When hosting applications opened for the Four12 Conference in East London, we faced hundreds of people needing accommodation and a “one-loaf-and-a-few-fish” supply of hosts. The ratio of guests to hosts was unprecedented, and for many, the idea of hosting strangers was entirely new.
Each day brought more guest applications, but hosts started stepping forward in tandem. It felt like crossing a spiritual river – one step at a time, one faith-filled day at a time. As the numbers grew, hosts multiplied their capacity, some two-fold and others five-fold. They faced challenges, such as budget constraints, space constraints, and even doubts whispered by the enemy, but God continued to be so faithful in providing for every one of His sheep.
As the numbers grew, hosts multiplied their capacity, some two-fold and others five-fold.
When online hosting applications closed, calls from guests still poured into the office. And yet, by divine orchestration, new spaces became available: a flat finished just in time, a guesthouse opened, another room, another space. Hosts responded with a heartwarming attitude of “one more? That’s fine!”
There was a moment during the Conference when hosts were asked to stand. A brave few rose to their feet, courageous warriors in my eyes. Then, when asked for all those being hosted to stand, a wave of people rose – more than a third of the Conference delegates. I still tear up remembering that moment. God left no one behind. He fed the multitudes, found each person a bed, a home, a family. All glory to a loving Father.
The journey of hosting became a deeply personal and spiritual one for many first-timers. Countless testimonies followed, affirming why not all of Jesus’ miracles could be contained in the Bible! One couple shared that they decided to host because their teenage son was eager to do so. They ended up hosting five young men, aged 15 to 23. “It was incredible to witness the immediate bond and interaction,” they said. “We could see that they all love the Lord. Over dinner, we shared Conference highlights, and the room was filled with encouragement, fellowship, and unity. We will host again.”
God left no one behind. He fed the multitudes, found each person a bed, a home, a family
Yet another couple, Graham and Adele Wild shared, “We really didn’t know what to expect when it came to hosting – it was our first time. Our home doesn’t have spare rooms, nevertheless we stepped out and ended up hosting seven folk – making bunk beds wherever we had space (this included our garage!) …”
Another family opened their home intending to serve others but found themselves being served and blessed by their guests instead. Many hosts recounted intimate moments where God spoke powerfully into their lives and the lives of their guests. Some guests shared words of encouragement that brought conviction and transformation to their hosts. Others began dreaming about “going to the nations” to see their friends, who were just strangers the week before.
Through it all, from temporary bunks built in workshops, tents erected on farms, mattresses borrowed, bulk food parcels distributed, meals prepared, porta-loos positioned, transport organised, lounges turned into bedrooms and one-bedroom flats transformed into four-person oases, every guest was hosted. Even as late as the day before the Conference, God provided, ensuring no one was left behind – we even had beds to spare.
Faith without works is dead, and what we witnessed was true faith in action – a 2024 miracle. The generosity and hospitality of the saints showed guests and hosts alike how He loves His people. He is El Roi, the God who sees us.
