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Archive for the ‘Colorado Christian Writers Conference’ Category

Let your light shine!

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Our Christian witness, Persecution of Christians on February 22, 2012| 1 Comment »

“You are the world’s light – a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see.”
Matthew 5:14 TLB

Dr. Ted Baehr, founder and chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission®, is letting his light shine in Hollywood. This Friday, February 24, Hallmark will telecast Movieguide®’s 20th Annual Faith & Values Awards Gala at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, 7 p.m. Central Time, and 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Movieguide® is a family guide to movies and entertainment founded by Ted. Movieguide® (www.movieguide.org), and its sister organization, the Christian Film & Television Commission® (CFTVC), is an international non-profit ministry dedicated to “redeeming the values of the entertainment industry by influencing industry executives and by informing and equipping the public about the influence of the entertainment media.”  

The awards will honor the Best Movies for Families and Best Movies for Mature Audiences. They also include the Faith & Freedom Awards for Promoting Positive American Values, the Grace Awards for Most Inspiring Performances in Movies and TV, and the $100,000 Epiphany Prizes for Most Inspiring Movie and TV Program of 2011.

Ted keynoted at last year’s Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference on “Transforming Our Culture” and taught a continuing session on “Breakthrough Scriptwriting.” He will do the same at this year’s May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. You’ll learn how to write a script that is structurally sound, entertaining, morally responsible and very marketable.

Dan Wooding, founder and chief editor of ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net), received the fourth annual “Passion for the Persecuted” plaque from Open Doors USA at the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) on February 20. Jerry Drystra, Media Relations Director for Open Doors USA, said, “It is a pleasure to give Dan and ASSIST this award. His passionate, professional documenting of persecution around the globe has influenced thousands to pray and support suffering Christians. I just returned from Egypt. The Christians there told me it is important to join them in prayer for their country and to get their story out during the revolution taking place there. And getting the news to Christians in the West is exactly what ASSIST has been doing for more than 20 years.”

In accepting the award, Dan told the media professionals gathered for the presentation that it was Brother Andrew, the founder of Open Doors, who had first given him the “bug” to spend the rest of his life helping persecuted Christians. “It has been my privilege to have worked alongside Open Doors now for many years and I am honored to be able to receive this award on behalf of my wonderful team of writers from around the world, many of whom literally risk their lives to bring their stories to us.”

Dan’s GPCWC keynoteat last year’s GPCWC focused on “Persecuted Christians.” He also taught a workshop on “How to Become a First-Class Journalist.” He will do the same this year at the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. You may subscribe free of charge to ASSIST News. I urge you to do so today.

Ted and Dan are both letting their light shine. If you did not hear them at last year’s GPCWC and are unable to come to Colorado in May, an order form for CDs is online at  www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia. I haven’t yet begun updating the GPCWC website with information on this year’s August 1-4 conference except for a partial list of faculty. I hope to have the website updated and the brochure at the printer early April. The website for the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference is in transition from FrontPage to Expression Web.

God bless you and your writing. May He help us all to “Shine out . . . like beacon lights, holding out . . . the Word of Life” (Philippians 2:15-16 TLB).

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Give up or look up?

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises on February 3, 2012| 2 Comments »

And let us not get tired of doing what is right,
  for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing,
 if we don’t get discouraged and give up. Galatians 6:9 TLB

Have you faced any seemingly impossible tasks lately? Perhaps it was a writing deadline that crept up on you. Or maybe it was yet another returned manuscript – one you felt was the best story or article you’d ever written. Or perhaps someone in your critique group said something that left you questioning whether you are called to write.

The reasons for wanting to give up are countless. For me, yesterday, it was the four times it took to finally upload the corrected (I hope) brochure to the printer. And then there were the features in Expression Web that made absolutely no sense. For years I’ve said, “No way am I going to use HTML.” Right! As someone has said, “never say never.” I thank the Lord for CCWC’s team of pray-ers whose prayers and words of encouragement helped me to keep looking up instead of giving up. I still need to add faculty bios, editorial needs, the list of paid critiquers and genres, and info on the new Lightbox Method Retreat, but the 2012 CCWC brochure is online, and just before midnight last night Father enabled me to open secure online registration.

