The kingdom of darkness OR the Kingdom of God’s marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) The kingdom of self rule OR the Kingdom of faithful obedience to God.
These past several weeks have highlighted the great contrast between these two kingdoms
#1 – The Potter’s House
Guatemala, February 28 – March 3
Scavengers or Treasures
In the kingdom of darkness and sin, the people who struggle to survive daily by digging through the trash at the city dump are considered worthless scavengers.
At the Potter’s House, we realize that we are better together and that in the Kingdom of light, people are invaluable Treasures, created in the image of God. It is always a joy to serve alongside the staff and board members in this beautiful ministry that is seeing lives transformed by the saving grace of Jesus.
#2 – Eastern European Leaders Strategic Planning
The Republic of Georgia, March 4 – 11
Enemies or Co-laborers
At our Eastern European Leaders gathering, our partners came together from 8 different nations (Russia, Belarus, Albania, Georgia, Armenia, Croatia, Uzbekistan and the USA). In the kingdoms of this world many of these nations are at war with each other. We however, spent a day and a half listening to one another’s stories and how the Lord is at work throughout the region.
In God’s Kingdom, it was clear that we are not enemies, but co-laborers. It was quite emotional to hear about the devastating impacts of the war in Ukraine and then to gather around our partners in humble prayer.
We discussed our mission; to lovingly encourage, equip and engage pastoral couples and leaders so they can finish well in their ministry and marriage, and how it could be achieved better by serving together. By the end of the week, there was great consensus and a commitment by all to form an Eastern European Leadership Team with that purpose.
#3 – Artsakh Pastoral Couples Conference
Armenia, March 12 – 17
Bitterness or Blessing
In Armenia, we witnessed a tremendous spirit of oneness amongst a special group of exiles from Artsakh (a region of Armenia recently taken over by Azerbaijan). One might expect that a group of people who were starved for 9 months during a complete blockade and then fearing certain death, were forced to leave their farms, churches, homes and all of their possessions, would be a people burdened with grief. Bitterness would be the kingdom of this world’s response, but these believers walking in the Kingdom of faithful obedience to God choose to be a blessing instead.
One couple described how before they left their home, the wife cleaned the house from top to bottom, arranged the furniture and left a note of encouragement, a book of special monuments in town and some flowers.
They gave thanks for the years God had given them there and prayed for the strangers who would soon take possession of what had been their home for so many years. They truly blessed their enemies!
This Easter we are also reminded of the contrast between the kingdom of the death (the grave) and the Kingdom of the eternal life (the resurrection). All praise and glory go to our loving Father who “has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, Jesus, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14
Ways you can pray!
- May the Lord continue to direct and lead us through the new relationships formed and the decisions made these past couple of weeks!
- We will leave with our teaching team for our next training conferences in Bolivia (April 4-13) and Colombia (April 14-21). Please pray for us and our partners as we continue our preparations. Pray for the pastoral couples who will be attending and for God’s presence to anoint our time together.
- We are also working on preparations for team training and a pastoral couples conference in Uzbekistan (May 16-30) and a Family conference in Ukraine (June 1-10). May we hold fast to the Lord for His strength, provision and leading!
These have been amazing weeks that we trust will impact the Kingdom of God for years to come.
Thank you for your faithful prayer and support that makes this possible.
All praise and glory to our loving Father!
