I think it is worth considering that CCSA is an agent of the Holy Spirit. How could it be otherwise? There are so many forces arrayed in front of this agency. There are so many forces that would impede its forward movement. There are more and more of our sisters and brothers in need. There are less and less real county and city resources with which to meet the needs of our neighbors. In some circles, there is a great indifference to those in need. There is certainly very little understanding of why so many of our sisters and brothers are in need. It seems as though that while the issues of poverty, of subsistence living, of less than subsistence living grow; so too there grows a stronger malaise regarding what is truly one of the most vital issues facing our society and the future of our country. In the face of these forces, and others you might think of, CCSA withstands the harsh storms and stress of a very difficult but much needed ministry. It is true that several years ago this agency almost ceased to exist. But, no. Today CCSA is perhaps the strongest and most efficient it has ever been. How to explain this if not by way of miracle? And how to explain the miracle if not by the power of the Holy Spirit? And please understand that I use this language very carefully, and literally. This, to me, is no cliché or easy way of talking. To speak thus about the Spirit of God is a very serous matter. And I am being very serious. How to explain the strong and persistent ministry of this agency except by the work of the Holy Spirit?

I know, as you know—some of you better than I—that CCSA faces many difficult challenges in the months ahead. But my word is simply this: trust in the Power of the Spirit, the Power that is for life. Every person who works in whatever way for this agency is a minister of the Spirit for life. Against many odds, so many still take up the task of ministry that this agency presents them with. It is a miracle. And it is more than a miracle. It is a witness. It is an ever vibrant witness to the melody of the Spirit that out of the crisis would bring the new. Take heart. Keep hope alive. The Spirit is not yet finished, and neither is our response to be ministers on behalf of life.

Yours in Faith,

Rev. Mr. Jerry D. Lawritson