If I had a hammer...

So today I've been working on a cool new document for Christian Endeavor called a Case Statement. What this is, basically, is a packet of information about CE & its goals, mission, future plans, & needs. It is interesting to me to compile this information for many different reasons: one, I get to learn more about CE, which is an organization I've been involved with since I've been 12 but never really learned the history of, and two, I enjoy writing, so this is a joy to me. It has taken me a couple of weeks to find the time to actually prepare a rough draft of sorts, so today I found myself on kind of a roll when writing all these things down.

One of the most interesting parts of the Case Statement will be the part that lists our major needs. At our staff meeting last Tuesday, we spent some of the time 'brainstorming' the 'If I had a million dollars' question. Don't you just love that question? To me, there's a difference in being greedy and wishing you had a million dollars for yourself, and wishing you had a million dollars to spend on an organization you really believe in. We had some pretty cool items on the list by the end of the day (check back in a few weeks when this document is done & I'll post a link to the pdf format, okay?), and that list is now permanently in my notebook, as an encouragement to where we see Christian Endeavor going.

Sure, some of the things might be more valuable to our personal needs, but I feel in my heart that there is this great movement growing within this tiny office, and in the hearts of people like you & me who have ever been encouraged by CE. The vision that CE upholds is grounded in something that spreads across all denominations: turning youth into engaged leaders one church at a time- because Christ demands us to share our great news with others.

This morning as I was doing my devotions, I was reading in Ephesians and these verses just stuck out at me so distinctly:

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."

It's really nice to be able to get the stuff we need to continue with our mission; sometimes, like equipment or volunteers, it's even necessary. But the most powerful way YOU can be of service to CE? Prayer. Pray and see where God is leading you; whether it be in the fall, winter, spring, or summer, it is a rarity when your experience, ability, talent, or volunteer hours are not needed. The only way for you to know what God is really telling you is to be in prayer, faithfully, and listen. (Yeah, I have a hard time with that last one, too.)

I encourage you to be in prayer with me as Christian Endeavor- Mid Atlantic begins to make some changes. And while you're at it... have you signed up for a Fall or Spring work camp yet? Today is the LAST DAY for Fall work camp participants... leave me a comment if you need more information, or check us out on the web.