It is a joy and honor to greet you in the name of Jesus Christ as The Upper Room’s new publisher and to bring you updates about our ongoing ministry together. Throughout 2021, the Apostle Paul’s reminder that we hold a sacred “treasure in jars of clay” (2 Cor. 4:7-9) has been a grounding scripture for me. Like most people and organizations worldwide, this year has been full of challenges. We have felt vulnerable and fragile, yet the Light that shines in the darkness is still alive within us. Thanks be to God!
Here at The Upper Room, the treasure entrusted to us has many expressions, including The Upper Room daily devotional guide, spiritual books, programs, and prayer ministry. These aspects of our ministry are continuously nurtured with great care and innovative intentionality for the sake of reaching the world with the Good News of Jesus.
One of the ways we support these initiatives is through the Crisis Impact Fund. Because of the generosity of God’s people, we have been able to respond quickly and with excellence to the needs of the day. We have created both in-person and virtual resources that come alongside clergy and church leaders as they and their communities process the trauma that stems from COVID and persistent racial injustice. Additionally, The Academy for Spiritual Formation successfully launched its first year-long virtual Academy and is offering Day Apart e-retreats. Emmaus Ministries has held numerous global and regional online gatherings while supporting its 300+ local communities. The Crisis Impact Fund truly allows us to fulfill Jesus’ words “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28, NASB) in tangible ways that make a difference.
As we look to expand our ministries, including the distribution of the daily devotional, both in the United States and around the world, our international publishing partners are key to creating and contextualizing our content for a broader reach.
With all these new initiatives on the horizon, I want to invite you to participate with us through prayer and contributing financially to the Crisis Impact Fund. First and foremost, please pray for us to work in step with God’s wisdom and grace and to listen intently to the voice of the Holy Spirit that will guide us into the best ways to make our content relevant and accessible. Please also continue to pray for our publishing partners around the world who work tirelessly to provide Upper Room resources for their people.
Secondly, your gift to the Crisis Impact Fund will allow us to continue to meet people’s spiritual needs as we navigate the sea of change, begin to heal, and adjust to living into our “new normal.” Your gift of any amount enables us to respond swiftly and faithfully to emerging needs. We do indeed have a precious treasure in jars of clay. Thank you for partnering with us.
Shalom,
Rev. Kimberly C. Orr serves as the publisher of The Upper Room.
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