Hey You

David Ford and I have been partners in ministry at Cumberland First Church of the Nazarene for thirty-plus years. I began my tenure at Cumberland, Maryland, when I was thirty-three years old. Over the years of my ministry at the church, I have come to love and appreciate a special ministry relationship with this seasoned man. I have often referred to him as Cumberland First's "resident dreamer." David has on more than one occasion shared with me a vision that has challenged my heart. Not every dream has become a reality, but that does not reflect negatively on the dream or the dreamer. To dare to dream and allow God to develop a passion for that dream or vision inside of you is an attribute that I have come to value in David Ford. It is my prayer that God will continue to impress upon his heart things that others cannot see, and that he will share them with those of us who are partners with him in ministry. One way that God has gifted David to share vision is through his writings, and in particular, what he originally referred to as his "reflections." David has been the author of a number of devotional readings that have been shared with our church through the printed form and on our Facebook page, newsletters, etc. I have always anticipated that what he will share in one of his reflections will simply bless my heart or challenge me to press forward. I have particularly enjoyed the devotionals that have come as a series on one topic or passage of Scripture. You will enjoy the series he did on the Lord's Prayer immensely. It challenged my heart when I first read them, and as we concentrated as a body of believers on learning how to pray as Jesus prayed corporately, referring back to those writings was affirming.I heartily endorse the time and effort you will take in reading this book. It will be a blessing to your spiritual journey. It will also present to you some great challenges as you allow God to continue to transform you moment by moment.Gary BarkleySenior pastorFirst Church of the NazareneCumberland, Maryland