More than 500 women will join together in music and prayer next weekend in Washington. They come from as near as just down the street and as far as Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia, drawn by the words and wisdom of nationally known speakers and musicians.

For nearly a decade, the Heart to Heart conference has brought people together in faith and fellowship, and the message they leave with is one of hope.

“It’s a spiritual renewal,” said Carol Jones, a member of Heart to Heart’s organizing committee, along with her daughter, Ashley.

“I think women who are already walking with the Lord are refreshed and empowered to go out and spread the gospel,” Ashley Jones said.

The annual event will take place Jan. 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Harvest Church in Washington. This year’s Heart to Heart features speaker Chrystal Evans Hurst, bestselling author of “She’s Still There,” “Kingdom Woman” and “Show Up For Your Life,” and daughter of Dr. Tony Evans, senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, in Dallas, Texas, and Christian vocalist Laura Cooksey.

It’s the caliber of Heart to Heart’s guest artists and speakers and the message they share that continues to fill the seats at Harvest Church every year.

“A lot of people return each year because they’ve enjoyed themselves,” Ashley Jones said. “I think they come for the town, as well. We had a group of ladies come from Georgia last year, and they fell in love with Washington. So it’s kind of become a drawing point from the tourism standpoint, as well.”

That drawing point extends to those who, perhaps, haven’t been introduced to faith or are questioning their own.

“We always hope that if there is a woman out there who is a non-believer, that their heart will be changed (be Heart to Heart),” Carol Jones said.

On the other side of the conference, the community benefits, as well. Each year a local ministry or program is chosen to make a presentation sharing the work of their ministry or outreach. Past years include the Youth Prayer Breakfast and Open Door Community Center, Beaufort County’s homeless shelter for women and children. This year ministry, Purpose of God, offering a variety of programs from assistance with housing to Project New Hope, a program offering convicted felons the opportunity and skills for a fresh start. With the program, an offering is taken and proceeds donated to the local ministry.

To register for this weekend’s Heart to Heart conference, visit www.hearttoheartconference.org. There are a limited number of tickets remaining.