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.
So I brought my grandma with me to the Gathering. Mind you, she isn’t a Christian and came so I didn’t have to go by myself. She’s only read the circle trilogy so she’d understand what the Gathering was - sorta.
I am so so glad that she’s finally had a good impression of what it is to be a follower of Christ. Up until now, I think a lot of her experiences in the church have been tainted by hypocrisy and drama. But now she’s had a chance to see believers united in love to celebrate our wonderful story!!
Plus on top of that, I loved being surrounded by so many who believe as I do and are as passionate as I am. It’s immensely refreshing after having to live in this crazy world of ours.
Thank you Ted for writing the stories and starting this crazy snowball effect!
This was the second Gathering for me, and it was even more mind blowing than the first.
The love. The excitement. The oneness. It was amazing, and it was a work of the Creator.
Amazing, thank you for giving all of us the change to experience a Gathering! I had incrediable fun and an amazing time! But one thing did bother me that I didn’t notice unil later. No one prayed. That bothered me, but I had a wonderful, fulling time anyways.
I loved having the chance to meet other people and I am hoping and praying I get to go next year!
Thank you for everything!
Hey Ted,
This was my third Gathering. It amazes me to recall all three of them. The few of us that attended and helped create the very first Gathering had no idea what it would explode into just a couple of short years later.
Like many have said on the board, even though there were 550 plus people there, it still had a very intimate feel to it. It was still very much OUR gathering. It meant every bit as much to me and more than the first one did 3 years ago.
While I enjoyed all of the speakers (especially the keynote speaker, Ken Hyatt), I can’t even express how much I got a kick out of The Birth Of A Storyteller. I have to tell you something…remember on Friday night when we told you that our girls always refer to you and your books by saying the name of your book then following it up with “Written and directed by Ted Dekker!”
My wife and got a major kick out of the video credits at the end of The Birth Of The Storyteller when it said “Written and directed by Ted Dekker.” I also found it awesome that you did ALL the voices in that. Very well done. Bravo.
Anyway, thanks again for doing what you do and for taking the dream that several of us had 3 years ago and helping it to be realized bigger and better than we could have imagined. I can’t wait to see where this is in another 3 years.
WOW! I’m not sure how to begin to describe it. It was beautiful. Like a story itself. One that leaves you longing for more at the end. Thank you so much for having these!
The Gathering was beautiful, staggering, and for me, liberating. To look around the room and see five hundred others who had made their way across the country (or even oceans) to celebrate what we’ve all seen in your writing was incredible. I left there wishing it could continue throughout the summer, the year, forever…to remain there with our Circle and remember everyday our own history of love and betrayal and the price paid for our lives.
I will be at your Gathering next year if I have to crawl there - hopefully the memory of this dazzling reconnection with God and with truth and with love will keep me going until then.
Thank you, Ted - it was so, so beautiful.
Amy -> Ami. ;]
The end performance the illusionist did had me in tears. I’m a sucker for worship and I felt the presence of God “raining” down in that room so strong. I love that feeling. Open the flood gates of heaven! Drown us in your blood, cleanse us and make a new.
The gathering was the best time I’ve had in a while, I will be returning for as long as there will be one! God bless your wonderful heart and spirit Ted. Thank you!
-Angela
Wow! How can I describe The Gathering? It was the first time for me, and I came alone, as my husband is not (yet) a believer. It was a life altering moment for me to be surrounded by others who are inspired by your writing, and share in the day’s events. I loved the schizophrenic meltdown
. I was most drawn in by the dance of Justin and the maiden. I loved all of it, and it was absolutely worth spending the money and going across the country for “just” one day…one day can change a life.
I have read almost all your books, and can’t wait for more. The Circle stories are my favorites.
Thank you Ted for all your hard work. You are my inspiration as a Christian-your writing leads me to the Creator in a way nothing else has. I am grateful, and I know so many others are, too.
I’ll be back for The Gathering 2010
Blessings to you and your family
Jenn Stevens
Ted…thank you.
