Her name is Joann and she is a retired banker from Malaysia. Today we met at the International Church of Prague. She and two friends had trained/bussed for two hours from where they spent the last few days ministering to children in Poland, and are now doing a little touring before returning home on Friday. She’s like me. Volunteering in these other places can do much. You may just be carrying a bit of the burden/work that missions people do everyday. You may have your own gospel conversations as you explore a place in the world you feel called to – if for two weeks, three months, or whatever door/window has been opened to you. The Lord Almighty is working. Years ago I remember reading Canada’s Blackaby. A study from Ephesians 3:20 shows how we become more intensely aware of God and better listeners. Henry Blackaby really helped me all those years ago. I loved the study so much that I got a copy for a dear friend who acted so lost but, yet, refused to go to God’s word. The study remained untouched and he is still lost. Now, Henry’s son and grandson (Richard and Mike) lead that effort. God’s word simplified serving for me – just go where God is already doing things. Ask Him where He is working and offer to go. It is a workbook/study called ‘Experiencing God’ and leads to a pursuit of God’s will for you. So Joann and I connected in that we are doing the same – following God in short/mid/term missions as a retiree. There were many goodbyes today because this is a sweet church full of busy believers who are teaching their children about loving and serving Jesus and my last Sunday with them. I didn’t cry until an elder prayed for me, and another woman, specifically for our futures as we are returning home.
This Sunday they also introduced new members and asked them to share their favorite Bible verses. I’ll list them but hope you will look them up: Romans 8:28, John 4:13-14, and Colossians 3:23. There will be a part 2 to this tomorrow. Packing and cleaning after a full day is tiring! Photos from the last day of Nov and first of Dec.
