“They will proclaim my glory among the nations.” Isaiah 66:19
In the past few months we have been challenged and blessed to be a part of several missions conferences for four different nations. Each of these were represented by different denominations in different cities. As the calendar got filled and our finances got tighter I worried what our kids would “see” as we engaged in the various events.
The first one we attended had a focus of doing outreach projects for the national church in a country overseas. The local church in America was sending laborers and money, equipping their members to reach out. We, as a family group are going to partner with the family that lives there. The fellowship was so amazing and the food could have been served at Jack Stack it was so wonderful. This event made me want to go with the team and prompted me to pray and give. I felt God’s spirit unifying and calling the people. I saw such a collaborative heart.
The church members overseas will get some rest as others come and help them labor.
The second one focused on two different countries overseas helping them reach their budget and build the local church. These countries just happened to be where my husband and my ancestors were from which surprised us both. Testimonies were shared about securing buildings and lives being touched. They did a fundraiser (auction) and you could sense the giving heart of the congregation and total commitment to raise funds even at great sacrifice. The food was represented by several different cultures and was quite the smorgasbord. The crab rangoons were exceptional! This one also touched my heart as I saw my kids get stirred in their faith to serve God and their hearts touched as other kids donated items to sell. In the midst of that event I met someone from Eastern Europe which brought back memories of my trip there. Miles away from home he was part of a group blessing other nations. I expanded my prayer list and was reminded of God’s provision for us here in the states. We savored ice cream later that night after hearing many can not purchase it in their cities. We had taken such a small thing for granted. Those who prayed and those who gave were all blessed and the entire crowd got to celebrate the results.
The pastors will get some rest as they can focus on the work of the ministry instead of raising funds or getting second jobs.
The last one was focused on one nation empowering the people, giving them food, micro-loans and helping them build their own houses. The food served was specific to that nation and there were learning stations for each aspect of their culture. You could also buy coffee, jewelry or books. After seeing videos of lean -to shelters, I was thankful for our home and realized it was a blessing – plumbing, heating and running water included. My tattered couch was no longer an eyesore but an extravagance. This group has dug their heels deep into one community and literally caused transformation throughout the nation. It was so well run and professional. “Seamless leadership” was the prevailing thought after the event and each section glorified God, with little emphasis on the people from the USA doing the work. All of the focus was on the smiles of the people and their needs. Little was said of those giving or going. Much was said about doing the work (clothing, feeding, housing) in Jesus name and example.
The families will receive rest as they eat, sleep and live in homes that now have strong walls and concrete instead of mud floors.
We pray for a precious couple in Africa, unable to email or let us know their needs. They have no conference here but we call out their names and trust God to supply, comfort and anoint. We trust that in the absence of American workers, God will send heavenly and earthly ambassadors to do His bidding.
I wanted to blog about these events because it struck me, why in the world would busy, engaged people work so hard to bring rest to other people they have never met before? Why would they take their hard earned money and give it away so strangers could get a little peace? Believers, pastors, families are all getting blessed, touched and encouraged. Those giving have joy on their faces, contentment in their hearts and strain on their pocketbooks. The people stateside – were connected, humming in harmony as they went about their work. No one debated the flag, politics, immigrants. No one grabbed for the last chicken leg or fought for attention. They gathered, they gave, they prepared to go.
Our friends from different denominations stretched our hearts. They are beautiful people – inside and out and invited us to see the world through their lenses and we were touched. Our friends within our denomination rallied our faith, calling us to something greater than ourselves. Whether it be serving lemonade, filling out feedback surveys, bringing a testimony or a song, we were part of something we will not soon forget. We connected in our small little way with another nation in a way that will become big. That’s sacred, holy. I wonder if it gives God rest?
We gather, we give, we go. Blessing others blesses us. None of these conferences could have happened without a large group of people working together towards a common goal. That’s noteworthy, unity working, collaboration sharing. There was no red carpet, no goodie bag (although my husband scored some cheese at one event), no awards or trophy. NBC, CBS nor FOX news covered it. President Trump nor Obama tweeted about it. No women marched for or against it. Hillary Clinton made no cameo appearance. Yet, somehow it worked and spread like joyous leaven through the crowd. giving all a lift.
My heart was filled, my families hearts were filled, just a little bit more.
I wonder if the people overseas will lay in their beds tonight and know someone is thinking about them. I wonder if they know help is on its way. I wonder if they will realize their plight brought joy as people gathered to alleviate their stress. I wonder if they know that people thousands of miles away dearly love them and want them to be supported and blessed. Is there some little boy, some little girl praying “God please see our need.” Is there some daddy, some mama, trusting that He will?
Yes, the world continues to spin but the Body of Christ in all her glory… remains very beautiful, very unique. As I told my kids this week “we do not go to Church, we ARE the church.”
Renae Roche 2018