To me it feels like the beginning of a much larger phenomenon. The best kind of crazy madness. Hundreds of passionate believers who had crossed the land to bask in the glow of their own redemptive story were once again surprised by just how powerful that story is. I know I was surprised.
But really, let’s be honest, we are surprised only because we tend to forget just how powerful our own redemptive history is.
The dancers eloquently wove a tale of the Great Romance and Teeleh’s seduction of the maiden; of Justin’s wooing and of drowning in red waters all culminating in a wedding right there on stage. It was stunning, beautiful.
The story tellers made us laugh with their antics and wowed us with the opening to Green. I acted out my own story, ‘The Birth of a Storyteller,’ or ‘Ted’s Schizophrenic Meltdown’ whichever you prefer. Mike Hyatt opened our eyes to the power of story. More, much more. It was all a bit daunting.
But what really made the day magical was the story behind each of these dramatic elements. The irresistible connection we each have with our Creator. The tale of rescue that has captivated each of us and which we are now retelling a hundred different ways.
This is what makes the Gathering magical. This is why so many would spend hundreds to come for a one day event. This reconnection to an intoxicating story that determines the fate of our very souls. The media was there, they were blown away, but why should they be? God’s story is mind boggling!
Me? I’m just there to lead others through it. To participate in the story with everyone else. I am not the story, only the storyteller. The Gathering is about you, your story, your Creator’s story, and experiencing that story is priceless.
If I’m being too bold, forgive me, but I would say that the Gathering was a stunning event that tens of thousands would clamber to experience and one day they may have that opportunity. But it is only so because of you. Because of those who came. Readers who get it. Who love it. Who are as strange as me and love their own strangeness because it is a unique expression of God’s love. Together we really are breaking new ground, forming a new kind of dramatic experience, but it is based on the oldest of all stories and because of this we have an unfair advantage!
Thank you so much for coming. For sharing this experience with me. I was deeply touched.
If you were there, I would for you to post a few short words about what this Gathering meant to you or your family. Post your experience below, and let our community know what you thought.
Dive Deep.
This was my first ever Gathering, and I loved every minute of it. Everything from the dancers on stage conveying the story of our fall out of grace, and our redeption and forgiveness from such a fall … down to the storyteller declaring he had a rash in front of 500 or so spectators. But seriously, I honestly thought the dancing aspect was going to be a weird thing “I’d just have to bear through” but I genuinely enjoyed it. The expression given by the christ figure as He forgave, as if He didn’t pay any attention to the fall at all … was moving for lack of a better phrase. There was heart-felt forgiveness and a willingness to forget the offense.
What an awesome God we serve indeed!
The only thing I’d reccomend for next year would be a worship service in some way reminiscent of the Gatherings in the novel series. It’d be awesome to see hundreds of Jesus lovers coming from all corners of the nation (and possibly from Indonesia again :D) to get together, and focus on the God we all love together.
It was just an all-around great time, and I’m already in withdrawl as I’m sitting behind my desk, unmotivated to correct some 30 year old airport as-built drawings. ;P (God give me strength).
But I’m thankful for the opportunity to come along, and even more grateful to my wife for sharing in that experience with me. (She’s a daughter of God’s and fellow pursuer of Jesus … but not a Dekker fiction reader. yet :D)
And the ability to say “hi” to Ted was cool too.
I really loved the Gathering. It was my second year, and it was amazing. Definitely worth the money and the trip!!
It has really touched me. Since I accepted the gift of salvation at a young age, I never really realized the darkness that I was saved from. Ted has really opened my eyes to it, and I really want to help others see the same darkness that they are in or have been saved from.
Also, Ted’s books have helped improve my relationship with my boyfriend. We love to read Ted’s books and discuss them or talk about how Christ has saved us from the darkness. It’s an amazing experience, because my boyfriend and I usually read different types of books. But we’re both fans of Ted.
Plus, it was nice to be able to experience the Gathering together!
I also think a worship service next year would be nice. Maybe we could do a worship service on that Friday night before and make it optional so that non-believers don’t feel pressured and refuse to come to the Gathering on Saturday. Just a thought.
