Trip to to two Middle Eastern Countries

From 29 May to June 9th, Svetlana and I made a trip to two Middle Eastern Countries.
I was invited to an evangelical pastoral gathering in the capital city of one of the countries where Christians are persecuted. Pastors with their wives came from all around the country for a 5 day retreat. We arrived in the morning and immediately began teaching. In spite of jet leg, the 8 hour daily of teaching sessions flew by. It was very easy facilitating the inductive Bible study process for such an engaging audience. The topic was on “Ordering your private Life”. Between sessions we participated in experiential learning activities, followed by time for reflection.

Because of the persecution, not many missionaries are visiting this country. That is why we observed a deep sense of appreciation and a special atmosphere of reverence towards the Word of God. I was humbled to teach people who are suffering and persecuted for being Christ followers. We met people who have more than four generations of disciples and who are on fire for the Lord. They were asking questions wanting to learn from us when I was looking to learn from them.

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