Dear Sisters,
I am deeply saddened to tell you that a friend of our 13th Moravian Women’s Conference and our keynote speaker, Rachel Held Evans, entered into the more immediate presence of her Lord at 4:00 a.m. today, Saturday, May 4. Rachel was 37 years old; she was ill for just a few weeks.
On March 27, Ruth Cole Burcaw and I spoke with Rachel about our conference and its theme. Rachel was looking forward to spending all day Saturday with us and, especially, to preaching at our lovefeast that evening. As we spoke about our theme and our sisters who gather from throughout The Unity, Rachel said, “I hear community.” One could feel her energy and insight as she was thinking ahead about the thoughts she might share.
Rachel’s ministry continues in the minds and hearts of the thousands she touched through her writings, her events and her very presence. As Rachel unleashed God’s Power within herself, I expect she was not surprised by the impact of her story – one of searching and finding and always trusting in the love of her God whom she loved so deeply.
Please offer prayers for Rachel’s husband Dan and their two small children.
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us. Ephesians 3:20.
In faith, hope and love,
13th Moravian Women’s Conference Committee
Peggy Dodson, chair
Libby Ayers, Ruth Cole Burcaw, Margo Harris, Nan Nelson, Allison Snyder, Janice Wilson