The Gathering event was far larger than you or any of us, but you did help in bringing it about. It enabled many of us who have talked online (first at the booksofhistory.com site, now at elyonscircle.com) for so long to finally meet in person! We came several days early to meet each other and enjoy good fellowship with fellow believers. The result was over 30 crazy people getting together and having the time of their lives, then going to the Gathering on Saturday and being awed at the story being told once again of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. I don’t think there’s a single one of us that doesn’t want to come back next year. So Ted, for organizing this, I give you a heartfelt thank you…but also far more to my Lord and Savior, who has given us the greatest story and the greatest gift ever.
The Gathering is really something special.
This was my second year attending. Both years, I’ve come away so touched. (: It’s a blessing, Ted, it really is.
As fans, those who’ve connected over the web get to see each face to face. Both times I’ve come, I’ve been amazed. We get along so well. It’s like we’ve been best friends for years.
The Gathering itself is amazing. Last year, I felt like we really got a chance to see the man behind the mask (no pun intended). Which was really refreshing. This year, hehe, we got the karate kick! Oh man, that was awesome! (Yes, I knew the gal who asked you that last year) The way you tied all of your books together in that skit was awesome. (:
All of the different presentations during the Gathering were awesome! So creative and inspiring.
For me, the Gathering is one time of year where God specifically reminds me of what an awesome story we’re living. (: And it’s not finished yet. (:
Thanks so much Ted, Kevin and those of you who worked so hard to bring us this awesome event.
My definite favorite part was your “Meltdown”, Ted.
It was so funny. And it was definitely a ton of fun to some dressed as Marsuvees and ask you if you wanted to trip!
The dance made me cry. I’m not gonna lie. I was sitting in my little aisle seat a few rows back sobbing as I watched Justin redeem the maiden. That was…indescribable. Incredible. Because that could just as easily have been me, who was created, and who rejected the Creator for something forbidden. And then was forgiven anyway. Thank you immensely for that visual. The dance was beyond incredible.
It was awesome getting to meet all my friends. And getting to meet you! I said to my dad, “From Ted’s point of view, it’s like ‘okay, fan #1′, ‘fan #2′, etc. But from our point of view, we’re all coming out of the signing room and analyzing every single word that he spoke to us. ‘Ted just smiled at me! He laughed at something I said!’ ”
I keep telling everyone it was the best weekend of my life. And it was, it really was. I loved meeting everyone, meeting you, goofing off, dressing as a bad guy.
I loved every aspect of it. Thank you guys so much for pulling this together for us. It was most definitely an experience I’ll never forget.
This was my first gathering. I must say that there have been few events that I have enjoyed as much as this one. To be able to meet those that I have gotten to know from online. But to meet someone who can take the Bible, give the main story it contains and give in a new way, epic.
The guys here that I work with think that I am nuts. They are continously picking on me because of interest in your books. But at the same time many of these same guys have started to read your books because of that very interest.
I loved meeting my online friends for the first time and loved hearing about you. I am wishing it was next year already. If it is going to be anything like this year, it will definitely be worth it.
The Gathering was amazing!
I loved seeing all the Dekkies, and hearing you and Kevin Kaiser and all the publishers talk, and the magician was awesome! I do wish that it was more about the group itself doing things, and less just a show, but it was amazing none the less.
I don’t think that there are words to explain what the Gathering really meant to me. I felt so blessed that I was even able to be there. I experienced so many emotions through out the day. Many during the fantastic “Schizophrenic Breakdown”. The dancers brought a beautiful, touching addition to the story while the story tellers brought humor to the stories. All in all I think that it was just great to have so many christians in one place brought together by each others stories which were brought out by Ted Dekkers writing.
This was my first Gathering, but after that experience, it most definitely won’t be my last! It was so amazing to meet everyone that I converse with on here, as well as be able to experience the story all over again, through the storytellers, the dancers, and even through your schizophrenic meltdown! Thank YOU for an amazing time, and Lord willing, I’ll see ya next year!
I enjoyed this years Gathering immensely! I was at last year’s Gathering, too (I was “the culprit” who asked you to demonstrate how a man would woo a woman in Other Earth
I was definitely really excited when you did the karate kick during your “Schizophrenic Meltdown.” After that, I didn’t have a question to ask, though…lol.
I was very moved by the dance. The second one performed at the end almost made me cry. It was a beautiful retelling of Christ and his love for us.
