I come from a Syrian Orthodox family, and grew up very religous. My very first Hillsong Conference  was a turning point in my life where I truly understood that Christianity was all about a relationship with God, rather than a religion. I was volunteering as a host, and even though I had been to church, something about the praise and worship where I felt the presence of God really overcome me. I experienced freedom like nothing I had known before. I did not think twice about how I looked while I was worshipping, disregarding whether raising my hands looked awkward or what people might be thinking. This was followed by incredible messages from the Osteens and Louie Giglio. Throughout the Conference, God was cementing within my heart His love for me. And ever since then, He has been breaking my mind-sets, challenging my life-style, encouraging me in my weakness, and birthing new vision for life. I cannot explain how, but there is something powerful about the atmosphere at Hillsong Conference that births something fresh within your spirit. I did not know then, but I was serving alongside my future wife. And since that year, we have made the decision to be a part Hillsong Conference every year.