Facebook and faith are not often used in the same sentence, but sharing faith on Facebook is exactly what brought MarLane Knuppel and Susan Stilwell together. From that connection Radiant Roanoke, an annual one-day Christian Women’s Conference, was birthed.
“I kept seeing the name ‘Susan Stilwell’ pop up in my Facebook sidebar,” recalled MarLane Knuppel, one of the group’s founders. “We had over 100 mutual friends so I sent her a friend request.” The two met for coffee and realized they had more in common than Facebook friends.
“We were both passionate about ministry,” Stilwell added. “MarLane has a great reputation as a worship leader, and we discussed the possibility of working together at women’s retreats.” Stilwell speaks at women’s events and knows committees often like to book the speaker and worship leader as a team.
“We left our initial meeting hoping a ministry group would contact one of us so we could bring the other on board.”
Months passed with no opportunities. While leading worship at a one-day women’s conference out of state, Knuppel wondered if there might be interest in a similar event in Roanoke.
Knuppel contacted Stilwell and they marshaled a group of their friends to pray and plan. “It was amazing how things fell into place,” Knuppel reflected. “Not only did our friends agree that it was a great idea, but many of them offered to help.”
The name Radiant Roanoke was inspired by Psalm 34:10, Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Their goal is to unite Christian women across denominations by focusing on core doctrinal truths common to all of them.
Operating on a shoestring budget, the group launched a website and began spreading the word on social media. “We were worried at first,” Stilwell said. “We thought the only women who would come would be a handful of our friends. We were excited and a little bit shocked when we sold over 200 tickets.” The first Radiant Roanoke conference opened to a sold-out crowd in March of 2015 at St. John Lutheran Church in southwest Roanoke County.
The conference also supports local ministries that serve women and children. The leaders chose to highlight the Salvation Army’s Turning Point Shelter. Executive director Jamie Starkey was excited to partner with Radiant Roanoke and bring awareness to Turning Point’s work.
“As a result of our partnership with Radiant Roanoke, the shelter received donations of household goods, financial contributions, and donations for our Salvation Army Thrift Store.” Starkey said.
Because of the overwhelming responses from the attendees, the Radiant Roanoke leaders planned the 2016 conference at a larger venue.
This year’s event will be on March 12th from 9 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. at Church of the Holy Spirit. Turning Point Shelter will again be featured and attendees are encouraged to bring select donations to the event.
Tickets are $30, which includes refreshments and lunch.
For more information, visit www.radiantroanoke.com
