I pray that the face of the Devoted Conference has been, and always will be, JESUS CHRIST! He is the reason we do what we do, and it is for His glory that we gather in His name. But we all know, like with most things, the Devoted Conference is a team effort. While we keep Christ at the forefront, the Devoted Conference is made up of a lot of hidden figures that certainly are important but don’t receive a lot of fanfare.
As a pastor’s wife, I know firsthand what it is like to co-labor quietly in ministry alongside my husband. But the roles are reversed when it comes to my partnership with Jessica Switzer in the ministry of Devoted. She co-labors quietly alongside me. She does what she does, and I do what I do, which makes us a great team. Without Jessica, the Devoted Conference wouldn’t be nearly as polished and pretty as we know it! Jessica is very creative and works tirelessly to make everything I write and produce look good. She is a go-getter and what she doesn’t know how to do, she goes and figures out on her own. She goes over and above the call of duty and does her work with excellence. And for those reasons, and so many more, I am thankful!
I would also like to thank Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church for their support of this ministry, both financially and by way of prayer. They believe in this ministry. So much so that they were willing to fully fund the 2021 Devoted Conference, so that we could gift it to you during such a difficult season. In addition to the church family, I would also like to thank my family for always being my Aaron and Hur, as they hold me up when I grow tired. I would also like to thank the leadership team, who has been a great source of encouragement and support through prayer. They have a way of becoming the hands and feet of Jesus and are willing to do whatever is needed to bring Devoted to you. And for all of that, I am thankful!
But then lastly, I would also like to thank YOU for your participation and your leadership in this ministry. It has been said, “Example isn’t the MAIN thing in influencing others, it’s the ONLY thing.” Many of you participated in this year’s conference either by watching solo or by hosting gatherings of your own. Regardless of how you joined us for the 2021 Devoted Conference, I also consider you a ministry partner. Every year, but especially this year, your leadership through participation and your willingness to share through social media, has proven invaluable and is making a difference in the lives of others. And for that, I am thankful!
I leave you with this… “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)
With Thanks,
Kelly Lester
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