I was impressed this morning as I woke up to read Mark 12. It begins by stating how the landowner did everything to build a vineyard and then leased it out. When it came time to receive some of the fruit, the workers were beaten and and some were killed. I could not help but think of the stories I have heard while here in Iraq.
I have shared with you about my translator and his wife losing their baby because of a car bombing. He went on to explain yesterday that there had been a prophesy over them and that they would get pregnant and the baby would bring so much joy. Several weeks later they discovered they were in deed pregnant and how it filled them with joy - only to lose it in the bombing. This man's response still amazes me and makes me question my own level of faith. "The baby has brought God much joy and God is always good." They have opportunities to leave Baghdad and Iraq but feel called to stay even if it costs them their lives. They must remain obedient to the call of God on their lives - not my will but yours, Lord.
Jeff got in a conversation with a young woman at dinner yesterday and their conversation turned to the number of hours he worked. Her response - when do you have time to really pray? When do you read God's Word? We have so much to learn!
A great majority of the people attending the conference are young adults - similar to last year when I was in Beirut. They have such a heart for God and to serve Him at whatever cost. They are the current leaders of the church as previous leaders have either left the country or have died. Oh how the slumbering giant of American Christians needs to awake!
Some other tidbits before I go to breakfast and another day of teaching:
I have shared with you about my translator and his wife losing their baby because of a car bombing. He went on to explain yesterday that there had been a prophesy over them and that they would get pregnant and the baby would bring so much joy. Several weeks later they discovered they were in deed pregnant and how it filled them with joy - only to lose it in the bombing. This man's response still amazes me and makes me question my own level of faith. "The baby has brought God much joy and God is always good." They have opportunities to leave Baghdad and Iraq but feel called to stay even if it costs them their lives. They must remain obedient to the call of God on their lives - not my will but yours, Lord.
Jeff got in a conversation with a young woman at dinner yesterday and their conversation turned to the number of hours he worked. Her response - when do you have time to really pray? When do you read God's Word? We have so much to learn!
A great majority of the people attending the conference are young adults - similar to last year when I was in Beirut. They have such a heart for God and to serve Him at whatever cost. They are the current leaders of the church as previous leaders have either left the country or have died. Oh how the slumbering giant of American Christians needs to awake!
Some other tidbits before I go to breakfast and another day of teaching:
- the churches are not unified here - there are definitely factions that need to be broken down and for the church to work together. The Chaldean Church is the oldest in civilization - talk about keeping to old practices! Some are warming up here but they are very stoic in nature.
- there is a couple ministering with us here and they say the Christian population in England is only about 5% - here is another unreached people group. The Muslims are greatly increasing sheerly because of the number of children they are having.
Continue to pray for stamina for the speakers and those coordinating the conference - there is lots to be done and ministry to be given for all people. Pray for unity amongst the churches and denominations - one would think they would work harder to stay united because of the battles they fight each day. Thus the attack of Satan to keep the church separated and lose its spiritual power. May we continue to give God permission to mold and shape us in the image of His Son!
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