Author: Shannon Elder

Inspiration and Information from the
National Association of Wesleyan Evangelicals

Your NAWE Companion

‘N AWE
When Crisis Comes...
Howard Ledford, Winterville, GA

February—March 2014

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:16-17
All around us there are crisis circumstances – a perilous world economy, violence and wars in every area and an absence of a sense of security. The depth of the recent world recession has challenged many things we thought to be resolute. People who were once leaders of the community and business/industry managers now find themselves bankrupt or homeless.
We have done a lot to prepare ourselves in “the faith” like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, believing in the ability of God to deliver us from adversity – CRISIS. The question is have we done enough to prepare ourselves, our families and our church people for the depths of divine love in trusting God when deliverance does not come. Evidence of a great depth and strength in the relationship between God and these three men can be found in their response to Nebuchadnezzar – “…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…. But if not….”
What a powerful statement that speaks more to the world around us than deliverance… I will trust God even if deliverance does not come.
Is our faith based on our health, the size of our bank account, or a sense of security? Or are we willing to say no matter what CRISIS comes my way I will TRUST God? Can we face the CRISIS of our lives and say… “But if not…!”

Praise & Prayer

Continue to pray for John McCulley (Conyers, GA) as he recovers from a stroke.
Pray for guidance as this year’s Annual Meeting is being planned.
We are grateful for several recent opportunities in which the NAWE has been able to provide guidance and support for churches requesting our assistance.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Larry & Sandie Shreiner
W. Laurens Hudson, Kennesaw, GA

It is a privilege to write this article to introduce you more fully to my good friends, Larry and Sandie Shreiner. Some of you know them well already, but probably few of you know them as well as I do. I began to get acquainted with Larry and Sandie when I returned to the district superintendency in our former denomination in 2002. Larry had been the pastor of what is now Gospel Light Community Church in Marietta, Georgia, for about three years at that time. I quickly developed an enormous respect for both Larry and Sandie because of the very effective work they were doing in a very challenging situation. It was clear that they functioned as a team, and I have come to realize that they have functioned that way for the entire half-century of their marriage.
Larry entered the ministry after a career in the United States Air Force. He and Sandie have two sons, Glenn and Craig, both of whom are active Christians and the older of whom also completed a career in the Air Force. Both Larry and Sandie have experienced medical challenges in recent years. He developed a condition that was remedied by a rather common medical procedure, and she had a very serious, even life-threatening, illness. Thankfully, they both recovered fully in due time. Since Larry retired from the pastorate, he and Sandie have continued to be involved in several ministries in which they were already engaged. One of these is a homeless ministry that has been very effective, and another is a volunteer chaplaincy at a large retirement facility.
Pat and I have developed a close personal friendship with Larry and Sandie. They are among the most joyful, up-beat, and optimistic people that we have ever known. We are grateful that their lives have intersected with ours. We are the richer for it.

ASSOCIATION NEWS
Ministers’ & Wives’ Retreat
Tony Elder, Conyers, GA

I hope all of the ministerial members of the NAWE, along with their wives, will make every effort to participate in this year’s retreat. We all need times to refresh our bodies and renew our souls. Such will be the emphasis of this gathering as we enjoy the fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, support and pray for one another, and listen to what the Lord has given Dr. Charles Sineath to share with us.
The retreat will be held in a beautiful setting – Montgomery Bell State Park, near Dickson, Tennessee. There will be free time to enjoy the various activities available at the park, including fishing, boating, hiking, golf, biking, and swimming (including an indoor pool).
Plan to arrive on Wednesday afternoon, April 2 – our first session together will be that evening. The retreat will go through Friday morning, April 4.
Each person is responsible for the cost of their room, meals, and any additional activities. It is hoped that churches will help defray these costs for their pastors. The NAWE is reserving a block of rooms at the inn in order to get the best rate. Therefore you do not need to make your own reservation with the park. Instead simply let me know by February 27 if you are planning to attend.
The restaurant at the inn offers a reasonably-priced buffet for each meal. There are also many restaurant options in nearby Dickson.
Let’s be looking forward to this wonderful opportunity to get away, get together, and get refreshed.

Calendar

April 2-4, 2014 - Ministers’ & Wives’ Retreat
July, 2014—NAWE Annual Meeting
Information on the exact dates and location will be sent out soon.
Visit us at www.theNAWE.com