But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.1 John 3:17-18

I know what you’re thinking—because I’m right there, too. It’s not even Thanksgiving, and already the stores are decorated for Christmas. Speakers blare out I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, but some days here in Pittsburgh are still over 50 degrees and sunny. So what’s up with pushing it even further to the New Year?In about two months—a long or short amount of time depending on perspective—it will be 2020. And although the ball won’t drop until then, parties won’t start, and crazy hats won’t be worn, right now is a time of planning for the year ahead at SEAPC. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and when it comes to missions, especially medical missions, having a viable plan is critical.How are countries chosen for a medical team to visit? What goes into the process? Why are more medical professionals needed? And when is the next trip? These are important questions for anyone contemplating a short-term experience out of the country.The simple answer, of course, is that destinations are selected through prayer. The entire SEAPC organization prays regularly for direction and illumination. It’s the best indicator of a successful venture because, as we all know, God’s will is perfect, and His plan will be fulfilled.Through prayer, opportunities arise. Friends around the world recognize the multifaceted benefits of Jesus-based, prayer-covered medical care. They welcome practitioners and prayer warriors into their communities. Relationships that are developed with local pastors and churches identify needs yet to be met, people yet to be reached. God may whisper a call to a specific country into the heart of a member of the core medical team or Missions Director. And sometimes, a previous trip highlights a nation for further outreach.The process is flexible and God-driven. Once a destination is proposed, there is coordination and logistics with hosts. Basics like in-country transportation, lodging, and food must be arranged in advance. Locations for pop-up clinics are chosen; often, the event is advertised through the church to the community. Medications and supplies are assembled, through individual donations, Brother’s Brother, and purchase of things here that are unavailable there.Much thought goes into this process. Considerations include: where medications are the least expensive; illnesses specific to destination; Customs regulations; baggage allowances; the size of team/expertise. Meds being transported are inventoried, packaged, and labeled to make pharmacy services easier. Thought is given to what can be taken to bless our hosts and/or physicians or hospitals as well as to treat patients.Most people find it tough to get off work, and unless retired, it means using vacation hours to serve rather than to play. As SEAPC builds the medical platform further, adding more workers is vital. The goal is one trip per quarter. That’s a lot of time off for the same group of people. So who is needed? Doctors of any background or specialty. Nurse practitioners. Physician Assistants. Nurses. Physical therapists. Nutritionists. Prayer warriors. You don’t have to be Pittsburgh-based to join in for ten days to two weeks.It’s very hard to explain, but going on a medical mission is the best “vacation” you can experience. It’s one thing to see the world from a cruise ship or tour bus. But to become an intimate part of lives, to encounter Divine appointments, to participate in adventures for the Lord? This is an entirely new level of service and blessing. The medical team is cohesive, Spirit-covered, and has fun. It’s tough to make a case for suffering for the Gospel when we return so excited and eager to go again.We have taken medical care into schools, children’s homes, and cities, but also practice in places where there is literally no other healthcare available. This has led to some interesting experiences. Flooded villages in Myanmar. Voodoo areas in Haiti. Red Zones in Guatemala City. Mountaintops in the Himalayas. We were the first Western medical team in Kashmir, India, since 1946. Each place has a multitude of stories that bolster faith and show that our God is alive and active here and now. And that He works through us. Talk about humbling.The most common maladies seen are universal: hypertension, diabetes, reflux, pain, rashes, infections. The occasional snakebite, anthrax, and dengue fever are a bit more exotic and location-specific. Although basic care is provided, true healing comes through prayer. Cataracts cleared. Tumors disappeared. Pain vanished. The deaf have heard. The lame walked.The schedule for 2020 is still evolving. Medical missions require preparation—but also a great deal of flexibility. At this writing, there is a probable trip in January, still in the prayer phase. From April 2 to April 10, the team will return to Guatemala, this time hoping to venture into more rural settings while still ministering where our hosts, Hector and Debbie Zetino, send us. We will work with Drs. Marta and Salvatore Sanchinelli and other local physicians, a luxury rarely afforded in other locales where we are usually the sole providers.Are you retired? Are you a student? Are you in the prime of your career? All Christ-followers are welcome to join us. Words simply can’t convey the beauty, blessing, and benefit of medical mission travel. For many of us, the time spent on a trip is real life. We love our families, homes, and friends, and most of us are not called to long-term mission assignments. But home is the place where we regroup and organize for the next trip, for the exhilaration of carrying the Holy Spirit to the least and the lost of this world. And for preparing souls for the eternal life that awaits believers.Passionate doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about medical missions. I have served in: Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar, Kashmir, Indonesia, Kenya, Haiti, Guatemala, and Mexico. Some places more than once. The printed page fails to capture the excitement and joy and fulfillment they bring to those served and to those serving.Call me. Meet with me. Coffee or tea is my treat. Let me show you and tell you about more specifics. Your training and education have equipped you to serve in a unique and awesome manner. Use those gifts and skills to glorify the Lord!Come with the SEAPC Medical Team. Feel His power flowing through you. Be His hands and feet. It will be life-altering. That’s a promise.Your New Year will be happy, indeed!Contact Laurel for more information or to collect on that free cup of coffee—latte or chai included: laurel@seapc.org or 724-575-0575.

