THE LORD IS MY BANNER
Our Elders , Who Stand With Us
In the war against the Amalekites , the Israelites prevailed only when Moses lifted his hands . And when they began to tire , Aaron and Hur had to hold them up on his behalf ( Exodus 17:11 – 13 ). Together , the hands of the generations raised to the Throne of the Lord led Joshua to victory on the battleground . Each was given his assignment as they made history with God , and they showed us that we need others in the Body to complete what we carry .
As our ministries grow in depth and breadth , God began to speak to us about the importance of spiritual governance of our values , and the word of the Lord to our mission . To carry this , we need our Elders . They walk their talk , are rich in their spiritual depth and brimming with mission experiences . Four times a year , they participate in our 4-day Leadership Prayer Retreat where they discern alongside our current leaders to hear , obey and follow the Lord ’ s instructions for us . In love , their primary role provides a spiritual covering for our leadership and they are spiritual parents to our mission .
We are still being called to the upper room , and our circle will be incomplete without them . Prayers by a handful of these precious ones have been interspersed throughout these pages . They breathe and speak life into what is to come , enthrone Jesus in praise and welcome the Spirit of God . We do not always know how to pray , but the Spirit rises up within us to intercede on our behalf , according to His will ( Romans 8:26 – 27 ). For apart from Him , we can do nothing .
To all our Elders , not forgetting the ones who are not in these pages ; let the fragrance of your lives rise like incense to the Lord . And may all our prayers fill the golden bowls in the heavenly places ( Revelation 5:8 ), and together with Him who holds time , tip them over .
Left to Right : Jerry Brownell , Roy Christian , Virla Brownell
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