When problems (best to call them “challenges”) threaten to overwhelm you, do you give up or look up?

I’m convinced that Christians who are called to “write His answer” are on the front lines of an intense spiritual battle for the hearts of men and women, boys and girls. It’s critical that we know He has called us. Then, despite self-doubts and tasks that really are impossible in our own strength, we’ll cling to His promises and look up. “For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn; he will never go back on his promises” (Romans 11:29 TLB).

Thank You, Father.

P.S. Do you lack assurance that Father has called you to write? Click here for the first chapter, “Called to Write,” in my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers. And be sure to let me know if I don’t have your USPS address for the brochure that will be off press in a little over a week. Please pray about coming. Father has used CCWC to help thousands of writers to look up rather than give up!

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Getting started is the hardest – yes?

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises on February 2, 2012| Leave a Comment »

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty . . . (Genesis 1:1-2 NIV).

A blank piece of paper or empty computer screen can intimidate authors and writers’ conference directors, especially when our thoughts are scattered. Where do we start? And how do we silence the self-doubts that can cause us to do anything but the task at hand?

Getting started is always the hardest part – yes? But then it’s not easy to carry something through the completion either. If I depended on my own strength, it wouldn’t happen. I praise God for His promise that now we have “every grace and blessing; every spiritual gift and power for doing his will” (1 Cor. 1:7 TLB).

The brochure for the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference is at the printer and should be in your hands in less than two weeks if you’re on our mailing list. Thank You, Father! The brochure is also posted online – click here. With Father’s help secure online registration opened yesterday, February 1, just before midnight. There’s still lots to add to the website, and the Expression Web learning curve continues to be a challenge – a BIG challenge when I need to go into the HTML code that I said I never want to use. Someone has said, “never say never.”

The first five to register will receive a free copy of my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers. If you prefer not to register online, the brochure is posted at www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado. Send me an email to let me know you’re mailing your registration on Wednesday, February 2, and you may be one of the five to receive a copy of Write His Answer.

Father, thank You in advance for all You’re going to do through this year’s conference. Thank You for the faculty You’ve provided and their willingness to take time to join us on the mountain. Thank You for the special friendships that will be formed and most of all for how I KNOW You will speak to each one of us.

 

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Seeking His Wisdom

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Publishing journey on January 25, 2012| 1 Comment »

If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father.
He loves to help. You’ll get this help,
and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.
Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.
People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves.
Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way,
adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

James 1:5-8 MSG

 Good morning everyone –

This week I’m in the process of finalizing the faculty and workshops for the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference.  (Secure online registration opens February 1.) Each year it seems more challenging. I know more gifted authors I’d love to invite, and Father keeps expanding my connections with agents and editors. It would be easy to “worry my prayers,” especially when I consider the cost of flying in a large faculty. I always intend to shrink the faculty but, as usual, that hasn’t happened. Check out the website. We now have 62 on faculty and our eight continuing sessions are in place. (Yes I know the file name for the continuing session’s page says 2011. I’m still trying to learn Expression Web 4.)

If we’re honest, we often feel overwhelmed and even clueless about what to do next. What should we write? Where should we send it? How can we effectively market not ourselves but the message Father has given us? How can we build that “platform” we’re told is so important?  And how do we fit in everything we feel we need to do in days that are already packed full?

I’m so grateful that I don’t have to figure this out on my own – that my Father and yours “loves to help.”  It’s up to us to seek Him and to listen.  He will give us the guidance we need through His Word, through what are clearly “God-incidents” and not mere coincidences, and through the counsel of others.

I appreciated the counsel one of our faculty members gave last Thursday in her blog. Amanda Luedeke is a literary agent with MacGregor Literary. In her third post on tackling the “Platform Monster,” Amanda gave eight easy steps for success in article-writing and why it’s a great way to build your platform. I encourage you to read it and to look at the opportunities CCWC offers to connect with 13 editors who represent 18+ periodicals. Exciting! (My writing ministry began with writing for Christian periodicals. The 1,000+ sales Father enabled me to make I’m sure have reached more readers than my eight published books.)