The entire Gathering was a great experience this year, and I’m already starting to save for next year. I’m excited to see what you all have in store for us.
Thank you so much, Ted, for putting this together. For sharing your gift of story telling with the rest of us and for not letting your gift cause you to get “big-headed”.
The dancers were amazing and I was crying when the maiden, full of shame and guilt, was sought after by Justin. That maiden was me, not too long ago…
I also appreciate your honesty during the Q&A time - particularly when answering the questions about the violence in your books. I add an “amen” to your answer and encourage you to keep doing what you’re doing.
I will be there next year with my mother and my daughter - 3 generations of “weird” women touched by God’s redeeming love and the love of a good story.
The experience was exhilarating. My mother had only read a few Dekker books. They are the only books that I have seen her sit down and read cover-to-cover, and I surprised her by paying for flights and tickets for both of us. Several people told us we were “crazy” for flying from D.C. to T.N. (just) for a conference. It was an amazing feeling to experience The Gathering sitting next to the woman who first instilled in me the power of story. She taught me to read as a toddler because she said “if you love to read, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.” Twenty-three years later, I was able to give her the chance to experience story for herself.
The Gathering was affirming, exhilarating, and a glorious time to celebrate the story written by our Creator.
All I can say is wow!!! This was my second gathering and it was a mind blowing experience. I loved how the dancers re-enacted The Great Romance, I couldn’t get enough of Ted’s melt down it was just awesome. It was a blast to meet those I met last year and talk about everything going on and especially The Gathering, it was also great to meet the new faces and hear their experiences and stories.
Ted, I hope you liked the Poster I made for you that we all signed. You are a moving, motivating, and inspiring individual of God and I am glad that we get to share in your stories and experience The Gathering….For we are The Circle.
By Elyon’s Strength….
I must say, after beginning my journey at 3am, picking up a complete stranger in KY (although now a brother in Elyon!), and enjoying the very long day which culminated in an autograph and a handshake with Ted himself, I left the Gathering physically exhausted–but nonetheless spiritually renewed! It was an incredible experience to get inside Ted and friends’ heads and partake of the colored forests’ pleasures. For the future, it would be even better to have live worship (maybe tribal/Celtic, reminiscent of Madison Greene?) and some character actors wondering about playing our favorite characters from the Circle and other books! Not to imply that this year wasn’t amazing as it was…blew away my naive expectations. Word to those who may come next year–get there early! The front row seats are worth it. Maybe it will be a stadium by then. Hope to be back next year if still living relatively close by…and hope to convince my wife and others to come along too!
PS: I’m still trying to figure out where the cup of apple juice given to me by Brock (oh, I mean Thomas) came from!
Here’s to Ted…gulp, gulp, gulp. Drink deep…
Ted,
I was there with Gregg at the beginning, and to see what it has become, what you and your team have done with what once seemed like a somewhat silly idea, well it is truly a trip!
This Gathering left me with a renewed sense of my connection to the Creator and the story I have to tell. I loved your focus on Story, on its importance to us all, and how each one of us contain expressions of Story waiting to be released. I am ready to let my imagination and my fingers fly. As if you haven’t given me enough, I thank you deeply and sincerely for this new spark.
The best part of the Gathering, though, any year, is the people of the Circle. I am awed every time by the sense of brotherhood, by the love and joy expressed within the boundaries of the Circle. I know you realize this, too, but these people, they are some of the finest, most noble people in the world.
I would like to pass on a comment from a fan who was there that doesn’t frequent the boards, and who is, perhaps, a bit critical of the violence in your work. He said he was very impressed and touched to see your entire family there, working together. Even when you aren’t writing, you are moving people’s hearts and minds.
Thanks for everything, Ted.
Peace,
Halo
Beautiful.
The Gathering this year made me think of the power of story on a whole new level. Since I started the first few pages of Black I have been inspired by Ted’s work and plan to read everything he has written and whatever else he has to give us. It was a truly inspirational event.
Ted,
There are so many things I loved about the Gathering this year! It was my first year attending, and it did not disappoint. The dance made me cry….such a beautiful moving reminding of God’s complete and utter love for us…it’s more than we could EVER comprehend!! In a close second was definitely the Schizophrenic Breakdown. I don’t think i’ve ever laughed so hard in my life!! What a wonderful way to “get into your mind.”
