ENCOURAGEMENT
Yesterday, I thanked God for a FULL day. Full because there was so much great discussion. Full because I met some awesome people. Full because God gave me opportunities to pray with believers in multiple languages (with them doing the praying out loud in Arabic and German, of course). Full because I am learning some things that I frankly didn’t anticipate. But God has a way of surprising me, and I left yesterday feeling encouraged.
One highlight was meeting Nader, a man from Egypt. He is an entrepreneur who was interested in connecting and finding ways to network to do business as mission. During a discussion session at the Congress about business as mission, I heard about the issues he has with connecting with believers who have the relationships and networks in markets where his skills and business could benefit. There seems to be a need to connect believers to help each other out in the area, and we explored some interesting next steps.
Immediately after, I attended a prayer meeting for a country where I have friends serving. I walked in the room and knew some people…people I didn’t even know were coming to the Congress. It was a joy to pray with them and meet a nurse who is considering moving to this area long-term. One of the questions I had though, as I reflected more about it later that day and today, was that of the 8 people who gathered for this region of the world, all were Americans. One was in Malaysia and two were in this area of the world, but still…they all came from the culture and grew up in America. It is great that God is calling Americans to pray for this area but I wondered where the rest of the world was. It’s a busy Congress though, and there is a lot to fit in, so I don’t think it’s fair to say that one prayer meeting is a reflection for how the whole world is responding to this part of the world. Just a question/observation.
The focus for the evening session was on the Middle East, so you know I was excited for it. I heard about the revival that is happening in Iran, among other testimonies from people. Powerful. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Love you.