One final word – warning! Be sure to seek the Lord first. Look at the precarious position this fisherman got himself in when he hooked a bull elk!

Father, please help us not to run ahead of You or to lag behind. Remind us to look to you for the guidance and wisdom we need.

Photo from a conferee who wrote: This guy from Texas was fishing this week on the Big Thompson outside of Estes Park. It was his first ever fly-fishing venture. A crowd gathered on the highway to take pictures, including a Denver Post guy. One of the pics is on the front page of the Denver Post.

 

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Trusting the Lord

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference on January 18, 2012| 3 Comments »

Planning the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference is a huge step of faith for me each year although I don’t think I worry as much as I used to. 🙂 I certainly shouldn’t for Father has been so faithful . . .

I’m reminded of the words I wrote over 20 years ago in my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers (now in a second edition and still in print).

God has called me to write. Neither I nor my husband question his call. I know Paul fully supports my choice to stay home and write. But I also know our financial obligations make my writing seem like an unaffordable luxury. If I put in the same number of hours at a “real” job, there would be a regular paycheck. I wouldn’t need to worry about how we are going to pay for college for our two children or the repairs our house desperately needs. And Paul would not have to work a second job delivering pizzas.*

It’s as if I’m engaged in a tug of war between what I know I am supposed to be doing and the realities that make it seem unrealistic. I feel guilty staying home and writing when I see my children doing without some things I’d like to be able to give them. And then the doubts come. I wonder whether I’m torturing myself with writing aspirations that are only pipe dreams. . . .

I am reminded of Jesus’ words about God and money in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus knew the hardships his countrymen endured because of the heavy taxes Rome imposed. When crops failed or the nets were empty, no doubt many went hungry. Yet Jesus told them not to worry about food, drink, or clothes. He sought to change their perspective – to help them see that they should be grateful for life itself.

Jesus drew their attention to the birds of the air. “They don’t worry about what to eat – they don’t need to sow or reap or store up food – for your heavenly Father feeds them. And,” he reminded them, “you are far more valuable to him than they are” (Matt. 6:26 TLB).

He pointed to the lilies in the field. “King Solomon in all his glory was not clothed as beautifully as they” (Matt. 6:29 TLB). Again he spoke words of reassurance. “And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you, O men of little faith?” (Matt. 6:30 TLB).

His words convict me. My faith is little. My perspective is wrong. Although God promises to meet all my needs, I waste a tremendous amount of emotional energy worrying. This gives Satan a dangerous foothold in my life. I allow him to rob me of the joy of writing when I embrace negative thinking patterns and my list of “have nots.” As a result, more times than I want to admit, I’ve wondered if I should just give up. Because my work is not selling and ministering to people? No. Because what I earn from manuscript sales never seems to be enough.

Then something else Jesus said comes to mind. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33 NIV).

That is the key! I must keep my priorities in order – must keep my eyes on the Lord and the kingdom work he is calling me to do. I cannot lose sight of my call by allowing my writing to get tangled up with my worry about our finances. I need to see God as our Source instead of trying to “produce” bigger and better manuscripts that will bring in larger and more frequent checks. I have been assuming a burden God never meant for me to carry instead of trusting Him to provide.

______________

*  More than twenty years later I can witness to the fact that God is and has been faithful. My son graduated from college and my daughter from medical school  the same spring I received an honorary doctorate. Our house didn’t fall down around us, and Paul no longer delivers pizzas. He’s now retired, and two years ago  we moved to a new home within walking distance of our three precious grandchildren. Our old house is still on the market – another faith-stretcher. We thank God that it is paid for and that He is enabling us to absorb the extra expense of taxes, insurance, and utilities along with our new mortgage payment. And I am so, so grateful that I didn’t give up and get a “real” job.

