Who is going to continue Christianity when you are not here in this world?
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18 NIV
After working hard as a pioneer breaking new ground and as co-founder of Potter’s House for 25 years, I told God that I did not have the same energy that I used to have and that it was time to transition my roles to the next generation. I asked Him what was next for me.
Can you imagine how important it was for me to join the Lord in equipping a new generation to work with Him in building His Kingdom?
I invite you to consider, What is the legacy you are building or leaving behind? How will you bring glory to Him? How are you going to declare His power to the next generation?
I asked God what plans He had for me in the years ahead. He answered me through Psalm 71:18, “Tell the next generation, about His mighty acts to all who are to come.” At that moment, I did not completely understand how He wanted me to do that, but at least I knew He had a plan.
After finishing my sabbatical year in 2017, some friends, Jim and Ruth Youngsman came to Guatemala. Jim said, “Gladys, I asked God how I can encourage you in my visit to Guatemala. I believe God has given you a story to tell. It is time to start working on that.”
“I am not a writer,” I replied. “Where am I going to start?” We spent an afternoon brainstorming. Wow! The Lord brought many stories to my brain. At that time, I was not sure what he wanted me to do the following year, 2018. “Do you want me to continue serving at PHA? Is there something else you want me to do?” I asked.
The same month the president of the PHA board told me: “I think you need to write the story of PHA.” So, I prayed, “Lord, I need you to confirm that this is what you want me to do.” He reminded me again of the the promise He gave me in 2012 in Psalm 71.
After that confirmation, I shared it with my friend Betsy Ahl, who is a professional editor. Right away, she offered to help. Then, I had to figure out how to go about writing a book.
A friend sent me an email containing information about FlourishWriters, a ministry that helps Christian women share the messages God has put on their hearts. I signed up for their “Academy,” and their seminars, coaching, and resources provided all the tools we needed to give birth to God’s story.
This book is just the first step in proclaiming His power to the next generation. At the same time, the Lord put it in my heart to make disciples of students between the ages of 13 and 18 in the PHA Community Center in Guatemala. My passion is like PHA’s vision, “That every beneficiary child and youth, through their relationship with God, will reach the maturity they need to pursue their holistic development and will contribute to the fight against poverty by influencing their family, community, and nation.”
I also feel passionate about inspiring others to serve the poor and in the process find God and transform their lives.
I want to make this a place where you will be able to find the resources you may need to equip you for service, and I invite you to engage in dialog with me and others as we create a community focused on declaring His power to the next generation. You can subscribe at gladys@gladysguitz.com.