A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34).
Bless Donelda, Erin, Hailey, and Sandy with a deep sense of acceptance, grace, love, and connection while at the retreat.
The cross-cultural community can begin to feel small. Many teams are comprised of various nationalities, backgrounds, giftedness, with a variety of ministry focuses. This can give rise to comparison, competition, and perceived differing values: how fast one learns the language, sees conversions, how one’s kids adapt to national schools/churches, the furnishing of one’s home (or size of it); having limited funds; singles and married couples, with and without kids; adventurous or needing to be “hand held” during an orientation period; little visible fruit for the sacrifice and effort of living overseas. All equate to ample opportunity for Satan to cause disunity, discontent, and hurt. Many times this feels like an emotional quagmire. We pray for confession of wrongs, healing of hurts and rebuilding of trust to unify teams and clearly reflect Jesus.
Germany’s wealth, power, and strategic location in Europe could be of inestimable value to the kingdom of God. For this, a strong, courageous leadership based on Christian values is needed. Young people’s ministry is vital for the future of the church. Over 55% of active Christians are now over 50 years of age. We pray for relevant and effective ways to impact the youth in a new way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
©2014 Thrive.