But beyond anything we did or experienced that day at the Gathering, I have to say I enjoyed getting to meet and talk to fellow believers the most. Some I’ve known online for a long time, and others I met and talked to for the very first time. But it was because of the wonderful people who are believers but also happen to be fans of your work that I had a fantastic time at the Gathering. Our community is our strength! I can’t wait for next year to arrive!!
Blessings,
Courtney
This was my first Gathering and it was even more amazing than I expected it to be.. I loved being around so many believers that have been brought together by Ted’s stories.. I fully intend on attending many more Gathering’s.. The whole experience was outstanding.. the dancers, the storytellers, the illusionist, and everyone else who took the stage the entire day.. I cant begin to explain how much this experience meant to me.. Thank you to Ted and everyone else who put this experience together.. and thank you to everyone who attended and had as great of a time as I did.. Always Dive Deep..
Wow! My daughter and I just got home from the Gathering. To say it was an awesome experience would be an understatement! I loved the lake. I want to swim in Elyon’s lake. The dancers really brought the story to life. The storyteller - wonderful. Ted’s openness in answering audience questions greatly appreciated. I can’t remember when I have had so much fun in one day, and felt so happy at the end of it. Was it worth the two day drive to get there? Definitely - and then some. We are looking forward to next year.
My wife and I attended this year. We are from Texas and took a 12 hour road trip. The complete experience was very refreshing. We both enjoyed the Gathering. We think what would have made it cooler was if it were actually like THE GATHERING. We would have loved to see some worship. 500 forest dwellers from across the U.S all in worship.
All I can say is, “WOWWWW”!!! This year’s Gathering much more than exceeded my expectations!! Every detail of the production was captivating. My only regret is that the time flew by so quickly. I definitely am looking forward to next year’s event!! Thanks, Ted, for providing this unique experience to your readers!! And, thanks for the unending hours of pleasure your books have given us!!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself over the weekend. The Circle story re-enactment inspired me and awakened in me a greater love for my Savior. Whenever I argue that I’m not called to be a writer, I get messages such as Ted’s and the desire burns brighter inside of me. I pray to God I won’t forget the ways in which I was touched so I can go out there and do what I was made to do.
Ted, thank you so much. We love you and are grateful that you are obedient to God in using your gifts and talents, setting a wonderful example for us as we follow Christ. Many blessings.
Karri
Words cannot express what The Gathering meant to me. Ok, I realize *cough, cough* that we’re not a cult, but there were 500 people worshiping God there in Liberty Hall. The Story is so powerful and so moving. You are so passionate, Ted. That’s the one thing that shone through. You write the stories, but the vision comes from God.
The best part of the week, however, was getting to meet some of The Circle…people I’ve known through message boards suddenly with me in real life. It was a completely amazing experience that I will never forget.
Of all the “famous” NYT best-selling authors…King, Koontz, whoever…how many of them can inspire their readership in the sort of way that results in a GATHERING? Does King play out his trials as an author? Does Koontz reenact his stories in dance? No. Only Ted. Stories so compelling and so brimming with truth to make such a Gathering possible.
Amazing, amazing weekend Ted. But next time you need to talk more. Whatever subject you wish. You may not consider yourself a speaker, but you certainly do the job well.
God Bless,
Josh
This is the first time for me and I just loved it! I brought my Godmother with me. I’m a little older than the average attendee there(41) - but all I can say is that I went because I love the story and how it’s been told and expressed in your words! I’m hooked!
And then to see a visual interpretation at this gathering through you, your family, the actors, dancers & speakers was Wow! The music - that’s where I connect- thank you for giving a song to connect with Green - I love that!
The experience was as you said Crazy Madness! It made me feel alive again and inspired to start writing my songs again!
I plan to attend next year:)Blessings & prayers for you and your beautiful family, and blessings on all your upcoming books - thank you to all involved with putting this together. Can’t wait for next year’s Gathering!
This was my first Gathering, and it was everything I expected and more. The storytellers were awesome and hilarious, the dancers were phenomenal, and the entire Gathering was amazing. Ted, I have yet to comprehend what’s in that head of yours, but you made this Gathering an unforgettable, worshipful experience. I loved it!
I stumbled across House one day three years ago, not knowing anything about you and I haven’t stopped reading your books since. Not only have they captivated me as a reader, but they have also been my motivation as a writer. Your stories fill me with a feeling I cannot describe and I find myself yearning to be able to do that with my stories. After reading the Circle Trilogy, I wrote every single day until my first novel was finished.
Being at The Gathering only furthered that desire. I was one of the twenty or so people standing in line and watching that line grow all the way to the parking lot just amazed me.
I only wish that more authors reached out to their fans as you do and to have your family be such a big part of it is really special. I’m lucky if my family gets together on holidays, so that was just an amazing thing to see.
I wish you all the luck and I cannot wait to see you next year…I’ve already started saving my money 8D
Kaitlyn
I took my mom with me to the Gathering. She tried to read Black before hand, but could not get into it. (She did like the first few chapters of Green and thinks she will start there on the circle series.)
The night before she was wondering whether or not to take a book with her, but she was glad she didn’t. We both had an amazing time, and for the first time in my entire life we went through an entire weekend trip by ourselves without arguing. We finally have a common bond, not only in Christ, but in retelling the story, and getting the word out to other people.
I enjoyed meeting Ted at the book signing, and loved talking to him about the Middle East and his non-fiction book coming out in January. I also love that he pointed my mom in the right direction for which book she should start with that will capture her attention.
Ted is an amazing person who is doing the work of God, and that has impacted my life in a way that words cannot describe. I look forward to going back next year (and my mom has already said she will be there no matter what) and I hope to take my dad with me. This is an experience I want to share with as many people as possible, because it is such an amazing experience.
~Marie
The Gathering was so amazing! My parents, my girlfriend, and I came all the way from California and it was definitely worth it! Throughout the entire day, we were reminded of how much God loves us. And Ted’s schizophrenic meltdown was awesome. And I loved meeting Ted. He’s a genuinely nice person! I’ll definitely be going again next year!
For my first Gathering, it blew my socks off. It was honestly worth every bit of trouble I went through to get there, and it was definitely the best way I’ve ever spent a birthday.
I’m already making plans for next year’s Gathering.
I had a wonderful time. I took my mom who I just converted to a Dekkie. We both loved it and I hope to be there next year. The great thing was getting to meet other fans like me. I met a guy named Chris and some other fans as well. I actually met one fan who is a Hugh Jackman fan (like I am), a Wolverine and X-Men fan (like I am) and actually went to see the midnight premiere (like I did), and wears rocketdogs shoes (like I do). It was great to see that I’m not the only crazy christian out there!
The best parts of the Gathering for me was the part about what is story and why it’s beneficial, the Q & A section, and meeting the website people that I’ve chatted with for a while. I’m an a writer so the part about what is story and the Q & A parts really taught me how to better understand fiction and how to write better. I also loved meeting and hanging out with everyone on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning.
Whew! It’s been several days now since we attended the Gathering, but everything is still so fresh in my mind. Traveling there I thought we would be the ones driving hours to get there, but I was way wrong.
I was most encouraged by the heart of God and His presence I could feel filling the room, flowing from the people. It’s always a blessed experience to be around other believers and I think we all need that renewing of spirit every once in a while.
The Gathering was so much more than I had expected. Ted mentioned it was a production, which was dead on. It was beautiful. The dancing was perfect. A perfectly told story of God’s love for us and no matter how we try to screw it up, it will always be there waiting with arms wide open.
Thank you so much for all the hard work that was obviously put into this! It has renewed me! I feel excited for the things to come and to see where God is leading His people! Looking forward to swimming. Thanks for sharing your heart through your stories.
Candace
Dear Ted i wasn’t able to attend the gathering because i had to be with my family but i wanted to go so much!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have read all of your books and there is not one that i don’t love. i hope and pray i can go next year!
This was the first Gathering for me, but I have loved Ted Dekker’s books for years. The Gathering was everything that I hoped it would be and more. The dances really touched my heart. They were beautiful and portrayed our sinfulness as humans and yet the neverending love of our God. It’s all about the romance and how he woos us. The dances showed that perfectly. So beautiful.