Anyway, I’m so glad I came to the Gathering. It was one of the best moments of my life, and I was able to share if with my family (which is all of you.) I feel that I have a place that I belong, with other believers who have been redeemed and who are not worthy of God’s love, but He gives it to us anyway. It feels amazing to belong and to share that experience with others.
Thank you, Ted!
This was my first ever Gathering as well. I was so psyched to be there! To get a sense of what it would be like to “step into the story” as such was awesome. It was also incredible meeting Ted and watching and listening to him. I’d probably have to say that my favorite part was the Q&A.
I agree with the previous posters… we need to be able to worship together — similar to what those in the forest did in their gatherings. I was so hoping we could worship together and left missing it.
My best friend introduced me to the Circle Series last fall and I’ve gone on to read almost all of Dekker’s books since. It was so awesome to attend with him and go through the day together.
Ted and staff, thanks so much for all you did and all that you do. And please… keep writing and keep dreaming!
“to bask…”
in the passion of liquid sunshine…in the glory of My Redeemer…
that’s the ticket…
how lovely…think on these things
Hello Ted and the Ted Dekker team. What an amazing job you all did with the Gathering 2009.
I’m the one who said I asked my wife for a Ted Dekker for Christmas, a writer who just finished my first manuscript.
I almost didn’t go to the Gathering because of financial restraints, but now the thought of not having gone seems ludicrous.
My heart is encouraged. My pen is ready for Jesus Christ to use. And I cry and cry at the song “Beautiful,” which my wife and I listened to for over an hour the morning after I got home.
Jesus Christ is beautiful! Ted, thank you!
I will forever support your work for Jesus Christ. He is using you SO MIGHTILY!
And I feel God’s calling in my life to follow your lead, writing for Jesus Christ.
I can’t not write.
And that’s beautiful to me, because it is Jesus Christ inside me, telling me, whispering to me.
Thank you again, Ted and the Ted Dekker team. Your impact is vast. Keep this up for all the fans, keep this up for all the lost, keep this up for generations.
You are making a difference! Bless you!
Bless all of you!
Ted, I framed the cover page of my manuscript that you signed for me — black ink directly under the words: “Inspired by Ted Dekker.”
It’s…just awesome.
That’s you.
That’s Jesus Christ in you, in me.
AMEN!
This was my first Gathering, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was fun, funny, and just awesome all around. Unfortunately, I was an hour late and missed the first dance. But the dance that ended the event was spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed the talent of it and how beautifully it illustrated the great romance and the wedding. I’m going to start saving for next year as soon as possible.
The Gathering was an amazing event. Not only because of the performances and the stories told. Not just because I got to hang out with my favorite author and not just because I met a whole mess of Dekkies.
The Gathering is indescribable. If I could think of the words to describe feeling something there, then I would have put them down, but there are no words to be said.
The story is what makes us live, it’s what gave us life in the first place.
Dive Deep
wow, oh wow! i only just now discovered that there even WAS a Gathering. I have read almost all of Ted’s books, but just now after a year decided to go back to Ted’s site. if i were able to attend, which i am truly going to work toward, next year, i think i would have to agree with the others, having a worship service in which we who have ‘gotten it’ could all dance and worship together until way past midnight! even when i was first reading the circle series, tears came to my eyes and so often i would dream of the time yet to come, when we all who love JESUS would gather together in the forever land of eternity and dance a divine dance, run in circles and lift ourselves off the ground into a divine circle of dance and joyful praise and worship to our God. i have to say that from the very first book i read of Ted’s, which was Showdown, i have been challeneged to go for more of the Lord. Having been to a few good conferences where worship and diving deep was the theme, i have truly been transformed in my mind as to our plight and life as believers.am currently reading Ted’s book, The Slumber of Chrisianity, which i would recommend for ANY and EVERYone to read. what you, Ted, cause in us who love your writings, is that slowly there is this seperation that begins to happen. Within each of us is this slow dying process to what we once held near and dear. BUT, in its place there is this fire and passion and LONGIN, a thirst, if you will, that begins to burn and press within us, so strong and in ways that words have no place. within us, a longing begins to birth and it grows with each passing day. a longing to be with HIM forever and a longing to have that fire and that romance and that passion for Him that so goes beyond what we ever ever ever have felt for another person or thing in this life, and that eternity would be alive in us and operable in us, each and every day, AND in the come what may times. The Lord bless you, Ted Dekker. You have been such an inspiration to so very many of us who LOVE the real Elyon!!
