July 20, 2008 – Miami, Florida, United States…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
A daily dosage of spiritual nourishment can makes a difference in the life of a Christian. For church leaders and staff of the Inter-American Division, pausing for a spiritual recharge one week out of the year is essential. This year's week of spiritual emphasis for the leaders and staff of the Inter-American Division, headquartered in Miami, Florida took place July 12-19.
Overcomers Anonymous was the theme of this year's week of prayer, which wraps up Sabbath, July 19. Claudette Andrews, women's ministries director for the church in the Caribbean Union, was the special speaker. She reminded leaders and staff that the only way to overcome the world is to trust in Jesus.
“You can afford to hold on to Him, no matter what comes your way, hold on to Him,” said Andrews. “The difficulties, the obstacles that come our way, give God the opportunity to have power in your life, so you can be an overcomer.”
Andrews also emphasized the importance of being passionate, persistent and purposeful in living the overcomer's life.
Pausing for a special week of prayer is very important, said Pastor Hector Sanchez, ministerial association secretary for the church in Inter-America.
“Even though everyone is expected to have personal devotions, traveling, work and responsibilities to lead the church in the Division can lead to a spiritual wear that needs to be renewed and motivated through a special week of prayer,” said Pastor Sanchez. “It also helps us get closer together as co-workers and pray for each other's needs and our emotional load,” he added.
“We need to become overcomers,” said Almeda Liedke, an employee for 41 years. “We are so busy in the ‘work of the Lord' that we forget the ‘Lord of the work'.”
Andrews, a native of St. Croix, is married and has three children.
