Addis Ababa sits at an elevation of 7,546 feet. But when I describe what happened earlier this month as a mountaintop experience, I'm not talking about the elevation.
More to the point, I'm talking about the spiritual impact. Our time in Addis was transformative and holy. After our gathering a couple of weeks ago, I can better understand why Peter wanted to stay on the mountain and build shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (Matthew 17). I agree with Peter; it's good to be on the mountain. And it's only natural to stay there as long as we can.
Traditionally, the kind of meeting we attended focuses on business and administration and planning. And, yes, some of that was done. Mostly, however, we spent our time in worship, Bible study, and prayer. Incredibly, even the so-called business times were focused on prayer, and the point was made repeatedly that prayer is at the heart of the work that needs to be done.
During one of our worship times, I invited the workers to write down on post-its the names of people they were praying for. Then, we all brought those names to the front of the room and attached them to a heart on the wall. I told the group that I would bring the names back to the States and enlist people to pray. More specifically, I said that I would enlist people to pray for these people by name every day for a year.
This morning, I went through all those post-its, compiling the list of names from that prayer exercise. I have over 400 names on my list. Most of these names represent people who are somewhat open to the activity of God - but people who have not yet made a commitment to Jesus.
Starting today, I am praying for these four hundred people, asking that God would work in their lives.
I envision a day (maybe next year) when I will once again be with some of the workers that I met in Addis. I can imagine hearing their stories about what God did in this life or in that life. And I'm looking forward to being able to say, "I prayed for that person! In fact, I've been praying for that person all year long!" How incredible to be involved in what God is doing - even though I'm halfway around the world.
On the off-chance that you might be interested in joining me, I would love to share a few names with you. If you would be willing to pray - every day for the next year - for a few names on my list, I would be happy to send some names to you. I don't have any specific information other than the names, but I figure that God can work with that just fine. Just drop me an e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected] and I'll get some names to you immediately.
Yes, that kind of prayer would be sacrificial. Yes, it might be a challenge to pray every day for someone you've never met before.
On the other hand, what a great way to be a part of what God is doing in the Horn of Africa and around the world!
I have over four hundred names . . . and I could sure use your help. I'll look forward to hearing from you!
This morning, I went through all those post-its, compiling the list of names from that prayer exercise. I have over 400 names on my list. Most of these names represent people who are somewhat open to the activity of God - but people who have not yet made a commitment to Jesus.
Starting today, I am praying for these four hundred people, asking that God would work in their lives.
I envision a day (maybe next year) when I will once again be with some of the workers that I met in Addis. I can imagine hearing their stories about what God did in this life or in that life. And I'm looking forward to being able to say, "I prayed for that person! In fact, I've been praying for that person all year long!" How incredible to be involved in what God is doing - even though I'm halfway around the world.
On the off-chance that you might be interested in joining me, I would love to share a few names with you. If you would be willing to pray - every day for the next year - for a few names on my list, I would be happy to send some names to you. I don't have any specific information other than the names, but I figure that God can work with that just fine. Just drop me an e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected] and I'll get some names to you immediately.
Yes, that kind of prayer would be sacrificial. Yes, it might be a challenge to pray every day for someone you've never met before.
On the other hand, what a great way to be a part of what God is doing in the Horn of Africa and around the world!
I have over four hundred names . . . and I could sure use your help. I'll look forward to hearing from you!