or for a quick overview, watch this video http://vimeo.com/28517659
I was first introduced to Orange at the Orange Conference in 2007, Pastor Ken and our staff sent me to with Rich and Mindy, when I was hired as Children's Ministry Director.
Since then I have taken leaders to the conference, taken leaders to an Orange Tour stop in Orlando and taken lots of leaders and kids to Camp KidJam, which are all Orange strategy ministries. What's amazing is that each time I learn something new, am encouraged and grow closer to Christ, become more equipped as a leader and come away excited all over again about the ministry God has called me to serve in! I could go on and on but I'll get to the point of this post.
This time, since we were hosting, I didn't get to sit in on every session. I did however, get to hear some of Reggie Joiner's main sessions and during one particular part I heard Sue Miller speak about a time in her ministry where she realized she had to make a decision. The decision was whether or not dedicating her "one and only life" to Children's ministry was not only worth it but what He was truly calling her to do. I am certain I was not the only one in the room who could relate to that. I could talk a lot about how much I love my job, which I do, and the struggles of serving the Lord in children's ministry but that is not what I woke up writing about at 1:00am Saturday morning. What was on my heart after hearing Sue speak and really from getting to know the whole team that gives their one and only life to help church leaders become equipped with God's word, love and the orange strategy to combine the influence of churches and families to fuel faith in the next generation, was a legacy. I woke up a bit overwhelmed with gratitude.
So, the following statement of gratitude is to Reggie and Debbie Joiner, Sue Miller, Lois Pallansch, Brad, Colette, Ryan, Kristi, Lauren, Warren, Ted, Matt, Josh, Kristie, Jeremy, Matt, Bre, Abby, Hannah (all the Orange Specialists and crew that make any Orange event happen) and their families, churches and everyone they love.
Orange has chosen to live out a legacy of leaders who spend their one and only life, speaking God's love, truth, wisdom and encouragement into new generations.
Can their be any more important mission?
Thank you for the time you spend away from your families, creating this remarkable community of people that shows us how to become and continue to grow, welcoming, intentional/strategic, humble bodies of Christ all over the world. I am struck by the choice of legacies we all have and how you've chosen this amazing legacy to live and share. I pray that the people who love you are blessed for supporting and putting up with your schedule. I pray that they and you understand the blessing you are to every person who shows up and is willing to share in this passion and vision for Christ.
This is the impact you have on people like me. Thank you for choosing this legacy.
