Without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing. This
is not only the fiber of our being as believers but also the sixth of our
Alliance core values:
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but
with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might
not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power (1 Corinthians
2:4–5).
God regularly reminds me that I can accomplish nothing of value for Him
unless it is through His Spirit’s power. Daily I’m faced with
significant decisions that impact a large number of our people. In
the next few weeks, we at the National Office will be developing a budget
that will affect most of our ministries.
Right now, we’re dealing with shortfalls in income and with the
devaluation of the dollar in overseas markets. We need the Spirit’s
empowerment to make careful decisions, and we need the Spirit to work in
the hearts of Alliance people, as they continue to pray and to give.
I’ve sensed lately, though, that God is doing a special work among
us. His Spirit is moving in the hearts of people who are a part of this
great worldwide movement. Just a few days ago, I had the privilege of attending
the quadrennial meeting of the Alliance World Fellowship in Santiago, Chile.
Alliance church presidents and leaders from 50 nations took part in this
gathering.
As I attended meetings and services, God reminded me anew of His faithfulness
and blessing on The Alliance—and of how His Spirit has worked down
through the years since our founder first conceived of our movement. His
vision of planting missionary churches around the world is a reality. Our
overseas partner churches are sending their own missionaries to spread
the good news of Jesus—more than 400 such dedicated servants. And
there is talk of sending missionaries to to the United States to work among our growing immigrant population!
God’s Spirit is at work, empowering Alliance people around the world
to build His church. Praise Him!
Living the Call Together,
Gary M. Benedict
