Sunday Extra – October 20th, 2024
What Are You Doing Here?
Today, we celebrate our founder, Leighton Ford, as his birthday approaches. A prolific author, speaker, and mentor, he served as vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as well as on the boards of World Vision US, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Duke University Cancer Center. Leighton influenced evangelism and missions worldwide as the Chairperson of the Lausanne Movement. The last several decades, he has fulfilled God’s calling by pouring his life into the next generation of Christian leaders across the globe.
In 1986 in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, Leighton delivered a powerful message on the life of the prophet Elijah. Amsterdam ’86, the largest gathering of itinerant evangelists ever assembled at its time, brought 8000 biblical evangelists from across the globe gather in Holland. They gathered to exchange ideas, learn, and encourage each other to fulfill the work of evangelism.
In this message, Leighton takes us to the book of 1 Kings, exploring how Elijah endured a low point mentally, physically, and emotionally of his life. The text provides a reminder that even the best of God’s servants struggle with life’s blows, and the Lord is able to carry His children through them.
Thanksgiving and Petitions
Today, first let’s pause to thank the Lord for the life of Leighton Ford and how God has used him for seventy-plus years for His name’s sake. Pray for the Lord’s continued guidance, empowerment, and comfort as he adjusts to the loss of his dear wife Jean. And let’s pray for the work of Leighton Ford Ministries, that the Shepherd of our souls will enable us to continue mentoring healthy leaders and assisting thriving ministries around the world. This week, Kevin Ford will be leading two visioning processes for churches in Texas and Florida.
Let’s also pray for our friend Jim Osterhaus, one of LFM’s leadership coaches who also serves on our board. Jim is recovering from heart surgery. Pray for his continued healing and for his wife and family.
