In the Nick of Time
By Crystal Hayduk
Christmas is only a few days away. Unless you’re one of those organized and efficient types who plan far in advance, chances are panic is setting in because your heart is full but your hands are empty. You desire to fill a stocking or put a memorable gift under the tree for that special someone. Maybe you spend Christmas Eve at the department store in search of a previously unclaimed prize, or scour the local drug store for a last-minute token before dawn on Christmas morning.
Like the angel of the Lord said when greeting the shepherds the night Jesus was born, I say to you: Fear not. For behold, I bring you a great idea for a memorable Christmas gift that will cause great joy for writers everywhere. For to you is given this day the easiest solution ever–it is a contribution to help fund an experience like no other. This shall be the sign: you will find the gift in a plain white envelope.
And the writers will say to each other, “Let’s go to Grove City June 21- 25, 2017, and attend the St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference that we have heard about.”
And after the writers had attended the conference, they spread the word about what they had learned and how they had been encouraged, and all were amazed at what the writers said and wrote.
Registration for the next St. Davids Christian Writers Conference is expected to open in early 2017. But in the meantime, think about the many ways to give the gift of conference to someone you care about. Perhaps you can cover the full cost of registration. Maybe you can afford to cover just tuition or room and board. If your resources are more limited, any conferee could use a gas card to help with transportation costs, or a gift card to cover the cost of meals while traveling. A contribution of any amount that will help get your family member or friend to conference would be greatly appreciated.
When you help get a writer to conference, you are truly providing a gift that keeps on giving. Conference benefits include information and education, skill advancement, networking, encouragement, inspiration–among friendly people in an inviting environment.
Maybe best of all, your gift will nurture and support a writer’s calling and talent.
Christmas Eve is just around the corner, but you can still manage to invest in someone’s life with a simple gift–in the nick of time.
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Registration for the June 2017 St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference is scheduled to open in early January. Fee for full-time conferees staying on campus with all meals included is $564. Other plans available at reduced prices.