Have you ever had the experience of smelling a scent that isn't there? Like the smell of someone's cologne or perfume when they are not around, or of a place you have been before? And have you ever wondered why this odd thing occurs? Do you think it is because we miss the person or place? Maybe a form of déjà vu or a memory?I'm no scientist, but I firmly believe it is one of many ways God reminds us to pray for that nation or persons. Every so often, I smell the scent of Nepal. That's right, I said Nepal. I know it sounds odd, but this is how the Lord communicates with me sometimes.At the age of nine, I was very passionate about Jesus and finding my calling in life. I remember waking up every day and immediately putting my face on the ground, praying, giving thanks to God, and waiting to see what He would say. One of those mornings, God instilled in my heart yearning for the people in Nepal and all other countries surrounding the Himalayan Mountains. From that day forward, my heart never stopped crying for these countries.Nine years of God teaching me patience went by, and I was blessed to have the opportunity to train with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in New Zealand. It was the night when we had to decide on which country God was leading us to go on outreach when my heart jumped, seeing Nepal was one of the options. I was hesitant to ask God if Nepal was the nation I was to go to for outreach for fear of Him saying, "Wait." And I was right. I grabbed my pen and paper and started to write the letters N and E... finishing it with a W. Then a space. Z-e-a-l-a-n-d. I felt the Lord asking me to serve in New Zealand during this time and that soon in His timing, I would be in Nepal. My mother's voice came to my mind reminding me that "obedience is better than sacrifice."So I whispered, "I'm trusting in you, Lord." And continued my life lesson on patience.After finishing my training with YWAM, God gave me more opportunities to do missions work in different countries, but none of those countries were Nepal. God was asking me to be patient, just for a while longer. About a week into my arrival back home in Thailand, a friend from a local church near my hometown asked my mother if she, my sister, and I would like to go to Nepal for ministry. As I overheard the conversation, I asked God if this was "the time" He was talking about during my training with YWAM, and sure enough, it was. I was so happy I couldn't stop talking about it until we landed in Kathmandu.As I got out of that tiny jet plane, the sun was setting and a gentle breeze passed by. At that moment, the scent of Nepali earth fused itself in my memory forever. I know now that whenever I get that phantom scent of Nepali air, God is asking me to stand in the gap and pray as my heart cries for this nation and the people.But the moment when I knew with all my heart that I would be serving for the nation of Nepal is when Pastor Mark Geppert and Bill Richardson invited my mom, sister, and I to visit Mendies Haven, a children's home on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The sun was beginning to set as we walked up the steps leading up to the rooftop. The sky wasn't very clear, but you could see the outline of the Himalayan Mountains behind small puffs of clouds. I remember staring at the mountains and thinking about little nine-year-old Mercy bugging God about when she would be able to go to Nepal. That time had arrived, and I was there.My heart was heavy, and I felt the Holy Spirit around me when Pastor Mark walked over and stood beside me, pointing at tiny bumps and curves of the mountains sharing testimonies and miracles that took place there. I just stood there soaking up every story He was blessing me with. I was in awe of God's creation and didn't know what to say or do. I just stood there. Trying my best to hold back tears, my heart was full of excitement, thankfulness, and eagerness to go and serve the Lord like the ones before me, but I could not hold it back any longer. My eyes started to flood when finally globs of tears streamed down my face. I was overwhelmed by Pastor Mark's testimonies and overwhelmed by God's grace and love He has shown me. That was the very moment I knew that I would be spending lots of time in Nepal and lots of time crying over the nations surrounding the Himalayas. That was the moment I was proud and grateful for the people who paved the way for me to serve as a missionary. That was the moment I realized my journey in missions was just beginning.

