Ministry Update: And I Thought Last Month’s Update Was Exciting!

“Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones.” Proverbs 15:30, NASB

Dear Readers,

It’s wonderful to reconnect after my couple weeks off. My family and I shared a lovely time at Kure Beach, and I’m so grateful for the Lord’s provision of rest and relaxation. I thought you might enjoy seeing what we saw that last evening as the six of us sat in front of the ocean, relishing every last moment—well, at least Mark and I were!

God loves beauty, that’s for certain. And even more incredible than the beauty of His creation is the beauty He’s forming in us, making us more like Christ. Now, that’s a truth to treasure … and consider. If we reflect on the past 24 hours, can we see God’s fingerprints on our lives?

Speaking of His fingerprints, I’m thrilled to share the Lord’s latest touch on Alcanzando la Justicia (Reaching for Righteousness, Spanish Language Edition): My books have arrived! Brenda Lancaster (ZMI Family Ministries International) received six copies in time for her trip to Nicaragua. And as I mentioned previously, she’s interested in the possibility of putting my book in their system for small group use. This would be, well, it would be an AWESOME privilege. The thought of impacting precious women for Christ in their own language excites me beyond words. Please join me in praying God will continue opening this door.

On top of that news, let me just say God’s been stirring my heart to obey. I believe He’s calling me to Nicaragua through Brenda’s invitation, so…  I’m going. There, I said it, and you can hold me accountable. Yikes! This is WAY out of my comfort zone, but I’m stepping this direction in faith. I know God will provide funding somehow, and as a special friend recently remarked, “It’s not about us.” She wasn’t referring to my waffling over whether to go because she didn’t even know. Yet God used her comment to prompt me closer to this opportunity. He’s got a plan to reach Nicaraguan women’s hearts through the book of Esther, and He’s inviting me to join Him in the work of His hands.

God’s fingerprints create beauty in people’s hearts, and sometimes He uses us to add His touch. (Click to tweet)

Another update concerns my “Recipes for Life” column in Sophie Woman’s Magazine. God has released me from this commitment, and my last article appears in this month’s issue. I praise God for enabling me to write these messages for almost five years, and I praise Him for redirecting my path at this time.

Writing for Journey brings me joy—another deadline for four devotions looms in September. Also, I’m setting my sights on approaching at least one other magazine in an effort to write articles for a larger audience.

I completed revisions on my book proposal and sent it to a couple of agents at the end of July. Please pray for God’s favor. I’d love to move forward on this project with an agent by my side.

And this might surprise you: I’m pondering the idea of hosting a mini-conference on Sept. 30 or Oct. 1. That might sound crazy at this late date, but the thought of gathering with you around God’s Word definitely appeals to me. Please pray with me about this possibility, and we’ll see how the Spirit leads.

On a final note, I’m in the process of renewing commitments to my Prayer Team. God has blessed me and this ministry with some devoted pray-ers through the years, and I know without a doubt that their faithful prayers lift PHtW Ministries to new levels. Truly, “He hears the prayer of the righteous” (Prov. 15:29). That includes you as well, for I’m convinced many of you pray on my behalf. I can’t thank you enough.

Dear friends, I’m honored to share what God’s doing in this ministry. May He be glorified as He touches our lives and extends His touch to others through us.

Much love in Christ,

Emily

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