The  above (minus the * postscript) is just a portion of the chapter, “Seek First His Kingdom,” and just one of the thirty-three chapters in Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers that address issues such as self-doubts, writer’s block, rejection slips, discouragement, procrastination . . . Best-selling author, Lee Roddy, says,

“This book can change your life.
It not only gives ongoing encouragement
 to respond to God’s call to write,
  but helps you keep on writing.”

 Click here to view the Table of Contents and two free chapters as well as info for ordering at the discounted price of $11.90 (retail $14.00). Mention this blog in the “comments” section of the secure online order form and take an additional 10% off through the end of January.

Father, You know the struggles we face as we seek to “write Your answer.” Thank You for Your promises. Help us to see the challenges we face as opportunities to trust You more.

 

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Encouragement

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Overcoming distractions on January 15, 2012| 2 Comments »

“Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don’t be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; he will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly” (1 Chron. 28:20 TLB).

These words that King David spoke to his son, Solomon, when he commissioned him to build the Temple have again convicted and encouraged me. Even though I’ve been directing the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference since I founded it in 1983 and the Colorado Christian Writers Conference since 1997, I still struggle with feeling fearful and overwhelmed when it’s time to begin work on the conference websites. I admit it’s easier to procrastinate than to “get to work,” especially this year as I face the daunting task of learning Expression Web 4.

I am praising God for reminding me that He is with me and for the progress He enabled me to make today. Although I’ve still got tons to learn, I am trusting “He will see to it that everything is finished correctly.”

The continuing sessions, clinics, markets, cost, and lodging pages now have 2012 info. I’ve added four more editors to the faculty:

Robyn Burwell – Editor, Leafwood Publishing

Catherine Lawton – Publisher/Editor, Cladach Publishing

Nicola Martinez – Editor-in-Chief, Pelican Book Group (White Rose, Harbourlight)

Ginger Kolbaba – Editor, Kyria.com, Christianity Today

I’m also praising God for the exciting line-up of continuing sessions:

Surviving in the New Publishing World – Dave Lambert

Take Your Fiction to the Gym – Tim Shoemaker

Breakthrough Scriptwriting – Dr. Ted Baehr

Gift Books and Devotional Writing – Karen Moore

Narrative Nonfiction: Changing Culture Through the Power of True Stories – Craig von Buseck

Please, NO Pat Answers! – Lissa Halls Johnson, Sue Cameron, Liz Babbs

Marketing for the Promotionally-Challenged Author – Rob Eagar

Writing Suspense/Thrillers – Robert Liparulo

There’s still a huge amount of work to be done in order to open online registration February 1, but I’m trusting His promise that He will not forsake me.

Have you claimed a promise for your writing this year? Do you believe that He can use the words you will write to make a difference in the lives of your readers? Are you making it a priority to “get to work” or are you procrastinating?

Michael Hyatt, the former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, posted a helpful blog this week on 10 Practical Ways to Boost Your Energy Level.  His number one point was “Connect with God.” He wrote: “You were not created to function without a connection to God. He is the ultimate energy source. Trying to navigate life without Him is like trying to ride a motorcycle without starting the engine. You can do it, but it only works downhill. Unfortunately, a lot of life is uphill. The way I connect is by reading several passages from the Bible . . .”

James Duncan, a pastor who has attended the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, is challenging his congregation to read the Bible through more than once this year. His blog entry, “Reading the Bible – It Doesn’t Take Long” has some thought-provoking  facts I encourage you to consider and act on.

Father, thank You that I can choose to wallow in my self-doubts or to look to You and trust You to help me do what I could never do in my own strength. Thank You that the very best place to be is dependent on You.

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2012 Conference Plans and More

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference on December 31, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Happy new year everyone!

As promised, I’ve begun to upload info for the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference to the website. (I hope to get some info for the August 1-4 Philly conference uploaded before midnight!) Of course, I haven’t gotten as far as I hoped, but you can view the list of 50 authors, editors, agents, and PR specialists presently on Colorado’s faculty by clicking here.  Sadly, once you click on this page the navigation structure disappears. My ten-year-old, no-longer-supported FrontPage software finally crashed. I’ve “upgraded” to Expression Web 2. The 972 page online manual is intimidating to say the least.

