It all started with a group of women — women looking to grow closer to one another and grow closer to Jesus.

In 2011, the Heart to Heart Conference was born, first as a First United Methodist Church event and now as an event spanning eastern North Carolina. In the several years since, the conference has served as a way to encourage and educate its attendees and has grown to host more than 500 people.

“We had a lot of women from other churches come and ask us, ‘Why don’t we make this a citywide event?’” organizer Beth Page said. “From that it just has exploded.”

While many women attend from all over eastern North Carolina, Page said there are attendees from out of state, as well.

The Heart to Heart Conference is a two-day event scheduled for Jan. 27-28 at Harvest Church in Washington.

This year, Heart to Heart will feature Lisa Harper as its guest speaker. Harper is an acclaimed author, speaker and theological scholar based in Nashville, Tennessee.

“When asked about her credentials, the most noticeable thing about Lisa Harper is her authenticity,” the conference webpage reads. “During a recent interview, she said, ‘I’m so grateful for the opportunities God’s given me, but don’t forget, He often uses donkeys and rocks!’”

Laura Cooksey, also based in Nashville, is set to lead the music portion of the event. Cooksey is an award-winning singer who has led worship at national conferences and worked with some of Christian music’s biggest names.

“I think there’s something women getting together. Women just long for fellowship and fellowship with other women,” Page said. “I think everybody leaves very encouraged because they’ve connected with other women.”

The annual conference has a philanthropic aspect, as well. Last year, more than $2,000 was raised for Bright Futures Beaufort County, an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of all students in Beaufort County, according to Page. This year’s proceeds will go toward a charity working in Haiti to build a church and school.

Page said months of planning goes into Heart to Heart, but more importantly, so does prayer. She said organizers meet as early as September to pray over the conference.

This year is no different.

“We’re real excited,” Page said. “The speaker is phenomenal. One minute, you’re just dying laughing … and the next minute, you’re just crying.”