Prayer is a very effective tool in overcoming fear—a tool that produces tangible results. Rachael Reid’s life is no exception. Her story illustrates the value of prayer.After becoming acquainted with SEAPC, Rachael headed to Cambodia on a mission trip this past summer. She and her team planned on ministering at two New Hope for Orphans (NHO) children’s homes, to tutor English in a school, and to prayer walk.Although anticipating the experience, it seemed to Rachael that a million questions bombarded her. This trip represented several “firsts” for Rachael. She had never before traveled overseas (especially not as far away as Cambodia) and never left her family for more than a day or two. How would she handle the extreme heat? What about the very different food? How would her special needs child fare in her absence?Knowing that God’s hand was guiding her, Rachael continued moving forward with her plans to take the trip—and continued to pray fervently. And an amazing thing happened. As soon as the plane landed in Cambodia, all of the fears and doubts Rachael had been dealing with suddenly disappeared.Rachael and the team considered the trip to be a success. She states, “the connections we all made with the kids were awesome. I will stay in touch with a little girl I met at one of the NHO homes. I would also like to explore the possibility of sponsoring one of the children at the home.” As far as adjusting to being in Cambodia, Rachael further reports, “even though I wondered how I would adjust to the heat and food, my body had no bad reactions.”What started out as a step of faith (filled with a lot of uncertainty and unknown) turned into a defining moment for Rachael’s future. The Cambodia mission trip lit a fire and reawakened a desire within Rachael to continue her involvement in missions. At present, she volunteers her time at the SEAPC office in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Rachael is making plans to return to Cambodia with her husband, and also prayerfully considering whether God is calling her to long-term overseas missions in the future.Rachael offers some advice to anyone considering going on a mission trip:

“The only way to truly understand what traveling overseas on a mission trip is all about is just to go!”

Are you ready to take a journey with SEAPC to the Himalayan nation of Nepal? This month, we will do just that for our November prayer focus.Nepal and its people represent a very deep history for SEAPC. Many friends have walked and prayed its steep mountain roads and trails from one end of the country to the other, and many more have planted and built churches. Medical and healing prayer teams have touched the pain of the poorest of the poor. This land is rooted in our prayer community. We believe that this is the reason God has given us much favor here. Government and church leaders have opened the doors wide to us, all to impact Nepal's future. Even the promise of prayer unlocking "government changing revival," which was given to Pastor Mark Geppert while praying in Nepal, has made this nation a catalyst for what God has done in other parts of the world.I believe there is a powerful truth found in all of this. God sees and brings change when we are fully committed to our assignment to pray! No matter who and where it may be, our God (not man) decides the width and scope of the prayer assignment and calls us to have faith towards the very vision we are praying for. Like what happened in Nepal so many years ago, the world is changed when we hear God's promise and commit to pray it through to completion. When God wants to do the impossible on earth, He calls hearts to pray what Heaven has already decided.I pray the passionate journey of prayer and action that Nepal has been known for, will profoundly impact you this month.Through November, you will hear wisdom from Nepali missions pioneers and young and dynamic leaders rising up to reach the nation. All share a fiery commitment to kneel and stand up for Nepal.Get your hearts ready! God will not only open a nation to pray for but also inspire you to prayer assignments that will spark change right where you live. Personally, I have been marked forever by the unapologetic passion of the Nepali Church, and those sent from around the world to fan its flame. My prayer is that this month's prayer focus will have a similar effect upon you as well.

