Back Home Again

What an incredible two weeks in Indonesia studying its history and Islamic influence in Southeast Asia. I am so glad to be back and I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights with each of you. Also, let me take this opportunity to say thank you for your prayers and encouragement as I continue my doctoral studies in Transformational Leadership. I could not do this if were not for a great staff, encouraging Elders and a supportive church family. You are all such an incredible blessing.

Traveling outside the United States brings a profound awareness that all eyes are on the US. I landed two weeks ago in Taipei to news of the Virginia Tech massacre and then in Jakarta I watched, as any global citizen would, the news reports and wondered, “How could this happen?” “Why did this happen?” The world and its woes are a complicated mixture of anecdotes and analysis that leave all of us wondering what will happen next. But in the midst of global chaos, the words of scripture resound, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) In the midst of a life of uncertainty these words cause me to stop and fall to my knees in intercession for the world, recognizing that nothing escapes God’s notice, I say thank you Lord for your promises, your provision, and your eternal protection. These words cause me to live with a prayerful heart toward heaven.

Tomorrow, Thursday May 3, is the National Day of Prayer (http://www.thefellowship.org/prayer/pdf/prayer_guide_ndop_07.pdf) this link is the prayer guide for you to use. There are several ways to participate: You can join me and others 8:30 a.m. in the loft for prayer. You can download or print out the prayer guide and use in your S.O.A.P.ing up. You can download and print out the prayer guide and handout at your office and lead in a time of prayer at lunch or sometime during the day. You can use the prayer guide for a family devotion with your children. I would love to hear how you participated in praying for your nation – email me jerry@thefellowship.org. Listen, there is to much going on in our nation for us not to take some time and join our hearts together with Christ followers all of the United States to pray that God would bless our country.