Sunday, November 9, 2008

Salam! Today was a very unique experience. We had the awesome experience of going to one of only two churches in the city. P preached this morning from John 3 (Nicodemus) and it was quite exciting. His message seemed to be very well received and they received all of us warmly. It was awesome hearing them worship the same Lord and Savior in Arabic. As P told them this morning – “the same Jesus we worship in America is the same Jesus you worship here!”

Tomorrow we will return to the church to clean up and fix their antiquated playground equipment and site (there are many giant rocks, glass, broken playground equipment, etc. that we hope to revitalize for the church to use to minister to families).

Many things here have changed, in terms of goals. Because of extreme security issues, “sharing” is not something that can be done openly or regularly. Only through long term relationships do those opportunities open up. Even then, the motives of the one asking questions could be questionable, placing the team in danger. However, in only a few days we are excited to say that we have seen God move MIGHTILY!!!

Our team leaders (L and Pt) had originally planned the following activities for us (these are traditional activities that they do with groups that visit): Olive picking, food distribution and additional visits if available. Prior to our arrival L had shared with us that there was much uncertainty about how we would be used. Little did he know that we had been praying before arrival for three things: (1) to encourage and serve the church in any way possible to help them continue to minister to the city, (2) to encourage and minister to the team and (3) to “share.” #3 was not possible openly (though that opportunity could present itself later)… however, #1 and #2 were exactly what was needed here (and L has been very excited about our being here). The church has no pastor and faces persecution from many directions. Last night as our team leaders L and Pt shared with us about the needs of the church our hearts hurt for them. We prayed that God would move in the church, open their hearts (fear and uncertainty have crippled their willingness to do anything) and bring a Godly man to lead them. Little did we know that exactly the same time, their church’s “council” was meeting and praying together and decided to finally move forward! They said they desired to be witnesses in their city and to begin looking for a leader (an uphill challenge, for sure!)!!! Amazing!! In sharing their decision with our team leaders you could tell there was an instant boost in their spirits! Now the work begins!

Fun Notes about the Trip:
We had an amazing lunch today. P had a mixed grill plates (chicken, lamb and shewaroma), RD, C and CJ had lamb kabobs. We all split traditional flat bread, falafel, cabbage, and various other traditional “salads” and dips.

According to P:
The brother C snored so loud last night that I thought the walls were gonna fall in. The only hope I had was about a half an hour in he gargled or choked or something and all I could think was “Lord, take the brother.” lol I figured I had three-four minutes to get to sleep while he recovered, but I missed it. All I could think laying there all night was it must have been payback from the night before. :-)

Also, thanks to Doug for the 2am call. We never recovered and were up most of the night. :-) As a matter of fact all of us were wide awake waiting for the Muslim call to Prayer at 4am.

How to Pray:

Wisdom for the church leaders as they cast vision together and look to be that Light here in this city

Gentleness of heart for persecutors (especially those who are “Christians” – this we have to explain when we get home)

WORKERS!! There is much need, and as Christ Himself said – “the Laborers are few”

Real prayer warriors willing to labor in prayer for this city, its churches and those serving here (openly and in secret)… we pray our church will be among those people!

A new generation of bold witnesses to rise up (probably the only way this city will truly see long term and authentic change)

Quick feet and hands so that we can accomplish much in a little bit of time tomorrow.

The midweek event in the church.

PRAISE from Team Leader L: “God’s timing is perfect!!!”


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