I’m reminded again of the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:10 (TLB):

“When I am weak, then I am strong –
the less I have, the more I depend on him.

My paraphrase:

“When I am tired and overwhelmed,
confused, and frustrated,
and when I do not feel smart enough
to learn how to use my new Smartphone
or master a new computer program,
then I can know His strength –
the less energy, time, wisdom,
and computer expertise I possess,
the more I depend on Him.”

How I thank God for His promises. They are my “faithful armor” (Psalm 91:4) when the evil one tries to convince me something is impossible.

This year I’ve committed to again read through the entire Bible. (It’s been too long!) I’ll be using Tyndale’s The One Year Study Bible that I purchased a month or two ago. Despite all the hoopla, I’m still not sold on ebooks and do not own a Kindle. I like to hold a real book in my hand, turn the pages, and mark them up. I am excited, however, about the hundreds of free reading plans in various translations that http://www.youversion.com/about/reading-plans offers. They can be downloaded to your computer or phone or sent daily via an email. I hope you’ll visit their website and ask Father to show you the plan He wants you to follow. After all, if we’re going to “write His answer,” it’s critical that we spend time in His Word.

Father, thank You for the freedom we have to study Your Word. Help us to make it a priority to bury Your Word deep in our hearts. May all that we think and write, say and do be a reflection of You in this coming year.

Looking to Jesus in this new year – Marlene

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End of year message and free workshop

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Our Christian witness, Praying for our nation on December 30, 2011| 1 Comment »

If your inbox is like mine, it was stuffed with pre-Christmas enticements to buy stuff we really don’t need. And now, pre-New Year, you’re also probably overwhelmed with requests for year-end donations from numerous ministries and organizations. The needs are legitimate and dear to my heart. No child should go to bed hungry, much less starve to death. No child or adult should be sexually abused or homeless. Human trafficking and the persecution of my brothers and sisters in Christ – the persecution of any person for we are all created in God’s image – is deplorable. How the Father heart of God must break.

Then there’s the burden I carry for the slippery slope our nation is on spiritually, morally, financially . . . Christians I highly respect are warning of the collapse of America. I can’t help but wonder if God will  lift His mantle of blessing on our nation because of how we have turned away from Him.

And then I wonder how this will impact my family and especially my precious grandchildren – seven-year-old Laura, six-year-old Ryan, and three-year-old Erin.

You’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed and helpless. The evil one delights in feeding our worries and fears. When that doesn’t work, he lulls us into complacency and apathy.

But my “hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers” (1 Tim. 4:10 NLT). Rather than despairing, I am choosing to view problems as challenges and opportunities to make a difference.

I am more convinced than ever that “for such a time as this” God is raising up an army to “write His answer.” It’s what compels me to keep on keeping on directing the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conferences even though I’m old enough to retire. (I can’t imagine ever retiring from the work I know Father has called me to do.) It’s why, despite the glum economic projections, I’m going to again go out on a limb with God to plan the strongest  conferences possible and trust Him to cover the costs.

Over half the faculty is in place for both conferences. I’m excited! I’ll begin posting info to the conference websites (www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado and www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia) by the end of the year. Yes, I know that’s tomorrow!

Meanwhile, because I believe Father is calling you to “write His answer,” I want to offer you free of charge the keynote message I gave this fall at the Vine and Vessels Christian Writers Conference in Delaware. The ten biblical principles in this message will encourage and equip you to “Get the Word Out.” It can be downloaded at www.writehisanswer.com. See “My Gift to You” near the top of the home page.

Father, as we move into a new year help us to keep our eyes on Jesus and not to miss the opportunities You will give us to write and to live Your answer.  

Because He came and is coming again – Marlene

P.S. The MP3 file will take approximately five minutes to download. If you prefer to listen to a CD, please send a check for $3 payable to Write His Answer Ministries to cover the cost of the CD and shipping. You can mail your check to me at 951 Anders Road, Lansdale, PA 19446.