Ted, The Gathering was amazing! I loved everything, the dancers were breathtaking, the storytelling was hilarious, and your ‘Schizophrenic Meltdown’ was probably the best part. I loved how it showed all your books woven together. Next year we need more of you, Ted, you are an amazing speaker as much as you are a writer.
The whole experience of traveling to the Gathering and meeting so many people that love the Great Romance as much as I was stunning. I look forward to next year being even better, and more amazing, than this year was!
Ted, I just wanted to let you know how much I really appreciate what God is doing through you! The Circle series is just one way I use to get lost souls. Every person I have told about Black has read it and a few have even given their lives to Christ because of it! Praise God! I have just attended my second Gathering and I can’t say enough about it! The whole Great Romance culminating with the Wedding was so powerful I was moved to tears! Your Schizo Meltdown was awesome the way you put everything together so seamless with all your books and characters–I was floored! You keep up the good work and Elyon will keep blessing you by blessing us! Elyon speed Ted, Dive Deep
Ted, this was my second Gathering and what a wonderful theme of Storytelling! The dancers, storytellers, the peek into your mind :-), authors, publishers and how everthing fits together to tell the Greatest Story in many new ways - all woven together as a theme - very cool.I was able to meet many people I’ve only met electronically - and made several new friends that were strangers until we communicated at the story-level (the real story behind the parables) behind your books. Thank you for telling the Story in multi-media (even the ever-present green lake waters!) and reminding us Who (God) draws us together and why (Love!). Thank you and your family for all that you give. Know how very, very much it is appreciated by the rest of the Circle - by those present at the Gathering this year and those who couldn’t be there. Thanks again, Ted (and Kevin!) and God bless you!
–L.
This was my second Gathering, and it was everything a Gathering should be I think. We got merchandise and got to get stuff signed, but more importantly, we made some new friends, and remembered the Great Romance. It was great to once again come together to celebrate our love story. I thank God for what He did through that.
Let’s do it every week!
This was my first Gathering and it was worth every dollar and the loss of sleep to get there! They storytelling was incredible along with the dance which made me weep because it moved me so. It was a great to dive in to the Great Romance and to be renewed. I loved the “Birth of a Storyteller” or “Ted’s Schizophrenic Meltdown!” I have listened to it several times since. It has inspired me to create a drama about Marsueves Black and Billy for our church. And you said that you can’t act??? I enjoyed the question and answer sessions and your encouragement to not give up dreaming….I needed to hear that. God gave me a purpose in a mission statement many years ago…”to create to present the Gospel to the masses” …and my husband thought I had a wire crossed I think (LOL) but that is what He told me during prayer at a Worship and Arts Retreat. With being so “busy” raising my children and working in an unrelated field, I was ready to give up. You inspired me to get serious about spending more time with my creator…….to create once again…drama, video….work on the dream of being a producer/director. Oh, and thanks for the comment about waiting till after you are 40 to start….I’m 46..almost 47..(1962 was a good year)LOL…I thought I was maybe getting too old…You truly are the best author I have ever read…my mind just goes and goes when I read your work. I am certainly glad there is someone who is as strange as me, too!! Thanks for patiently signing my copy of “Adam” and for signing hundreds more books and things, too! I really appreciated chatting with your wife while waiting…she certainly is a gem! You have great kids, too. Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding…hope it was wonderful! I am certainly looking forward to another Gathering!! Thanks to you, your family and staff for all the work you put into it to make it happen! God Bless you all.
This was almost my first gathering, I came with a friend who had been there the previous year. I was the person in the wheelchair. =)
I just want to say how amazing that was! Ive never had such a great time. I mean, ive been to tons and tons of christian convention, but this was the most real to me, and it wasn’t even considered a christian convention! I’ve been lots of places for God, I spent three weeks in Africa, did hurricane relief for Katrina in New Orleans. Ive had lots of experiences with God and being in a community just talking, but this gathering was so powerful. I loved your schizophrenic meltdown, one of the best parts. I can’t wait for next year!
