This Christmas season, I’m reflecting on how important our intimacy with Christ is for serving, helping, or anything else we’re called to do.
Through all my years of friendship with Dr. Stanley, I saw how he truly lived this principle.
He knew he couldn’t preach, teach, or minister to his congregation without the full presence of the Lord to guide and strengthen him. It’s who he was both in the pulpit and when taking walks with neighbors or traveling with his camera.
In fact, Dr. Stanley called God’s presence the most awesome, encouraging factor in his life.
He would often go off alone at the beginning of the weekend, with nothing but his Bible, a jug of water, and a notepad. He’d leave on Friday and come back on Saturday afternoon, ready to preach the next day.
When I think about that, I’m awed at what his closeness with the Lord has meant for us today and countless others in the future—that the Lord will continue to use the teaching of Charles Stanley to make and encourage disciples.
Thank you for walking with us this year and helping us carry on this calling.
I’m grateful every single day for the love we have in common, and for your willingness to share so that people everywhere can hear the gospel of Christ and grow in their relationship with Him.
I pray this Christmas brings you closer than ever to King Jesus.
Grateful blessings from us all.
Yours for In Touch,
C. Phillip Bowen
President and CEO