This is a compilation of the Chairman’s desk email’s covering the time before the conference and how all the drama played out.
Through Every Trial, God Remained Faithful
"This report is really a statement of facts and nowhere covers the amount of prayer and exhilaration and stress leading up to the trip nor the fatigue during and afterwards."
These were the opening words of Colin Pownall’s report following the Romania and Serbia outreach trip. As FGB Chairman Trevor Bendrien reflected on the events leading up to our 2026 National Conference, he felt those words could equally describe the remarkable week before the conference.
In the days before delegates gathered in Derby, a series of unexpected challenges tested faith, perseverance and trust in God. Yet throughout every setback, the Lord remained faithful.
Two Weeks Before the Conference – Unexpected Cancellations
Just two weeks before the conference, seven delegates cancelled their bookings, due to family emergencies. moving dates, etc. Raising concerns about both attendance and the financial impact. Rooms had already been allocated and confirmed with the venue, leaving significant work to reorganise everything.
Then, just as the situation appeared to settle with ten new bookings arriving the following week, a succession of unexpected events unfolded.
Trevor was simultaneously helping a business associate host a delegation of Chinese government inspectors while trying to manage the ever-changing conference arrangements. Amidst these commitments, a devastating issue emerged involving a family house build. Due to an error made by an architect, the local council imposed a £6,000 Community Infrastructure Levy on the property. Creating immense financial pressure and uncertainty.
After collecting the Chinese delegation from the airport shortly after midnight on Sunday, Trevor eventually reached home at around 2:30am before attending meetings with the inspectors the following morning.
Around lunchtime, another unexpected problem arose.
Amidst these commitments, a devastating issue emerged involving a family house build. Due to an error made by an architect, the local council imposed a £6,000 Community Infrastructure Levy on the property, creating immense financial pressure and uncertainty.
The discussions with the council continued, but the response remained unchanged. The £6,000 charge would have to be paid.
Meanwhile, the Chinese inspectors requested additional testing that required Trevor to source specialist equipment at short notice. A damaged front tyre added yet another unexpected expense.
However, the most serious event came later that evening.
Returning home after escorting the delegation to dinner, Trevor found an ambulance outside the house. Helen had developed severe chest and back pains and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
With Helen in hospital, the day was spent trying to understand her condition. While continuing to manage conference preparations and the ongoing council issue.
Emma faced her own challenge when trying to visit her mum at Halifax Hospital. Where major building work had left very little parking available. After driving around for half an hour, she approached an elderly couple for advice.
Not only did they lend her their residents’ parking permit, but they also drove her to the hospital entrance and assured her they would be praying for Helen. When Emma later returned the permit, the couple arrived home and shared that they had indeed been praying for her throughout the afternoon.
It was a powerful reminder that God often provides encouragement through the kindness of others.
That evening, during the regular FGB prayer meeting, one of the brethren generously loaned Trevor the £6,000. This resolved the immediate issue with the council, while an appeal could later be pursued.
The meeting also became a time of prayer for Helen’s recovery and the forthcoming National Conference.
Helen had been looking forward to attending the conference herself. She was more than a little annoyed at the timing, and that she wouldn’t be able to attend. Making her absence all the more difficult.
The practical work of preparing for the conference continued.
Not long before the recent issues, around 400 litres of water had flooded the ground floor of Trevor and Helen’s home. Following a pipe joint failing. This effected much of the FGB equipment had been stored there. Thankfully almost everything had been moved in time, with only around twenty Voice Magazines being lost.
Between hospital visits, finalising delegate lists, rearranging accommodation, loading the van. There was also finalising the invoice and payments with the hotel. There was little opportunity to pause. Because of the constant booking changes, the venue was unable to finalise the account until the very last moment. The staff at the hotel were really supportive through this time, despite our regular changes.
After visiting Helen in hospital, Trevor and Emma traveled to Derby. Believing that despite all the opposition, God was preparing to do something significant. It wasn’t easy leaving Helen behind, but their Son Mark and Daughter-in-Law Beth were there to support her.
The conference proved to be everything all of the Director’s had hoped for. Members enjoyed wonderful fellowship, encouraging and challenging ministry, and meaningful time with our Nigerian visitors.
Perhaps most encouraging of all, four men chose to become members of FGB during the conference.
Looking back, Trevor reflected that every attack before the conference only served to highlight how greatly God would move during the weekend.
Returning home after the conference, Trevor was delighted to find Helen recovering at home. She had been discharged from hospital. Doctors had diagnosed an infection that caused fluid to build around the heart, restricting its normal function. Although still weak, she was slowly improving.
The following morning, Trevor travelled to Manchester for a breakfast meeting organised by the Nigerian delegation. Once again, God was at work as another group of younger men expressed a desire to become involved with FGB.
Yet the challenges were still not over.
Driving home, the conference van became stuck in “Park” while stationary in the outside lane at traffic lights near Halifax Hospital. Unable to move and with emergency vehicles approaching from behind, it created a potentially dangerous situation before the vehicle eventually had to be recovered for repairs.
Wondering why the attacks continued even after the conference had finished, Trevor felt prompted to spend time fasting and praying.
After the Conference – Understanding the Bigger Picture
During the following Wednesday evening prayer meeting, an unexpected visitor arrived.
A Portuguese man explained that his family was experiencing severe difficulties. Having prayed that God would lead him to someone who could help. He had driven over an hour to attend the meeting despite experiencing several near misses on the journey.
That evening, the brethren had the privilege of leading him to Jesus Christ. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues.
Trevor later reflected on Jesus’ words that certain spiritual battles “only come out by prayer and fasting.” It helped him understand why he had felt led to continue fasting after the conference had ended.
Following a short break in southwest Wales with Emma and her family. Both Trevor and Helen were finally able to enjoy a few days of much-needed rest.
Standing Firm Through Every Storm
Reflecting on everything that had happened. Trevor was reminded that following Christ does not exempt us from trials. Often, stepping out in faith invites opposition. God’s faithfulness is seen time and again through His provision, His people and His presence.
As James encourages us, we can “count it all joy” when we face trials, knowing that God is at work even through life’s most difficult moments.
Trevor concluded by sharing a poem sent by long-standing FGB member Mark Burton, who many years ago brought a prophetic word over FGB that, although the branches might appear stripped, the roots remained strong.
The author of the poem spent 20 years addicted to methamphetamine, which he started age 16. He became homeless, eating from bins, living in cars or sleeping under bridges. He was trapped in a cycle of addiction, isolation and despair until he “hit rock bottom”.
Then he met God and “gave everthying over to God.”
“With God at the helm”, his life was turned completely around.
Johnny went on to created a Christian recovery programme. It was built around the teachings from the book of James. The poem was writting to show faith-based resilience, God’s redemtption and the importance of being rooted in faith.
Staying rooted in Faith
As we reflect on the events surrounding the 2026 FGB National Conference, we are reminded that trials are not a sign that God has abandoned us. Often, they come when we are stepping forward in obedience to Him. Yet time and again, throughout this remarkable week, God’s hand could be seen. In His provision, His protection, His people and His perfect timing.
Whether through the kindness of strangers, the generosity of fellow believers, answered prayer, or lives transformed by the Gospel.
God proved Himself faithful.
May this testimony encourage us all to remain deeply rooted in Christ. Storms will come, but if our foundations are secure in Him, they will not define us. They will strengthen us. We are confident that God is working all things together for His glory and for the good of those who love Him.