On May 3–6, 2005, over 3,000 people gathered for an ATI Regional Conference in Big Sandy, Texas. Motivational messages and practical training inspired parents and students alike to seek after God with fresh determination.

The conference centered on the theme “Total Surrender for Total Success” and addressed the importance of surrendering one’s entire being to God in order to experience the fulfillment of His purposes in one’s life.

The conference’s main sessions were filled with inspirational music and powerful messages from speakers such as Dr. Bill Gothard, Dr. Karl Coke, Roger Magnuson, Dr. Josef Tson, George Keller, Chris and Anne Hogan, and many others.

Once more a highlight of the opening evening, the ALERT men made a thrilling presentation with the flag ceremony.

We were honored and delighted to have Governor Rick Perry of Texas at this conference. He greeted the attendees and challenged them to continue seeking excellence in their lives and their children’s education.

The International ALERT Academy provided a convenient location for attendees with campgrounds, housing facilities, dining halls, and the conference sessions located on the campus.

Girls in the Pre-EXCEL program learned about the meaning of virtue through songs, skits, and crafts. Their focus centered on seeing God’s purpose for bringing people into their lives and the importance of sharing God’s love with them.

The mild weather was ideal for the outdoor activities of the student’s programs—particularly for the ALERT Cadets! ALERT men worked with the Cadets through the week, providing a meaningful time of training in personal disciplines and skills.

Phil and Diane Bowman led helpful sessions for first-year ATI families. Their practical instruction and personal illustrations provided insight and motivation for maintaining family relationships and implementing the Wisdom Booklet studies.

The importance of Scripture memorization and meditation became a theme throughout the conference. Through a dramatic presentation of the first several chapters of Matthew from memory, Rebekah Swicegood’s diligence in memorizing Scripture inspired everyone!

Students enjoyed afternoon sessions with Dr. Gothard and others, discovering insights into experiencing success in life and relationships.

Sam and Ann Conway brought an excellent message of hope and faith to the conference through the testimony of their trust in God even in times when their world seemed to be falling apart.

Through Dewey Novotny’s presentation, parents were challenged to seek out and embrace God’s purposes for their children’s lives and to create a flexible plan of action for achieving the fulfillment of their goals.

The ALERT Cadet Challenge presented boys with an action-packed three days! Spiritual, mental, and physical challenges brought a vision for what God could do in each participant’s life.

Many laughs and lessons brought the Pre-EXCEL teams together in new friendships that may last for years to come!

The Youth Choir and Orchestra concluded our time together with the timeless song, When We See Christ.

“It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ,
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.“