And when Jesus drew near the city of Jerusalem, he wept over it, saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace."Luke 19:41-42

South East Asia Prayer Center recently completed the yearly meeting, Friends Around the Table. Approximately seventy people from different countries, cultures, and worldviews came together, bound by the strongest tie of all: Jesus. This is always a time of prayer, worship, fellowship, and vision. Pictures don't really capture it any better than words do; it is experiential, as the Holy Spirit creates a unity that only exists when Christ-followers come together en force.Each year, Friends is held in a different nation, chosen prayerfully at the preceding year's event. It has been held in locations such as Laos, Mexico, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and California. This year, the original destination was to be Myanmar. Instead, SEAPC hosted the event in Jerusalem. Which begs the question: Why?The Sunday School answer is always right: Jesus.And indeed, prayer and the answer to prayer is the road that led to the Holy Land. God's decisions are His, but some factors made Jerusalem the perfect place this year, at this time, to hear from Him in a mighty way. And although the timing was not intentional from a human perspective, it was perfect.The week happened to coincide with the Jewish holiday, Sukkot. Sukkot is a significant event in the Hebrew calendar held every autumn. It commemorates God's provision of clouds in the wilderness to provide shelter during the desert exodus from Egypt. Refuge. Protection. Deliverance. Three entities that modern-day Israel and her people desperately need. And the only way to achieve them is through our targeted prayers for Jesus to bless this land and its inhabitants. We are to intercede without judgment or condemnation. Because Jesus made a covenant with His chosen people, a promise we are called to share. Sukkot is also known as The Festival of Booths. Here and there in the city, simple booths had been erected out of wooden poles and plastic sheeting. History came to life for those visiting Jerusalem, both that of ancient Scripture and that of New Testament grace as their feet trod where Jesus walked.From a practical standpoint, going to Jerusalem during such a busy time seems like a logistical nightmare. Thousands of visitors, depleted hotel rooms, streets closed, sites mobbed. All of those things were true. But not an impediment. One could imagine a crowded city at Passover as Jesus entered. A lack of lodging in Bethlehem. A mob.Logistics aside, who wouldn't want to witness this in person? The Old Testament is filled with mandates for the Jews to celebrate an assortment of historical accomplishments and tragedies. Reading about them is knowledge. The reality of witnessing an actual event elevates Scripture to life. It underscores the role of Jesus in bringing about a new way. Observing people from distinct religions meeting at the same spot—which all consider holy—emphasizes the need for each soul to be there for the samereason. For not just a new way, but for a better way.A visit to the Western Wall—often called the Wailing Wall—made an indelible impression. As faithful Jews prayed and tucked slips of paper printed with prayer requests into cracks in the stones, the exposed section of the wall loomed sixty-two feet above. This formidable structure stood as a wall of the temple before Rome razed the rest of the building in 70 AD. It has always represented a physical obstacle between humanity and God.

Christians have direct access to God through Jesus no matter where they are. This is a blessing and a joy we long to share with our Hebrew brothers and sisters. Through prayer, all barriers can be metaphorically torn down as the reality of the Messiah is presented. Prayer is powerful in effecting change in a nation—or in individual hearts.In Israel, Friends witnessed people abiding by the rules of religion. These laws continue to be physical and spiritual barriers that bind through ritual. They may not yet realize it, but the freedom of Jesus is within reach for everyone. Standing on the Mount of Olives, they prayed over Jerusalem as Jesus had done. And they invoked His grace upon Israel.Many beautiful things occurred at Friends. Albert Veksler spoke about Jesus as "I AM," unpacking the Hebrew words and how the original language points to Jesus. Relationships were solidified as acquaintances bonded, and friends became even closer. Those in attendance, who serve others daily through their ministries, were fed, encouraged, and strengthened. Goals were met. Direction and submission to God's leadership and timing came through prayer.All in the shadow of the cross and the empty tomb.

Location played an important role this year. There—in the very footsteps of our Savior, at a tomb reminiscent of where He was laid, on the mount from which he ascended into heaven—prayers were raised for the holiest of lands. Hearts, minds, and voices worshipped and interceded, as those who were grafted onto the vine lifted up God's chosen people at the site of their beginnings.Next year, Friends will take place in a different nation. It will be just as powerful and inspiring. The Holy Spirit already has it on His calendar. Anticipation will build over the next twelve months. Late in October 2020, you will undoubtedly read about what God has done and how He has been glorified.But this year is still fresh in hearts and minds. Friends Around the Table was intentional in prayer for Israel as a nation, for Israel as a people, and for Israel as Messiah's harvest field.Why Israel? Because God called SEAPC Friends to meet around the table in Jerusalem in October of 2019. For such a time as this, to spread His kingdom on earth, and to invoke the sweet joy of freedom in Jesus to those who have yet to meet Him.

