35 LBS

that is the weight of the Stephen Leaders Training Manual. A series of folders containing scripted lesson plans along with program information and resources compiled to meet every imagined ~ and probably unimagined ~ need of a Stephen Ministers group. Five-hundred-sixteen participants from all over the US, a couple from Canada, and a Pastor from Botswana. 150 denominations represented; all people with a passion for serving others. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. We were busy for six days, starting at 8:30 am and going through 5:00 pm. A couple of the nights we even went back for evening sessions. I dubbed our team, that is Margaret and I, "Sponges for Christ" as instructions from our congregation's Ministry Leader sent us forth to gather all the information offered. And we made friends!

Does your congregation have a Stephen Minister team? Is there one in a church nearby. If not, here is a wonderful opportunity to share your heart for Christ with others in need. Perhaps you need a listening ear. Every contact is confidential. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, alert to resources available to help, and mostly they are there to present the face of Jesus to those who need to see Him.

While a the training, I saw not only His face, but "Kindness" personified. It was beautiful. Not sickening sweet, but assertively attentive.

My journey continues. At the helm, my Lord and Saviour. I may be able to provide the care, but He provides the cure. For me. For you.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4: 1 - 6.