Plates are barely recognizable under piles of rice, while steaming hot cups of teacontinuously fill the room with warmth. The unique expression of genuine love iscompletely different from the familiar sentiments of western cultural inconvenience.People drop in at all hours with no dishwasher to carry the load; everyone workstogether to provide for the needs of those around them. Throughout three generationsthere is a remarkable display of unity as the newest baby is gracefully bounced aroundinto different arms. The overwhelming oneness is a small glimpse of the Body of Christ,and it became the overall theme during our short stay in Southeast Asia.
For a group comprised of five different countries, it is remarkable that unity is themost appropriate adjective to describe our time together. Nevertheless, we continuallyexperienced this characteristic. Out of the five nations represented, one, in particular, isseasoned by years of immense persecution. From the outside, this is not readilyapparent. Everyone in this group carries along a smile and willingness to serve. Theyspecifically came to encourage the locals who are beginning to feel the tremendouspressure that coincides with persecution. Having someone tangible that understandstheir plight proves invaluable. It is a beautiful thing to witness one part of the Body ofChrist freely ministering to another.
Amidst the variety of cultures represented, it is fun to see Jesus show up. He isall about the nations coming together with a singular focus. And it is with Him in mindthat the differences between us fade and become insignificant. In this kind ofatmosphere, The Holy Spirit is tangibly felt.
On our last afternoon together, in a particular region, teatime preceded aspontaneous time of forgiveness. The atmosphere immediately shifted and a few of thepastors responded to this by hugging one another. While everyone was still wiping awaytears, outbursts of worship sprang forth. The Holy Spirit seemingly danced around theroom, bringing comfort to hurting hearts. With His leading, the body joined as one tohelp alleviate, heal and ease the hosting nation's burden. Not a dry eye, cold heart orindividual remained. Everyone bonded together by their love for Jesus and desire to seethe Kingdom advance in this nation. When living in family, what hurts one person hurtseveryone. With anticipation, we look to heaven for divine strategies and hope.Less than a week later, we all boarded a plane to head back to our respectivehomes. What remains is the memory of the courageous people that we met along theway. After rubbing shoulders with these impactful individuals for a week, it almost feelsas though a new fragrance traveled back with us to America. Following Jesus isn’talways easy, and the believers in this country know the cost. For some, their choice issaturated in suffering. Their love, however, sustains them. This love is evident in theadoration and zest, both expressed and experienced, during worship. The Father seesthem, and their choice to follow Him is like a sweet fragrance.
I wish it were possible to share with you all of the stories from our recent trip, butsome of these stories must remain unshared to protect the brothers and sisters in thisregion. Nevertheless, I implore you to join us in prayer for Southeast Asia. Pray for freshencounters with the Father's heart. Pray that the persecution they are experiencing willbring forth tremendous fruit and unparalleled unity. And pray for your hearts to awaken,so that you can intercede for the many persecuted believers around the world. Ask theFather how you can partner with Him and join in unity with the Body of Christ that is allaround you.