The following is a message originally sent out as an email by our friend Albert Veksler. We asked for special permission to share this with you today to mobilize prayer for Israel during this time of uncertainty.The Fall Feasts are over and Israel faces the worst political crisis yet.Prime Minister Netanyahu just announced that he is unable to form the government coalition and that he will return the mandate back to the President ReuvenRivlin.President Rivlin said in a statement he intends to tap Gantz, who would have 28 days to form a coalition.The problem is that Gantz,without anypoliticalexperience, has nosupport or ability as it looks now, to form the government coalition.Gantzwill receive his 28 days to form the government and he may ask for additional three weeks, but as it looks now,the 22nd Knesset will be dispersed, and the new elections are called by March 31st, 2020.We really need your prayers as this political instability can affect the whole Middle East.We must not look just at the natural realm in these coming three months, as there’s a war raging in the spiritual realm over Israel and the whole region.We are trusting that we can see the God given solution soon.

Israel is a special place. Not only historically as the place where most of the biblical narrative occurred, but it holds a special place in God’s heart. It is a land that God is watching and caring for — “a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year” (Deuteronomy 11:12).The “Feasts of the Lord”, recorded in Leviticus 23, commemorate God’s provision as they span the entire season of harvest beginning in the spring (with Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread) and ending now in the fall with what are known as the High Holy Days.That is the season we are now in.The “end of the year” is an important month (Tishrei) in Jewish life in Israel and throughout the world, celebrating three major holy times - the Feast of Trumpets (or Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). It is a time when Jews are called to examine their lives because they believe the Book of Life is opened for a new year. As they repent and seek forgiveness from God and others they hope to be written in the Book before it is sealed for another year.Although this isn’t taught in Scripture, it can help you understand the attitude of the Jewish people during this time.What is taught in Scripture is how the Lord honors the days and weeks of His Feasts as prophetic markers for His plan of redemption. The Gospels and the book of Acts record that Jesus was crucified on Passover and that the Holy Spirit was given on the Feast of Weeks, also called Pentecost.God has clearly kept His own calendar in a remarkable way and so as we celebrate these “end of the year” Feasts we look forward to further fulfillments of His end-time promises. As I write this, we are celebrating the last Feast, the Feast of Tabernacles. It is spoken of in Zechariah chapter 14 as a Feast that all nations will celebrate. “Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:16). The nations that refuse to come are told they will not receive rain.This is appropriately the Feast where all of Israel prays that the rains that haven’t fallen all summer long will begin again. This prayer is specifically done on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles.It was on this day that we find Jesus in the Temple in John 7:37-38. “Now on the last day, the great day of the Feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.”’”May His living water flow from your bellies as you visit this special Land and His people.Please pray that the Lord will open the eyes of the Jewish people to see His hand at work in their history and that they will come to know Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah. Pray for the local congregations to be bold and fruitful in sharing the Good News.

