Last month Calvin and I spent four weeks in the Middle East, visiting countries close to the scene we picture when we consider the story of Christmas. We had many meetings, lots of prayer and plenty of teaching opportunities. We equipped workers with mobile media to proclaim the gospel in Arabic languages. Two years after teaching students in their own missionary training classes, we were able to visit them in the field and provide resources, prayer and encouragement. It was a full month.
This time of year we are continually aware of God’s faithfulness and the way he fulfills his promises in his own time. Israel didn’t know when the Messiah would arrive, but God’s perfect handle on the timetable brought His birth at just the right time. This month, we traveled to witness the fulfillment of a different type of birth. For many years it has been on our hearts to start a Create team in a strategic city in the Middle East. It was a great joy to see that team firmly planted and our workers diligently putting down roots.
Over the years, God has spoken to us about “gaining a foothold in the Middle East.” A foothold is a strong and secure position from which further progress may be made. Now that we have our foothold, we are trusting God to make further progress into the lands and people around it.
A word the Lord has given us for our Middle East team is from Isaiah 44:3, “when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” While with our team leader, God gave us a vivid demonstration of this promise. We visited Petra, the World Heritage site of ancient carved red rocks and narrow paths. While we walked through the streets of the city, we were suddenly overtaken by a flash flood. Without warning, the water was waist deep and surging. Calvin recounted, “as I desperately hung onto the rock edge with hundreds of other tourists I let myself down into the waist deep, raging waters. I felt the peace of God keeping my foot firm on the slippery rocks. I couldn’t find Penny and Carol, who were behind me, so I traversed the muddy water until I found them safe on a ledge.” We were shaken up, but were able to pray for a few of the other traumatized visitors. On the way back to the city we saw the headline reporting the worse flood in 25 years — that just happened to be on the day we visited!
Calvin and I are so thankful for our Create team who exhibit a servant heart and love for the people. Many walk in darkness and do not yet have a firm foothold. Please pray for stability in that region. We are determined to press forward, following our savior’s footsteps and advancing His kingdom. “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will put out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” Isaiah 44:3
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