April 2018 Partner Letter

Dear Partner,

 

In 1978, in the earliest days of our ministry, I remember calling and seeking advice from a lady who helped finance Kenneth Copeland Ministries.  I wanted to ask her a few questions about dealing with finances.  She told me to …”just trust God and during your life, God will connect you with people who believe in what you are doing.  They will be called alongside you to help support the vision God has given you.”  And do you know what?  She was absolutely right!

 

With Jesus, we read about …”Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager; and Susanna; and many others, who ministered to and provided for Him and them out of their property and personal belongings”(Lk. 8:3).   George Whitfield, one of the leaders in the First Great Awakening, also had someone, a financier, who made it possible for him to preach and stir the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Here is part of that story:

 

Countess Selina Hastings was born in the upper class in England, and had money, power, and influence. After being converted, and for the rest of her life, she used all of these avenues to advance the Gospel in England.  Closely involved for nearly forty years with the leaders of the revival, she contributed sacrificially in the construction of sixty-four chapels, the opening of many more, and the founding of Trevecca College in Wales. She hired George Whitfield as her personal chaplain so as to provide the opportunity for him to preach to members of her noble circle, which included princes and relatives to kings. She spent tens of thousands of pounds to build chapel buildings, start a preacher’s college and help poor preachers.  At the end of her life, she was still selling off property to get the funds needed to build more chapels!  This shows what God can accomplish through the tireless work of a godly woman whose heart’s desire was, in her words, …”The Dear Lamb of God, my best, my eternal, my only Friend – should have all dedicated to his service and glory.”

 

Maybe you’ve never heard of her – but her part in funding the Gospel is unforgettable in the Kingdom of God!  She was not perfect – but she was available.  Someone once said that the greatest sign of a great servant is his or her availability.

 

You, dear partner, are our answered prayer from those early days, 40 years ago.  How valuable your part is in making it possible to tell the world Jesus is Lord!  You will be one of those who are called forward to receive the crowns for any fruit that has come from Shekinah Glory’s efforts to bring others to Christ and strengthen the church in our lifetime.  We love you, honor you, and pray for you.

 

Forever Grateful,

Cindy, Lois, Ray and our staff