“I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”Isaiah 14:14

What a thrill it is to be in an airplane when the view is a surreal landscape of fluffy white infused with the peach glow of the rising sun. As the darkness of a long night yields to the brilliance of morning, it is an image of the Most High, the light of Jesus in a dark world, and the hope of the Holy Spirit. It is a precious moment of communion.The SEAPC medical team recently flew back from Nepal, a small nation with people groups of languages and customs as diverse as the topography of valleys and soaring mountains. It is the home of Mr. Everest, perhaps the most iconic image for trekkers and photographers alike. The challenge and the beauty are found as the craggy, snow-capped peak rises 29,000 feet into the sky, far beyond any other mountain above sea level.But the team had no illusions about climbing—or even seeing—Mt. Everest. The real goal, to introduce hearts and minds to Jesus Christ, would be through medical clinics in rural churches high in the Himalayas. The real mountain to be climbed would be over lifetimes of false doctrine. Ultimately, it meant trusting in God to take us where He wanted us to go.Prayer walking in Kathmandu put the team deep into the fight against principalities and powers for two days. But once the valley had been left behind, God made it clear that His plan for medical care would move forward. Traveling on rutted roads, setting up clinics in small churches nestled into the mountains, and praying for each individual kept both medical personnel and prayer warriors busy for several days. The hands of Jesus pumped up blood pressure cuffs. The eyes of Jesus peered through the otoscope. The feet of Jesus rode a motorbike to find needed medicines. The touch of Jesus accompanied healing prayer. Good ministry. Seeking people. Gifts used.The final stop, however, became the greatest challenge and the deepest blessing for the entire team. Crammed into the open bed of an ancient four-wheel drive truck with groaning gears, the ascent began up a muddy, deeply rutted, narrow track that snaked its way up the side of the mountain. The hairpin turns led to fording a swift river and elevations enrobed in the fog of clouds until the road ended at nowhere. It took an additional two and one-half hour trek 800 meters straight down—and later up—to reach a small church.The mud plastered walls, packed dirt floor, and pulpit made of two small branches and a board, completed the interior. Upturned baskets became tables for supplies. Everyone sat on the floor. There were no bathrooms. One of the men cut down three pieces of bamboo, triangulated them around a hole he dug, and covered it with a tarp. Facilities prepared.The handful waiting for us swelled into a sea of children, women, and men. These were the Chepang people, the lowest of the low in Nepali society. Dirt-encrusted faces, torn, soiled clothing, and a variety of infections, diarrhea, and skin conditions spoke volumes about lifestyle.But most disturbing was the bleakness in their faces. The usual banter and chatter of a clinic setting, the curiosity about visitors, and the excitement of being treated with dignity and respect, were absent. Most of them had never seen a Western face before. Children were silent. Adults did not make eye contact. The very fiber of this group screamed subservience, poverty, hopelessness.Outside the church, a million-dollar view. A deep valley, green and dotted with trees. The pastor’s house, where he and his wife sleep on a board with their prize possession, a pig, beneath them. And all of it covered with a gauzy layer of mist. Standing there, above the clouds, did not make anyone into the Most High. But it gave an appreciation of His vantage point on humanity. And of the awesome responsibility of medical ministry.Being the hands and feet of Jesus isn’t just about what gets done. It’s about how it’s done. In the midst of chaos, unfamiliar food and surroundings, and no back up, medical professionals who follow Christ must remain connected to Him. Daily—sometimes minute-by-minute—prayer and devotions are essential. Type A personalities must yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, whether things are going well or not. And faith is a constant need as seemingly insurmountable situations and maladies are presented.It’s easy to become frustrated. We brought all the wrong medicines. The right ones aren’t available. There’s no place to wash hands. No lab tests, X-rays, CT scans, dentists, ophthalmologists, or waiting surgeon. Conditions like snakebite are unfamiliar, tuberculosis is contagious, and flesh eating bacteria? Yikes.At times we are Peter, striding across the water to meet Jesus on the Sea of Galilee with total confidence. Until we look down and begin to drown in our own sea of unworthiness and incapability. Those moments, thanks to grace, usually assault different people at different times, giving us the ability to support one another. And the advice of the ages is as fresh and relevant as it has always been: …fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and protector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).At least once, that moment of absolute amazement comes. The eighteen-year-old with a heart arrhythmia hugs you and thanks Jesus that it was found early. The thirteen-day-old baby’s father praises God that his son’s rash is nothing serious. The one-hundred-year old Hindu woman accepts Christian prayer. And on and on, as a gentle touch, a tender word, and supernatural healing carry the served and the servers above the clouds into the realm of God revealed.As the adventure and the excitement of front-line service morphs into routine life at home, there is a danger of framing God’s grace as a function of missions alone. In those moments, the Holy Spirit whispers of the universality of His presence. And we are reminded that whether we are at the top of the Himalayas or in the checkout line at Aldi, He is there. He prepares us. He uses us.Whether we trod the mission field at home or abroad, we are both a blessing and blessed as He lifts us above the clouds into His presence.

My husband, Satoshi, and I live in Nagoya, Japan. Nagoya is the fourth largest city in Japan, with a population of 2.1 million people. Despite its size, it is mostly regarded as one of the least desirable cities to live in because it lacks the cultural, fashion, or commercial appeal of other big cities.But perhaps the "boring" suburban feel is what makes it a great place to raise a family, which is precisely what we have decided to do. We recently welcomed our first baby, Kayden, in August. We are excited to share our experience as a Kingdom family with our neighbors and community.Satoshi works for a large company in the hospitality industry, with approximately 10,000 employees across Japan. In the headquarters building, where he works, there are at least 1,000 employees. Being the only Christian in the mix often feels like an uphill battle. In a culture where tradition rules, presenting new ways of doing things, or even having a new perspective, is often met with push back from the "old guard."Despite some past setbacks, and frustrations with this work culture, Satoshi feels called to bring Kingdom values and ideas to his role in the company. God is rewarding his faithfulness with favor from his superiors, and we are believing for even greater shifts as Satoshi invites the Holy Spirit to influence his workplace on a daily basis.In a few weeks, my parents, Pastors Ray & Renaid Almgren, will be visiting us in Nagoya. One of the things we have planned to do is a prayer walk in the city, which will be a first for us as a family. We will be walking between the two main buildings of Satoshi's company, which is in the center of the business district.Would you join us in praying that the Spirit of God would move in the hearts of company workers to transform businesses in Japan with creative ideas and wisdom from Heaven?

