupancy of 8 people.)
- One king-sized bed
- Full bath
- Pullout Couch
- Kitchenette with:
- Stove top
- Small refrigerator
- Sink
Apartments: ($90 per night)
Apartments offer families a home away from home and include two bedrooms, two full baths, separate living room, and kitchen. The extra space and separate rooms allow families to spread out and be comfortable. This is made available to families of 8 or more members. (Maximum occupancy of 12 people.)
- One king-sized bed
- Three twin beds (including one bunk bed)
- Two full baths
- Pull-out couch
- Kitchen with:
- Stove top and oven
- Refrigerator with freezer
- Coffee maker
Camping:
$20 Per RV per night (no hook ups)
$15 per tent site per night (no hook ups)
A bathhouse equivalent will be provided.
Dump station and water fill up will be available upon request.
Recreation Activities:
Kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes are available on a first-come first-served basis and to be returned at the end of each use. No motorized boats will be permitted on the lake during this week by conferees.
Sand and grass volleyball nets may b
e available during non-session times. There are paved roads around Wolf Lake and several smaller surrounding lakes, along with marked forest trails for hiking and biking. While a few bicycles may be available at the lodge, we encourage you to bring your own bicycles so you can take in the great outdoors.
Hotels:
Wilderness Bay Resort in Watersmeet, MI
(19 minutes away with pricing and availability upon calling.) 906-670-2088
The Arrows in Watersmeet, MI
(19 minutes away with pricing and availability upon calling.) 906-358-4390
Pine Aire Resort in Watersmeet, MI
(17 minutes away with prices starting at $57.) 715-544-2313
Gateway Lodge in Land O' Lakes, WI
(20 minutes away with prices starting at $75.) 800-848-8058
Best Western in Eagle River, WI
(37 minutes away with prices starting at $116.) 715-479-1600
Bridgewater Inn in Eagle River, WI
(39 minutes away with prices starting at $79.) 715-479-5153
Days Inn in Eagle River, WI
(38 minutes away with prices starting at $94.) 715-479-5151
Super 8 in Eagle River, WI
(40 minutes away with prices starting at $85.) 715-477-0888
Rental Homes:
You may find a cost effective option by renting a vacation home near Watersmeet, MI. Consider researching the following websites:
