News from European English Aglow
(women & men from different parts of Europe connecting through the language of English)
The Annual Open Conference held recently from the 20th to the 22nd of March 2026 was a cherished family gathering of Aglow members, past leaders, friends of Aglow and those who serve in other ministries. There were 90 of us gathered, representing 8 European countries and 23 nations of birth or origin. They were people of all ages, cultures and Nations who travelled taking flights or carpooled to join in fellowship and worship the Lord as one during this weekend of Retreat.
The theme was Mountain to Mountain with the theme scripture Isaiah 41:15-16 to encourage and raise individuals to become overcomers and live victoriously, knowing their identity as new threshing sledges fully equipped for such a time as this.
Sharmila Geldermans, the Director, hosted this event, ably assisted by Assistant Director and Conference Co-ordinator Helen Amos, with further assistance by a wonderful team and Chapter groups.
The main Speaker was Janae Lovern, who is the Director of International Field and Conferences in Aglow International USA. She was welcomed wholeheartedly and was a blessing as she humbly shared her testimony, bringing God’s revelation through her teaching. She ministered hope, redemption and purpose, leading to victory, which shattered many mountains that weekend. She also made time to have lunch and chat with the Generations (younger folk).
The wonderful warrior Worship was led by a 7-member team headed by Lynieve Austen.
Besides the main sessions, the weekend also included Prayer ministry time, Quartet prayer, Workshops, Meet & greet room with Aglow Information table and groups had the opportunity to sell their own creations or products. A growing ministry – The Men of Issachar had their Men’s breakfast on Sunday morning. The testimony time was very powerful, proving that what he had declared in Isaiah 41:15-16 is true for his glory.
Do you have mountains that are blocking your path and progress? Name 3. As you read, meditate and apply the following summary written by Helen Amos and receive your own breakthrough by threshing your mountains. Aglow is raising an army.
Helen writes: Our speaker, Janae Lovern, ministered deeply into our identity in Christ. She spoke about how God has made us into threshing sledges. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 20:15–22, she reminded us that the strategy God gave Jehoshaphat was to praise and worship Him in the face of the enemy and the mountains before them.
She encouraged us that, just as the Israelites were assured of God’s power to overcome, we too are being empowered to overcome the mountains before us. Sharing her personal testimony, she spoke of how God came alongside her and how, through GameChangers, her identity in Christ continues to grow. She reminded us that He is the One who strengthens us, and that the crushing we experience will produce a powerful testimony.
She described how the winnowing blows away the chaff while we are held securely in His pockets of grace. As we are strengthened to crush the mountains, miracles are released, and new life springs forth from the good seed. The Lord is releasing a fresh anointing—not only to trust Him for the strength to do the crushing, but also to recognise that He trusts us to overcome the very mountains He has already empowered us to conquer.
Janae also encouraged us to write down our “mountains,” to discern what God is showing us, and to build a book of testimonies that reflects His faithfulness and invites us into deeper worship. Reflecting on Psalm 73:23–24, she emphasised the word “yet”—a reminder that God still holds us fast. This assurance gives rise to testimonies of His goodness and faithfulness.
She also shared the story of Leah, who faced the painful reality of being unseen and unloved. Yet, through that crushing, God brought about a profound transformation—not only in her life but in the history of Israel. Her turning point came when she began to see herself as God saw her: worthy and loved. She let go of what was insignificant and chose to praise God, naming her son Judah (“I will praise the Lord”), and Levi. Through her, the priestly and kingly lines were established.
Janae reminded us that what we hear determines what we see. As we listen to the Spirit, our perspective shifts. She also highlighted the importance of community—sharing our stories, encouraging one another, building bridges, and remaining connected as we face life’s challenges together.
Finally, she brought us back to the beginning: the call to “behold”—to pay careful attention and look closely at what God is doing. As we behold Him, He reveals His truth to us. We learn to release what is insignificant and lay hold of what is truly valuable.
It truly was a time of beholding the goodness of the Lord, as He lavished us with His grace, healed our wounds, and delivered us from strongholds.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
He is with us. He makes us into threshing sledges. And He is glorified as we thresh the mountains before us.