Just a little note to give you insight into my last week...This past week was such a privilege, spending five days with some of the finest people in compassion ministry. We were attending the Compassion Forum in St. Louis, MO, discussing best practices of compassion ministry and challenging one another to continue in the work of advancing the Gospel all around the world.
Speakers shared about a number of topics covering from HIV/AIDS and trafficking of women and children to economic development and community assessment, but the most challenging message came from Dr. Banda. He is a Zambian pastor who is highly respected for his church's community outreach ministry and action against HIV/AIDS. The premise of his message was that true success only comes as a direct result of prayer. In sharing with us, he recounted a time in his ministry when he found his church growing in size and his personal influence increasing. One day, however, he realized that he hadn't spent as much time in prayer preparing for the Sunday sermon as he did in his first years of ministry, and it was this realization that led to a life change. In the session, he said "Everything that has been achieved in my life has only come because of time spent in prayer."
How very true is that statement! Our true successes only come when we spend time in the presence of the Lord. Such a privilege it is that we can speak with our Father and become more like Him. For it is in His presence that we receive the life and strength we need to continue in His work.
Love you all! Please e-mail me if you have any comments, questions, and/or prayer requests. bthompson@convoyofhope.org
