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Fern Nilson was the recipient of the 2005 Coordinator of the
Year Award at the Annual National Day of Prayer Conference in
Colorado Springs during the Saturday evening events on October
22nd. Shirley Dobson, National Chairman presented Fern with a
special plaque honoring her years of Christian work that has
spanned some forty years.
She was recognized for having worked with National Day of Prayer
for 17 years, 15 years as State Coordinator in Nebraska; the last
four years as a National Area Leader serving on the national staff.
In 2001, Governor Johanns made her an Admiral in the Navy of
Nebraska for her work in calling the state to prayer.
She also was involved with Crusade for Christ 25 years at Kansas
State University. During this time she compiled the Christmas story,
“The Gift of Christmas” for college students and faculty. She also
shared the story for executives in cities like Chicago, Omaha, and
Wichita. She was the first chairman of Christian Women’s Clubs in
Manhattan, KS, going on to being Area Representative over the
eastern part of Kansas for 25 years.
She has served on two main committees with the Billy Graham
Association. Fern is an author, having written many articles for the
Catalyst Literary Journal. Just recently, she has published The
History of Prayer in America for the students of our nation.
FERN NILSON’S RESPONSE TO RECEIVING
COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2005
What an honor—and a privilege—it is for me to receive the award
this year. I stand in awe as I look back over my life and see God’s
Mercy--and the Trust He placed in me as He used my life in so many
ways. It’s truly been a privilege to serve Him. How often I’ve prayed
to be a vessel God could use. Without His kindness in opening doors
for me, I could not have been involved in so many opportunities.
God has given me a full life. About 40 years ago, I was reading in the
original Living Bible and found a verse that seemed to be a special
promise to me— This is what the Psalmist said,
You will give me added years of life,
as rich and full as those of many generations, all packed into one.
And, He has!
I have often felt inadequate. When I was asked to become a
National Area Leader, for example I almost said, “No”—because I
didn’t think I was qualified. Then I heard a pastor say,
“The one the Lord chooses, He also equips.” With that promise to
equip me, I was willing to do my best for my Lord.
There is an old hymn that voices what my heart’s cry and goal
has been down through the years.
The hymn begins, “Lord, speak to me—that I may speak.
That’s what I wanted to do—to speak for my Lord
The next verse says--
“Teach me, Lord, that I may teach the precious things You impart.
--Again, that was my heart’s cry.
“Fill me with your fulness, Lord--Until my very heart overflows.”
How my heart craved for that
And, finally, “Use me, Lord, use even me
Just as You will--and when—and where.
That’s been the burning desire of my heart down through the years.
Thanks, again, for all the treasured memories of this evening.
--Fern Nilson
