Pennsylvania Conference

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Story by Natalie Lilly

As part of the prayer initiative, “Praying the Mission Forward,” members, church families, schools and conference leaders accepted an exciting challenge earlier this year as they prayed daily for 30 days.

Spearheaded by assistant to the president Shawn Shives, conference leaders joined executive committee and association committee members via phone each night to pray for the eight strategic initiatives, as well as for the upcoming camp meeting and any concerns the prayer partners raised.

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“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11, NKJV).

This verse has impacted me greatly because it reminds me that I am not alone. Whatever it is that you are going through in life, God will always be by your side. If it’s school, friends, future decisions or anything else, God will help you prosper. He wants us to succeed and to get far in life.

Now that I am a senior in high school and I will be going to college soon, I am not 100 percent sure what I want to do with my life. I have been praying constantly for God to show me what His will is and to reveal His plans for me.

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“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isa. 43:2, NLT).

I like this verse a lot because it reminds me that, no matter what happens, God is with me. There have been times when I have struggled with things such as math or science. But I have always gotten through these classes, thanks to my parents and God.