It's Friday but Sunday is Coming!

The Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference held in Langhorne, Pa at the Philadelphia Biblical University was a huge success in many ways. Writers connected with editors and agents. Agents were inspired by the creativeness of new authors, old friends reunited and all were encouraged by workshops and divine appointments along the way. At lunch, at dinner and even along the pathways.



Conference Director Marlene Bagnull writes:

Each year I say it’s the most powerful conference yet and again it was. Father’s presence was very real as we worshipped Him and as He spoke to us through stirring messages from the faculty. And GPCWC 2010 was again MORE than just a writers’ conference as we first and foremost focused on Him. We addressed and prayed about the slippery slope (the free fall) our nation is experiencing; the need for compassion, justice and advocacy for “the least of these” who are so precious in God’s sight; the work He is doing in the hearts and lives of Muslims who He calls us to love; and our need to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and not abandon Israel. I trust that the growing sense of urgency I’m feeling to make the most of the opportunity to proclaim His Truth while the doors are still open to print and distribute Christian literature was imparted.

I was especially inspired by keynote Dr. John M. Perkins's message of Good News. He reminded us of God's predetermination in each of us being present right there at that time. Here are a few highlights from my notes: Good News is the fulfillment of our longing. The Good News is that God loves us and desires to be in relationship with us. God is a wordsmith, we read the words in His word and they sing to us- then HE gives US a message. "I go to the scriptures out of my pain- I preach to solve a problem- allow the redeemer to come by and meet us here! The energy of the Christian life is Joy! God wants us to bear His image"

SO much more was given to us by Dr. Perkins, I fail to convey it all with these words.

As if that was not enough, Dr. Perkins was followed that morning by Tony Campollo. Tony mentioned concrete practical ways we could be the hands and feet of Jesus. He shared with us what he has learned from young people he calls Red Letter Christians.

I have to tell you all that seeing and hearing Tony that morning put me in mind of a time in the early 70's, when I and a lot of other Jesus Freaks of the day had gathered in a city of tents 10,000 strong and Tony preached a sermon I still remember to this day. "It's Friday.... but Sundays Comin' " He brought us to our feet back then and as I shared it with a few of my sisters at the conference we were inspired all over again.

Here is a short portion for your encouragement tweaked just a bit for this particular congregation- I mean readership.

It was a Friday when they laid Him in the tomb. It grew dark and lightening filled the sky. His mother was led away weeping as if her heart would break and his disciples wondered around as if they had lost their best friend...but IT was only FRIDAY and SUNDAY was COMIN!

Sunday, the rock was blown out of the way and out stepped our Risen Saviour and I am here to tell you that regardless of your present circumstances, it is only Friday but SUNDAY is COMING!

It's Friday, the rejections just keep pouring in, the bills are stackin up but sister and brother, I am here to tell you that Sunday is coming!

It's Friday and that Publishing House that asked for a full read just went out of business and you can't get any one on the phone, it's Friday but Sunday's comin'

It's Friday and you spoke with a few editors at this writers conference and everyone liked your writing but you need a platform, that is what they all said. It's Friday but Sunday's comin'

Dear reader, whether you be an agent looking for the right slot for many of your authors, an author finding it hard to keep at it in a stressed market and few open spots, or an editor at a publishing house that finds your co worker's desk empty next to yours as more are laid off due to the economy, I am here to remind you that it is Friday but Sunday is comin'. God has a plan for each and every one of us and He will see it through to fruition. As we wait, may we encourage others along the way. May we make it a better journey by praying for one another and doing what we can to hone our craft and be the best we can be at what God has called us to do.

From my heart to yours,
Diana