Oh and ive told so many people about your books, basically all my family ive shoved one book in their hand and demanded they at least read it. haha. and so far its working.
Thanks again Ted.
The Gathering was a wonderful event that was well worthy the time and money. It is good to see that there are are so many in the christian community with a story to tell.
With stroytelling being a key theme of the event, “Ted’s schizophrenic meltdown,” the Q & A session, and the onstage storytellers were event highlights for me.
The Gathering was a highlight of the year for me. I will return next year! Until then…
This was my first Gathering, I have already begun planning to go to the next!
I am older and was afraid I would get there and be the only one in my age group, I am so glad I took a chance. It was very refreshing to see all age groups there.
And after it was over, I went to visit my grandchildren in Georgia!
Thank you so much Ted. This was my second Gathering, and it was truely an EPIC experience. Seeing so many gathered together, to share in this hope that we have all found in our Lord and Savior, put into a new perspective by your books, is truely an amazing thing to see.
Once the dancers came on stage, I was thinking, ” Oh joy, ballet, fantastic… ” but at the end of the second portion, watching Elyons forgiveness and acceptence, I have to admit I was teary eyed! It was such an incredible visualization!
One of the things that has BLOWN me away in the last two years though, is the love your readers have for one another! I can honestly say I doubt there is another author on the planet who has readers who have connected in such away that 20-30 would gather together in a hotel, and stay up until 3am, and then wake up at 6 to make it to the gathering, JUST to be together, connect, share, grow, love, JUST because of BOOKS!!! Well, not because of books, but because we have seen the truth that these stories contain, and the hope and light that they so briliantly reveal, of the love of our God.
So, thank you again so much Ted, for this second “family” you have led me to discover
I travelled from Ontario with my husband and sister to our first ever Gathering and we absolutely loved it.
The dancers depicted the Great Romance beautifully - it was the most powerful dance I have ever seen. The story tellers were captivating.
It was great to meet and listen to Ted, especially since my sister and I are fellow writers.
Let me just say that it was more than worth the eleven hour drive!
God Bless.
btw - I could completely relate with the schitzophrenic meltdown
:)) Sunshine, rayme!!!
Hey, that was supposed to get me the smiley with glasses and moustache…
Uhhhhhhhhhggggggggg! I wanna come so bad! I swear, i would pay a million dollars for my plan ticket over there just for that one day event! Except, i like dont… have it.
And actually a plan ticket probably would cost me a hundred dollars with the prices now… Lol. I live in China for those of you who dont know. Which kinda sucks in a way. 4 June was like an “I hate China” day for me… 
Well… Maybe in like 2 years i’ll get my turn to come! 
Hugs and Kisses
~Mei, KIA, Beast, China Girl, Weird Name Girl, etc… Lol.
This was my first Gathering and hopefully not my last. I loved it all! It was a blast, and the best experience I have had in a very long time. I loved that everyone was there to celebrate our redemption in Christ and His love for us. Wow, what a mind blowing though that is!!! I can’t wait to see what the Gathering looks like next year. I’m sure it will be another wild time of celebration and encouragement. Keep up the wonderful work, Ted, Kevin, and everyone else involved in this wonderful event!! You are all awesome!!!
Wow. That’s what The Gathering was to me. I couldn’t believe how awesome it was. Ted you have been one of my heroes ever since I first read The Circle Trilogy, and meeting you was one of the greatest things I’ve experienced in a long time. You’re a great man Ted…I only wish I could’ve asked you more questions
This was my first Gathering, and certainly not my last. I didn’t want to leave when it was over. The passion for our Creator in that room was AMAZING!!
The dancers did an awesome job of retelling the story. I even cried…
Unfortunatly I didn’t get to stay for the book signing.*is sad* I had to leave…
Also, as a writer it was hugely encouraging and helpful. Thanks Ted.
