Story Behind The Photo: Israel

Looking over this moment I am overwhelmed with gratitude and generosity. As our YWAM team makes our way to a new location, we are greeted with the warmth of the shining sun and the curious smiles of the village people. I could see the looks on the village men’s faces and sense the energy of the children playing under the hot sun. Perhaps they are questioning why we are here.

Perhaps they are wondering what we showed up to do. I am a bit nervous; I am not sure what to say. We are here to serve, to listen, and to reflect God’s love, to tell them that Jesus Christ made a way for each of us through his death and resurrection.

The village people don’t hesitate to make us feel welcome, they pull out some chairs and they want to visit. They offer us tea. They are hospitable and generous. We introduce ourselves even though we hardly speak the language. With our translator, Momma Promise, we try to communicate the love of Christ and hope that our message is well received.

We listen to their stories and hear their needs. We hand out audio bibles, we exchange a smile.

I am so grateful that I am here.

I reach out and lay my hand and pray a blessing along with our team over the people. My hand rests on a man’s shoulder as I pray for God to lead him.

The biggest takeaway from my time praying for this community is what happens when we come together knowing that Jesus Christ is the only way. It is in knowing and believing the truth that transforms us in Christ when we decide to put our faith in Him. The men gathered in the village were not just strangers, but they are a part of a community of believers.

We Christians are stronger together and as we fellowship there is protection from temptation and sin. My team left that day with a bigger sense of community.

So, my encouragement is this, where two or more are gathered in his name He is there as dwelling among us. This allows God’s love to touch our hearts. There is power in a community of strong believers and only fools run from the words of wisdom found in scripture. So let us continue to go to Samaria and Judea and to all the ends of the earth in Jesus’ name. I felt connected to these people and felt the real sense that we are a part of God’s family. Just like our team, these believers are with us waiting for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.