And Ted Dekker’s schizophrenic meltdown was amazing. As a writer myself I can understand and relate to all the ideas in my head. Though I don’t think I have ever had a meltdown, but then again I don’t have characters like Marsuvees Black.
Most all, I love how real Ted Dekker is. He doesn’t want people to read the stories so they see how great he is. He wants people to read so they understand the romance, the love of Christ, the passion we should have for him. He wants people to learn and understand the message that he so intricately weaves into each story. I really got a sense durng the Gathering that it wasn’t just about him. It was about all of us. All of us coming together to be captivated in our own different ways by the love of Christ. I can’t wait for next years Gathering.
~Aimee
How to describe an event that is indescribable? The Gathering was absolutely amazing. This was my first year going and I was completely blown away. Everything was amazing. Listening to Ted Dekker speak, though, was most definitely the highlight of the Gathering. The dancers were phenomenal and the storytellers had me laughing so much, I cried (please bring them back next year!). But, in listening to Dekker speak and his passion for God and the written word and storytelling, my heart was truly moved. I found myself yearning to have that kind of passion. It has really challenged me in my growth as a Christian. So, thank you, Ted Dekker and everyone, for making this event so amazing! I am looking forward to next year!
My first gathering. I was impressed with openness of Ted to discuss such personal stuff but that is what life is about. It has totally encouraged me to tell my story and given me a yearning to hear the stories of all the people that cross my life’s path. The dancers were the light of the show. Thank you for the passion that you live by!
Blessed
Loved the gathering
This was my first time at the Gathering or anything of the sort. I didn’t know what to expect and was nervous as can be, afraid i wouldn’t get to meet Ted. As it would turn out, my girlfriend and I were the first ones in line and were fortunate enough to have front row seats. My girlfriend even got called up on stage with the illusionist and had her mind read lol. I am not a religious guy, and never really had a relationship with God. Although through Ted’s stories and some soul searching i’ve found a close relationship with God and I was completely amazed by the Gathering.
I will definitely go next year!
DiveDeepDrownWillingly
SH
Reminded.
This is what I’ve found to be the most powerful aspect of your stories, Ted.
The power to remind me (who is so prone to forgetting) the great redemptive history that we have. To remind me of how far I’ve fallen, how great the price of redemption was, and how beautiful the rescue is.
Thanks, Ted. That’s what last weekend meant to me.
Wow! What can I say? It was an amazing experience for me to be able to come together with my Circle brothers and sisters whom I have gotten to know the past few years on this website, and to just sit around and talk with them. To worship and pray sitting side by side, actually hearing each other’s voices. THAT is what I will treasure most about this weekend.
And of course, the event itself was nothing short of fantabulous. The entire day was a whirlwind of celebration, laughter, inside jokes, and more than a few tears. It rekindled the flame of joy and hope in all of us, I think.
We are the Circle. Never break the Circle. Dive deep.
-Cali
I was blessed to be able to attend The 3rd Annual Gathering. This event was an absolutely magnificent experience, all dedicated to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I could see my Redemption intertwined in everything that transpired there. It was very well organized, there was harmony between the people, no one getting angry or short-tempered with each other (it was a bit close-quarters). I really enjoyed it and came away with such a wonderful feeling of loving and being loved, both from Ted and his affiliates, and from the people that traveled so many miles to come together and celebrate the wondrous Sacrifice of our Creator. Thank you Ted and family, for a perfect Circle experience.
This was my first gathering as well. It has probably been the highlight of my life thus far. I was awed by everything that took place and fell in love with The Circle once again. I felt new passions awaken and old ones come back to life. My life has probably been changed.
Meeting everyone was breathtaking and I miss you all immensely. Even having those few words with Ted was cool.
My mom wants to make The Gathering a vacation for the family in the years to come.
Thanks Ted and Kevin for putting it together. It was amazing.
This gathering was a great time where all of Elyon’s followers could come together for a time of celebration. The time I spent there really moved me and helped me experience love in a whole new way through the story tellers, Ted Dekker speaking, and the dancers. It was just such a wonderful time focusing on Elyon. I can’t wait to go again next year! It should be a two day thing next year because one day is just not enough to get everything done.