Power

Today I begin a 3 ½ week trip to 3 countries in the Middle East.  I confess that I’m feeling anxious and inadequate and under-prepared.  At the same time, I’m feeling eager anticipation of what God is going to do.  I feel that because I’ve seen Him come through in such situations so many times.  I also feel eager because I know that I’m in good company: The apostle Paul also went into such situations “in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3)
 
In the first country I’ll be with our regional director and two Arab leaders who are growing into new significant leadership responsibilities.  Helping them to flourish is crucial.  Together, we will be helping to equip an emerging team of Arab national workers, the first that we’ve had in this country.  Renee and I will also get some time with our son and his new wife who are in training there. 
 
Please pray that, like Paul in his weakness, we will experience a “demonstration of the Spirit and of power” in encouraging, equipping and enabling these leaders and workers.  (1 Corinthians 2:4)
 
Prayer update:  I wish that I could be a fly on the wall to see what God is doing in the Arab & missionary women’s retreat where Renee is right now.  She went ahead of me to that retreat earlier this week, and when I spoke with her on the first day of their gathering I sensed her excited anticipation.  Keep praying as they continue together through tomorrow.