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An Opportunity for Recognition and Encouragement ISAIAH 6:8 printer-friendly

By Carmen Warner-Robbins, Welcome Home Ministries

ISAIAH 6:8: Then I heard the voice saying "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us"? And I said "Here am I, send me."

How many times have we remembered our call, reflected upon our response and rejoiced in the passion our Lord has given us as we reach out, touching men and women with Jesus' love?

The other night, during my prayer time, I asked the Lord to reveal very clearly what He wants me to do IN LOVE OF HIS CHILDREN. He took me to the edge of a large cliff, and as I looked out over an enormous field, I could see thousands and thousands of men and women with their hands outstretched saying, "help me, please help me." "These are the men and women I have brought to you who need me" Jesus said. "They are thirsty for my love, desiring to be healed and seeking a helping hand to bring them into wholeness and renewal with me."

As I stood at the edge of the cliff weeping, I realized what an honor and a privilege it is to say "Here am I Lord, send me." Walking along side of men and women, believing in their potential, and never ever giving up on them is a precious gift that our Lord has given to each one of us. Sometimes we may become weary, discouraged, or overwhelmed, but our Lord is there every step of the way, blessing, encouraging and loving those who have answered the call.

In honor and recognition of the life changing work that all of you do each day, CAPA has created a special monetary award that will be presented to an agency or an individual who has gone above and beyond in reaching out and making a difference for your community, your city, or for persons being served by your agency. The details of this award will be presented at the upcoming October conference in Baltimore, and the award will be presented at the 2010 CAPA conference.

As Jesus calls us to love one another, to minister to those in and returning from jail/prison, and to be grateful for our victory in Him, we need to celebrate with each other, to rejoice in the accomplishments of each other, and to always encourage each other. For it is in this acknowledgement and blessing that we continue to bring many into the Kingdom as we have been called to do. So, pray, praise, and ponder who you might consider nominating for this award, in honor of our Lord. The nomination forms will be available at the October conference.

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