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Give the Gift of Words this Christmas

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Our Christian witness on December 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »

It’s December – already! Although it’s a cliché, it’s true. This year has flown by, and while my grandkids are impatiently counting the days until Christmas (and thinking it will never get here), I’d like to put on the brakes.  Knowing how hectic the days until Christmas are likely to become, I want to encourage you (and myself) not to miss the opportunities to give the gift of words.

  • Instead of just signing your name to a store-bought Christmas card, why not enclose a letter? Family and friends you rarely see will appreciate an update even though it’s a copy of a mass-produced letter. But more than just the “news,” ask Father how you can encourage them through sharing a story of something He has taught you this year through a struggle.
  • Write a Christmas poem or story and post it on your blog. (Yes, it’s important to blog!)
  • Post Scripture promises to Facebook, Twitter, ShoutLife . . .
  • Write a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper to address efforts to take Christ out of Christmas. Write an intelligent, well-informed response and avoid preaching.
  • Give books by your favorite authors to family and friends. You’ll find some of my favorites at www.writehisanswer.com/Bookstore.htm as well as over 100 titles for writers. All are discounted 25% through December 10.
  • Give yourself the gift of The One Year Study Bible. Tyndale House released this bestselling Bible in the New Living Translation September 29. The paperback edition is $24.99; hardback is $29.99. I’ve ordered one for myself. I can offer you a 25% discount and $4 shipping.
  • Plan now to make 2012 the year of growing your writing skills by saving May 16-19 for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and/or August 1-4 for the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Yes, I’ve missed my deadline to begin posting 2012 conference info on the websites by the end of November. I can tell you that about half of the faculty is in place for each conference and that I’m expecting Father will again do Ephesians 3:20 things. I’ll let you know when I begin posting 2012 info.

 Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Thank You for the promise that “His life is the light that shines through the darkness – and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5 tlb). Help us to be bearers of His light through the words we write and lives we live.

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Why I believe this year’s Colorado Christian Writers Conference is critically important

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Our Christian witness on March 5, 2011| 2 Comments »

I have no doubt the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference will be a life-changing conference. From Bill Myer’s “Hearing His Answer” keynote Thursday morning through Bob Hostetler’s closing keynote, “A Writer’s Dream,” CCWC 2011 will encourage and equip you to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives. It is critical that we do exactly that whether through books, periodicals, or the Internet.

Through nonfiction and the power of story we can “Write His Answer in an Age of Opposition” as Liz Babbs from Great Britain will challenge us in her Thursday evening keynote. William Agius from Mission International will speak from first-hand experience of the “Works of God in the Middle East” on Friday morning. That evening four members of the faculty will briefly address the need to “Write His Answer to the Issues that Concern Us” followed by round tables. Saturday morning Rusty Wright from The Amy Foundation will talk about “Advocacy Apologetics: Finding Common Ground.”

As I listen to the news, I can’t help but wonder how much longer we will have the freedom to print and distribute Christian literature. I am convinced that NOW is the time to “Write His Answer.” The sense of urgency I feel is underscored by Wednesday’s news that Shahbaz Bhatti, the Minister of Minorities in Pakistan and the only Christian on the cabinet, was martyred. If you read my previous  blog, you know that he spoke at the Philly conference about ten years ago. Daily I hear about Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted or martyred for their faith, but this is the first time I personally know someone who has paid the ultimate price.

In a video prior to his assassination Shahbaz said, “I want to share that I believe in Jesus Christ who has given His own life for us. I know what is the meaning of cross. And I am following of the cross” (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12617562).

We will “Focus on the Cross” in CCWC’s Wednesday evening opening session with Sister Hope, a friend of Shahbaz who has written three must-read articles about him at www.assistnews.net. 

Please join me in praying for Shahbaz’ mother and for the Christians in Pakistan. And pray for our witness as Christians here in America. I visited the Belief blog on CNN Wednesday (http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/02/critic-of-pakistan-blasphemy-law-shot-and-killed/#comments) and was appalled by the comments. “Ohhhh, I bet there’s a LOT of christians who wish they could make blasphemy laws here in the U.S.  Christian Sharia Law, here we come!” one person said.

My heart cries out, “Oh that we might write and live Your answer.”

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