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.Psalm 73:26

You know how it is. Someone presents a problem. We try to figure out a solution based on logic, resources, and skills. Nothing works. With a sigh, we report, "I'm sorry. There's really nothing I can do but pray."That statement is humanity speaking. Yes, we are made in God's image with intellect and abilities. Yes, He expects us to be proactive. But He never wants us to do anything alone. And the way we seek His help is through prayer. South East Asia Prayer Center believes this is so integral to life that it is part of the name by which we are known and the process by which everything happens.But what about when SEAPC has very real needs? Is prayer still the go-to, or does humanity take over? The answer, of course, is a bit of both. The staff has been challenged of late as preparations reach the conclusion for the yearly Friends Around the Table meeting. This year it is in Jerusalem, from October 16th through the 18th.Friends brings together SEAPC partners from all over the world, for a time of praise, worship, encouragement, prayer, and fellowship. Great idea, stellar event; it's a big deal. Like any undertaking of this proportion, there are many moving parts, details, and last-minute emergencies to address.Hotels in Jerusalem are notoriously expensive. These dates cover the time frame for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, so rates are even higher. The initial struggle began with no available rooms. It quickly morphed into no affordable rooms. Hundreds of dollars a night did not fit into the budget. Humanity did the research. And when a hotel didn't materialize, God heard the prayers of the team. Not only is the hotel a reasonable cost, but it is also within the city limits.After the initial booking, the hotel did not return any emails, calls, or texts. There was silence. What did this mean? Should we be searching for other options? Look into hotels in Tel Aviv with daily drives to Jerusalem? SEAPC staff committed to fasting and prayer. After which, the hotel sent a contract.Having a plan is great. Funding that plan is a bit harder. A forced lull occurred between booking/paying the hotel and in finding/making flight arrangements. Both were high-ticket items to provide for the 63 attendees. The money came in dribbles. Frowns dominated foreheads. The phrase, "God will provide" was heard often in ever-more desperate tones of voice. Traditional prayer time in the office (Tuesday at Two), as well as leadership prayer, focused on the need. After which, friends contributed exactly the funds needed. Smiles of gratitude replaced the frowns.It went on like this. Money needed. None in sight. Fasting. Prayer. Provision. God's faithfulness blossomed as only His faithfulness does: right when it's needed, when we are faithful to Him when the need furthers the Kingdom. The remaining funds were covered in prayer on Thursday, October 3rd. They came in on Monday, October 7th.Friends Around the Table is happening. Those who had doubts have them no longer. Because God provided. And because His people humbled themselves in prayer. It begs the question of why we ever do a single thing without first praying. The answer, of course, is that pesky human factor and sin.Next week friends will gather together in Jerusalem—some who have known one another and served together for years, some who are new to the family. Prayer will underpin everything that happens. Prayer for nation-changing revival in Israel and around the world. Prayer for SEAPC's vision in 2020. Prayer for our partners in every corner of the globe. At the end of the event, workers will be refreshed, ready to harvest an even more abundant crop for Jesus in the coming year as His will is done and His perfect plan unfolds.What about the small stuff of everyday life? God is faithful there, as well. He wants to be our strength, our God, and our portion forever. Our role is to lay down our burdens at the foot of the cross. And not to pick them up again. We can certainly use our human gifts to effect change. But without doing so prayerfully, success will always be limited and have the potential to create pride.Meet Jesus daily in prayer. Spend time with him. It doesn't have to be formal, formulaic, or forced. He's our Friend, Counselor, Guide, Savior, and Creator. He knows us better than we know ourselves—and loves us more. Get to know the joy and peace of having a conversation with Him.Life will never be the same!