~Just Behind the Waterfall
The Gathering was simply a wonderful experience, for me. It was my first, and I didn’t know what to expect. I was blown away. It meant a lot to me to get to meet you just to say thanks. You are a truly amazing author and I always look forward to a new book. My husband doesn’t really like to read, but decided to pick up Black after I got back from The Gathering. He read it in two days. He’s completely hooked and is very excited about the books. We, now, have to buy two copies of Green so we don’t fight over who gets to read it first. I love it. He’s plans to have all of the Books of History Chronicles read so he can go with me, next year, to The Gathering. This, from a guy who thought reading was nerdy. Now, he understands.
Thank you for a fantastic time. My husband and I look forward to next year’s Gathering.
I saw from a long-ago interview these authors listed as among Ted’s favorites: Dallas Willard, Philip Yancey, Thomas Merton, John Piper, Mike Bickle.
It’s easier now for me to see where some of his influence comes, in expressing the battle between good and evil with such power. These authors bring a great deal of depth in conveying the Truth of Jesus Christ - from the contemplative prayer life to the victory that comes from being Spirit-filed.
Our generation needs more writers with a passion for Christ and a passion for the written word, to engage our world in Story that reveals the heart and points to Romance and Freedom and Victory. My prayer is for many in the Body to be stirred deeply to ‘ready their pens’ and express themselves in Spirit-laced stories that shake our planet and usher in a mighty move of God.
And it sounds like “the Gathering” is pointed in this direction.
Blessings.
I’m sooo right there with you, Thomas. I was talking with my dad the other day, trying to explain to him why I write. He, along with my two brothers, is a car guy. I’m the apple that fell far from the tree, and then someone picked me up and threw me.
Writers are a part of the body of Christ, a part of how the body functions, and a part that points people to Jesus Christ, God Almighty, Wonderful Creator. Ahhh, I love that!
Whereas others may be eyes, or feet, or what have you, we are “hands” — writers.
I love thinking about Jesus using his hands for anything in his life: cupping some water, lifting a child to his lap, embracing a disciple.
Hands of our precious Savior. Hands for our precious Savior.
Not only was this my first Gathering, but it was also the first time that fiction changed my life. I prayed a prayer there at the Gathering that built up and eventually became a calling into the film industry. I have two friends that are almost guaranteed jobs (my brother is a screenwriter, our friend Krista is an award winning aspirng director) and I already know the assistant director and Gaffer of several movies. God showed this to me as a result of the Gathering, and it has changed my life.
I was blown away by The Gathering. I am going through so much right now. My own personal battles and spiritual ones as well. The great thing about The Gathering and Ted’s books is the tremendous hope I can get from them. Whether it be from The Circle Series or other books like Boneman’s Daughters or Skin, I get so much from them. I lead a busy life and sometimes forget that I am a child of God and that I need to lean on Him more often. But The Gathering helped me to remember that more than anything has lately. I just pray I can continue to remember that and get my heart back into a happy place.
I was just so inspired by the whole thing! I just kept learning more and more about what it truly means to be a writer for Christ, and the power of story.
And I was really touched by the community and bond between us all.
Just had to say that the Dekker T-shirt I bought at the Gathering has already been a great conversation starter!
Also, I’m really overflowing with God’s love right now, and have to say praise be to God for the saving blood of Jesus Christ!
The Gathering was one of the most special days of my life. I was so happy to be able to experience that with all these people who love reading Ted Dekker, just like me. Being there was like a family reunion of third cousins and further, people that you’ve never me, but you are immediate friends because you are connected somehow. God opened the way for me to go, I know that, so I thank Him for that opportunity and I was so blessed by the Gathering experience. I actually was so happy when I found out that it might be possible for me to go that I cried. So it meant a lot to me, and my anticipation was totally satisfied! Praise the Lord for how He works through people to encourage others. Ted’s works have started a new way of thinking in my heart and I am awakening slowly from the “Slumber of Christianity” that seems to take us all at some point. Thanks, Ted. Thanks, everyone who helped with the Gathering event, and THANKS GOD!!!!
ps. the neatest thing about the gathering was that whenever I talk about Ted’s books with others, I get so excited talking about how they’re all interconnected and all the double meanings I take from it, and the way I can never be the same after reading one of his books, and the other people just think I’m crazy, but at the Gathering, everyone’s crazy about Ted! They totally get me!