January,
2005
Dear
Christian Friends,
Leadership is crucial in every facet of our lives. We need leaders in our
families, in our churches and in our government. But not just any kind of
leadership; we need Godly leadership. Moses displayed this kind of leadership in
leading Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Joshua showed it in leading the children
of God into the Promised Land.
Without leadership the flock of God loses vision, but with Godly leadership the
children of God are equipped to do great things and bring the will of God here
on earth as in Heaven.
Over the years the Inn of the Shepherd has offered hospitality, refreshment and
encouragement to many leaders and many of you have been part of it. We realized
that as one leader is refreshed he or she will in return refresh hundreds and
thousands.
As I have joined my husband, Doug, as he has worked in Annapolis with the state
legislature I have seen the need for those leaders to also be refreshed. Last
year the dream of a place of hospitality and refreshment for State Legislators
became a reality. We were gifted with a house about four blocks from the State
House where we were able to provide a quiet haven.
One Senate aide said this, "I was able to renew my faith in a loving God by
fellowshipping with like-minded people. I was constantly uplifted in prayer and
grew in spiritual stability as we conversed. The loving atmosphere of this place
is a needed refuge and community for all who wish to spare a few minutes to
celebrate God and friends."
We were able to provide Bible studies for legislators and aides as well as a
weekly commitment to prayer. For eight weeks people from various congregations
came on Fridays for prayer and intercession for local and national leadership.
There was no connection with party or issues.
An intercessor shared, "Every Friday morning during the Assembly session
this small house was a meeting place for intercessors. There were no agendas, no
programs-just prayer, praise and worship. We laughed and cried as we shared
scripture, prayed and shared our stories."
This year a house has come available within two blocks of the State House that
is even larger. We know you would want to join in thanking God for this
opportunity.
The cost is $8,600 for rent for three months and $5,000 for food, study
materials and other expenses. We have currently been pledged $7,000, but the
additional $6,600 is still needed.
We are sharing this need with you so that you too may share in the blessing of
refreshing the men and women that make the laws in our state. Turning the state
back to God will take strong Christian leaders. This may be the starting point.
Will you partner with us to give these leaders a place to come to for strength
and encouragement? Will you also join us in prayer, now and during the
session to help this effort continue?
Perhaps you could provide a gift of $500 or even $1000. Perhaps your support
would be $50 or $25, we need you to pray, hear and answer.
Donations are tax deductible and can be made to Inn of the Shepherd, 3542
Hernwood Road, Woodstock, MD 21163.
In His Service,
Barb
PS.
Every gift is precious and so is your presence. Call to set up a time for your
prayer group to come or for you to just visit for a time. We will be there from
January 8, 2005 until April 9. We'd love to have you join us.
