2020 NDP Leader’s Summit Uplifted and United Coordinators
Like the 2020 National Observance broadcast, we know God’s glory is not inhibited by screens because the Holy Spirit inhabits the hearts of believers, connecting our spirits when we join together in prayer, worship and teaching.
In the same way, the virtual 2020 NDP Leader’s Summit brought coordinators together from all over the country to celebrate the ways God moved in 2020 and learn about new opportunities to pray for America and participate in seeing God’s Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven.
Leading up to the event, Sethia Johnson, a local coordinator in Northern Virginia, began preparing her heart for what she had heard was going to be a powerful gathering.
“I’m going in with anticipation for learning as much as I can, and then coming back to talk with other coordinators to be more effective,” Sethia said.
During the Summit, she joined in worship, took notes during the Spirit-led devotions and participated in the concerts of prayer. It was her first time attending an NDP Summit, and even in the virtual format, the Lord equipped and encouraged her!
“The love of God came through the speakers, who were giving their all—you could tell they were passionate, it wasn’t just a chore,” Sethia said. “During Friday night’s concert of prayer, I was washing dishes—me in my kitchen just worshipping!”
When the 2020 Leader’s Summit moved to a virtual format, more people were able to gather and celebrate the work God has done through NDP in the last year. With this flexible format, many people who would have otherwise faced challenges rearranging their duties at home or making travel plans were able to attend.
Pam Olsen’s normal schedule of work and family responsibilities would usually keep her busy, but this year she set aside time to attend the sessions via Zoom and the Southeast area breakout.
“I attended the Southeast breakout and was able to pray over the state coordinators and Gwen and Willie,” said Pam, the Southeast prayer shield and former NAL. “I have a heart for new coordinators. I love to encourage them and I pray for them to open doors for prayer and relationships with their leaders.”
These breakout sessions allowed regional coordinators to get to know one another more and hear about what God is doing in other states. With these connections, coordinators can share resources, brainstorm or join forces in ministry.
“It was very informative,” Sethia said. “It was good to meet others in the region to hear what they are doing. I’m definitely going to reach out to the D.C. group and be a part of what they are doing.”
In addition to connecting with other coordinators, attendees had a chance to hear from new staff members and learn about new NDP initiatives. Kathy Branzell and Kanita Benson unveiled United in Love campaign, an opportunity for coordinators to continue operating with NDP while they work to see the Church activate and love the least, the last and the lost.
The highlight of every summit is the new theme reveal. This year, President Kathy Branzell shared a powerful message from 2 Corinthians chapter 3, ending with the new theme, “Lord, pour out your Love, Life and Liberty” from the theme verse, 2 Corinthians 3:17.
“This is probably one of the most significant themes we have had,” said William Lumry, Texas state coordinator and one of the longest-serving NDP coordinators. “They’re all from the Lord, but there are seasons where the theme is critical. There are times you look for what God is doing and ask to join Him—the theme this year is like that.”
We praise God for making a way for the family of coordinators to safely gather, together apart, to pray for each other, the work of mobilizing prayer across the country and for our world!
“For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God?”
-1 Thessalonians 2:8-9
