(Although I haven’t written in a while, I wanted to share with you something current and fresh off my heart. Last week I got to meet my squad (LOVE my L squad, I will write more about them next week) and spend 10 days camping in the woods with them. It was an incredibly refreshing time of worship and teaching. During this time, this happened and has been stirring in me ever since. I am trying to write a blog a week until I launch on July 30th.)
He wasn’t even talking to me, but I heard him say it, and it stuck. It’s been rolling around in my head, in my heart, in my spirit ever since. He was talking about two of our newest routes, known as Expedition. These particular routes, this time around, are focusing on the Middle East and learning how to be His hands and feet there.
He said that when he has spent time with them on their debriefs, they haven’t been able to have worship.
That night, at training camp here in Gainesville, Georgia 300+ racers, alumni, and staff packed into the medium sized room to sing to our King, to worship our Father, I heard the Father say, “worship for them”.
“Them” are our brothers and sisters that are still praying for a Bible of their own in a country where the Bible is banned.
Did you know…
“According to Open Doors USA, up to three generations of a family can face imprisonment and even death if one member of the family is caught with a Bible in North Korea. In Central Asia, Christians’ homes are raided to see if they are guilty of the crime of owning a Bible. Terror groups across the Middle East, and in increasingly in parts of Africa, target Christians—people of the Bible—for torture and death.”
I am beginning to think of “them” when I open my bible, when I toss it in my purse, when I go to a store and look at the large section of Bibles available with whatever translation, font size, or cover I fancy.
“Them” are our brothers who cannot sing worship together without hunkering down in a basement, fearful of the beatings or the jail sentence, simply for gathering together to encourage one another.
I am beginning to think of “them” when I drive to a church building, sit on a comfortable chair, and drink my free coffee.
It’s difficult at times to remember them and it is easy to take what I have for granted, but I don’t want to be that woman. I want to be the kind of woman that often thinks of “them“, that prays urgently and lavishly, that seeks ways to encourage and strengthen them.
As you go about this week, let’s not forget “them” that are our brothers and sisters who are laying down their lives, both in death and life across the world. When you go to your church building on Sunday or your small group on Wednesday, let us worship extravagantly, gratefully, and passionately not just because He deserves it but for those that cannot on this side of Heaven.
I launch in 30 days!! Want to be a part of what I am doing in South America? I am looking for people who want to partner with me prayerfully and financially! Want to donate once or once a month? Click on the “donate” link on the left and you can choose!! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
Love!!
