Hello there from Sunny California -- no, it's not necessarily warm here, though warmer than it was just a few hours north in Oregon and Washington. I'm here continuing to meet with pastors and churches about our coming ministry to believers in the Middle East. I am blessed to be in the home of the Popp's (said like "pope"), who are lifelong supporters and family friends of Patrick Nachtigall's family.
While traveling, there has been a lot of news regarding Syria and the continuing uprising and events there; Barbara Walters even has a televised interview with the Syrian President this week:
Here in the clip, you can see that life continues in these Middle Eastern city of Damascus despite areas of obvious unrest and even violence; yet, the uncertainty in Syria is even greater than in Egypt, and things have proven to be exceedingly more violent.
I can honestly say i never anticipated or even hoped to go to Syria in my life prior to this calling. And, if stability can be restored and visitors are allowed to enter the country again, this will be one of the places we will be charged with visiting as we have believers and a church that will need encouragement and support. As I hear the ongoing news reports, i can't help but wonder how are those believers doing--what are they doing? Are they in the middle of the strife, or trying to stay away? Have any of the Church suffered or died through all of this? Is their faith threatened or are they finding fruitful expression of faith in the midst of the conflict? And all of these questions create a desire, a hope, to get there, to meet them, and to hear their testimonies from this time--one day.
Meanwhile, it's Sacramento today and tonight; down to Madera tomorrow and Friday, and into Fresno for the weekend. I will come back and share with a group in Modesto next week before another session here in Sacramento area next Wednesday evening.
Then, i may go home for Christmas! Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support...
While traveling, there has been a lot of news regarding Syria and the continuing uprising and events there; Barbara Walters even has a televised interview with the Syrian President this week:
Here in the clip, you can see that life continues in these Middle Eastern city of Damascus despite areas of obvious unrest and even violence; yet, the uncertainty in Syria is even greater than in Egypt, and things have proven to be exceedingly more violent.
I can honestly say i never anticipated or even hoped to go to Syria in my life prior to this calling. And, if stability can be restored and visitors are allowed to enter the country again, this will be one of the places we will be charged with visiting as we have believers and a church that will need encouragement and support. As I hear the ongoing news reports, i can't help but wonder how are those believers doing--what are they doing? Are they in the middle of the strife, or trying to stay away? Have any of the Church suffered or died through all of this? Is their faith threatened or are they finding fruitful expression of faith in the midst of the conflict? And all of these questions create a desire, a hope, to get there, to meet them, and to hear their testimonies from this time--one day.
Meanwhile, it's Sacramento today and tonight; down to Madera tomorrow and Friday, and into Fresno for the weekend. I will come back and share with a group in Modesto next week before another session here in Sacramento area next Wednesday evening.
Then, i may go home for Christmas! Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support...
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