The EnKouragers

"Therefore encourage one another

and build one another up, just as you are doing."
I Thessalonians 5:11

Several years ago, I was an editor and writer of a newsletter for people who were chronically ill.  Each month I mailed it out to around 150 people in the US and around the world.  The purpose was to proclaim Christ and encourage the readers, many of whom were home bound.  After five years my health began to go down hill, and eventually I had to turn the newsletter over to someone else. The newsletter was called "The Encourager".

Around three years ago I was part of a conference call prayer group that gathered via the phone to pray foe hundreds of people suffering with Lyme disease.  Through that group I became friends with two women, who like me. were praying for healing from Lyme for themselves, too.  As time went by, we connected more and more via email to pray for each other.  Recently we have connected by phone and we will meet for the first time on our trip East.  Joel and I will connect with one friend in CT and one in NYC!

Around two years ago I began leading an email prayer group, The Knee Team, for my friend Linny over at A Place Called Simplicity.   This is a group of around 150 women who commit to praying for the needs of others.  It is a great blessing to be a part of such a faithful group of women prayer warriors.  Through this group I became friends with one of the members.  Recently we have connected by phone and I truly hope some day to meet her for a good face-to-face hug and conversation.

All three of the women I mentioned are great prayer warriors who believe strongly in sharing the love of Jesus with others.  They also believe strongly in healing.  I am blessed to be on the receiving end of their prayers and faithfulness.  I have taken to calling them our "enKouragers".  Blending the Encourager group I wrote to so many years ago with the first letter of their names.

When I ask for their prayers, whether for sickness or a majorly mixed up hotel reservation, I have a sense of peace, knowing that they stand in agreement with me and they petition for the need. Their insights and wisdom, and words of knowledge from God bless us greatly.  I only hope I do the same in small ways for them.

We ALL need encouragers in our lives.  Those who build us up, who remind us of who we are and Whose we are.  Those who love us in spite of and because of who we are.  Those sent by God as HIS messengers to not only live out Christ but use that power within them.....the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.....to come before God and against the enemy for us.

Certainly there are many in my life I turn to for prayer and insights.  We form a community of friends and family and I can reach out to them as they can reach out to me/us.  What is unusual is our connection with these women I mentioned.   How these enKouragers, the three "K's" came into Joel's and my lives is beyond our own understanding.  Behind the scenes God was weaving a tapestry that has bound us together here on earth and for eternity.    Our connections have us saying "only God!"   To God be the glory~~ for friends, for family, for prayer warriors, for those He brings into our lives for His purpose, for His deep love for His children.  We are blessed.