Leslie's Testimony
We are quickly approaching the 3rd Anniversary of launching the website.
I wanted to update my testimony as God has been so faithful to grow
and expand Prayers For The People You Love since it first began in April
of 2004. Many of you keep up with my developing testimony in email updates
and when you place orders we get to catch up. But I want to make sure
that everyone who is new to this ministry knows how they play a role
in the things that God is doing. I do hope if you have time, you will
read previous posts and updates to the Testimony Page, so that you can
get a glimpse of how God is using this ministry to reach people for
His kingdom.
Our
minds are so small and limited because we see things with limited faith
and vision. God tries to show us His will and we of course translate
that into what our minds can wrap around at the time based on what we
believe we can do and what we believe God is capable of doing. But there
is no way of seeing the big picture; our minds are far too finite to
understand God’s infinite plans. I am always amazed at how He
is able to use us anyway despite our unfaithfulness and limited vision.
Glory to His name!
When
we first started down this new avenue of vision and faith I was a stay
at home mom. I have since taken a full time job as a Middle School secretary
and my two little boys have grown into big boys. My life is just like
yours, a crazy fast pace with trials, troubles and many blessings all
rolled up into a ball that rolls down hill and picks up speed as it
goes. The mercy and faithfulness of God is about the only thing that
does not change. When God gave birth to this ministry I knew he meant
for this ministry to reach a vast audience, because he placed it on
the World Wide Web. I knew he meant for it to change many people’s
lives. And I knew he meant for it to be prosperous. But I am constantly
being inspired by people who encourage me and have new ideas. Clearly
God speaks to us through other believers. Thank you for listening and
being obedient to deliver God’s message to me.
Up
until this point I have been promoting this ministry primarily at craft
shows. My husband in wisdom has told me that is not the right venue.
Fortunately God has been able to reach many of you at various shows
and you have taken me to many new places in Christ through your orders.
But now I am beginning to see that God is leading me to a new venue
to promote this ministry. God has started opening up many doors for
me to start bringing samples of my work and speaking to church groups
and organizations about Prayers For The People You Love. I hope to be
able to set up booths at events where I can talk to you about the things
that God is showing me about praying His Word over our lives and conforming
to His will. In the coming months I will begin to book speaking engagements
to share our testimony, because your story is also my story. I love
the way God includes us all in the big picture. He doesn’t desire
to leave anyone out. He uses each of us to bring about His purpose in
the world.
It
is your feedback and stories that God is using to reach others for Christ.
This ministry is meant to be a masterpiece painted by the Master’s
hand. The canvas is the hearts of those who receive these prayers. The
brushes are those who purchase and distribute these prayers. The paint
is the blood of Jesus poured out for us all. And the inspiration is
God’s love and visions for His people. We are just a small part
of what is happening in this giant masterpiece, but when God is finished
we will have each had a role in painting this timeless work of art this
will display His glory and splendor. (2 Corinthians 3: 2-6)
Please
be in prayer about how God wants to continue to use you to inspire and
expand this ministry. I know I have limited vision and I believe God
may be showing you something that I have yet to see or understand. Please
be open and obedient in sharing the things that God gives you about
the future of Prayers For The People You Love. I stand amazed at what
God has done over the past three years and I can’t wait to see
what this year brings. We are all works of art in progress, shaped by
the Master’s hand. His creativity knows no limits!
Laboring
with you in Christ,
Leslie Stephens
April 26, 2007