Dear Sending Team...
The Lord's abiding love continues to surround all those who have gathered here in Erseka for the conference. Somewhere between 60 and 70 women arrived on Friday, hungry for the Lord and eager to engage with us and with one another in relationship.
We spent yesterday afternoon gearing up for the evening and also putting together gift packets of stationary for each woman. The cover on the front is one of Marlise's prints and they are beautiful. These packets, along with Derek Prince's booklet, Extravagant Love will be given at the close of the retreat for them to take home.
After a delicious chicken & rice dinner with yummy Greek yogurt as a garnish, the conference officially began with Gail leading worship. It's a delight to watch her lead in this capacity, as well as in teaching and administration and prayer ministry. She is such a strong and gentle woman of God, and it's been a fun blessing to watch her moving in her element.
Karen was the first of us up to bat, and the Lord used her message, "Digging in the Dirt" to touch many hearts. Using the parable from Matthew of the buried treasure, she shared how each woman was a precious treasure for whom Jesus had given His all to purchase. God wants to use His perfect love as a broad fork to set us free from fear and shame, and they were all invited to make a decision to accept His love, whether they already had a loving, intimate relationship with the Lord, or if they were ready to make that decision now. [We later found out that there are at least 7 Muslim background women in attendance. Whoohoo!] We then had lots of opportunity to minister in prayer, which was lovely and special.
After another special time of worship with Gail this morning, Missy took the lead with a meaning-filled message based on the first half of Psalm 23, She shared how Jesus is our Shepherd, and as His sheep, He will take care of us, providing for all of our needs. Toward the conclusion of her message, she sensed the Holy Spirit leading the team and Gail to move around the room and pray for all the women while they remained seated. A CD of instrumental music by Ruth Faizal provided the backdrop for this powerful time. The room was heavy with the presence of the Lord as we moved from woman to woman, gently laying our hands on her back and praying silently as the Lord led.
When we look back on the conference, we're confident that we will all view that prayer time as a significant breakthrough.
After a coffee break (these women drink A LOT of coffee!!) they formed small discussion groups to process Karen and Missy's messages. Although there was some concern (at least on our part!) about how this would be received, it appears that they took full advantage of the opportunity to engage with one another and share their thoughts and feelings. One thing that is very different is how the women will respond and engage with us as we're sharing. We'll say something, and then they'll sometimes start laughing or talking to one another or calling things out to us in Albanian. It makes us laugh and reinforces that we're not in Kansas anymore Toto!
At 5p this afternoon, Missy and Marlise will be tag-teaming a message on being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray!!!! Then at 8p, Marlise is sharing her message of "No Longer Unloved" based on Hosea 2. Please pray some more!
Your prayers have made such a difference. They are bearing fruit! And remember Klara, the woman we talked about in our letter who we had said would represent the women we were coming to minister to? Well Gail introduced her to Karen, and Klara asked them to pray for her. Her life is hard but she loves the Lord so much and was so grateful. What an honor and a joy!
With love from Albania,
KMMK
Karen, Marlise & Kathy putting the note cards together as gifts for the women.
Gail leading worship - very powerful!!
Karen opening up the conference with the first message - "Digging in the Dirt"
Missy speaking in this morning's first message of the day. Blerta, our translator is on the right. She is amazing in her skill to take what we intend to say and communicate it in a clear, understandable way!
One of the small discussion groups praying together after debriefing.
The Lord's abiding love continues to surround all those who have gathered here in Erseka for the conference. Somewhere between 60 and 70 women arrived on Friday, hungry for the Lord and eager to engage with us and with one another in relationship.
We spent yesterday afternoon gearing up for the evening and also putting together gift packets of stationary for each woman. The cover on the front is one of Marlise's prints and they are beautiful. These packets, along with Derek Prince's booklet, Extravagant Love will be given at the close of the retreat for them to take home.
After a delicious chicken & rice dinner with yummy Greek yogurt as a garnish, the conference officially began with Gail leading worship. It's a delight to watch her lead in this capacity, as well as in teaching and administration and prayer ministry. She is such a strong and gentle woman of God, and it's been a fun blessing to watch her moving in her element.
Karen was the first of us up to bat, and the Lord used her message, "Digging in the Dirt" to touch many hearts. Using the parable from Matthew of the buried treasure, she shared how each woman was a precious treasure for whom Jesus had given His all to purchase. God wants to use His perfect love as a broad fork to set us free from fear and shame, and they were all invited to make a decision to accept His love, whether they already had a loving, intimate relationship with the Lord, or if they were ready to make that decision now. [We later found out that there are at least 7 Muslim background women in attendance. Whoohoo!] We then had lots of opportunity to minister in prayer, which was lovely and special.
After another special time of worship with Gail this morning, Missy took the lead with a meaning-filled message based on the first half of Psalm 23, She shared how Jesus is our Shepherd, and as His sheep, He will take care of us, providing for all of our needs. Toward the conclusion of her message, she sensed the Holy Spirit leading the team and Gail to move around the room and pray for all the women while they remained seated. A CD of instrumental music by Ruth Faizal provided the backdrop for this powerful time. The room was heavy with the presence of the Lord as we moved from woman to woman, gently laying our hands on her back and praying silently as the Lord led.
When we look back on the conference, we're confident that we will all view that prayer time as a significant breakthrough.
After a coffee break (these women drink A LOT of coffee!!) they formed small discussion groups to process Karen and Missy's messages. Although there was some concern (at least on our part!) about how this would be received, it appears that they took full advantage of the opportunity to engage with one another and share their thoughts and feelings. One thing that is very different is how the women will respond and engage with us as we're sharing. We'll say something, and then they'll sometimes start laughing or talking to one another or calling things out to us in Albanian. It makes us laugh and reinforces that we're not in Kansas anymore Toto!
At 5p this afternoon, Missy and Marlise will be tag-teaming a message on being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray!!!! Then at 8p, Marlise is sharing her message of "No Longer Unloved" based on Hosea 2. Please pray some more!
Your prayers have made such a difference. They are bearing fruit! And remember Klara, the woman we talked about in our letter who we had said would represent the women we were coming to minister to? Well Gail introduced her to Karen, and Klara asked them to pray for her. Her life is hard but she loves the Lord so much and was so grateful. What an honor and a joy!
With love from Albania,
KMMK
Meal time with all the women.
It's amazing you have time to do this blog with everything else. Seems as if everything is going so well and smoothly. Praying--
ReplyDeleteAnd to think that the fruit of your efforts will be everlasting!
ReplyDeletePraying for you all! Love never ever ever fails.
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm from Erseka, I grew up in the Evangelical Church there! I am so happy that you all decided to go there and help with the conference! My mom was there, and the last time I talked to her, she sounded pretty enthusiastic about the program!
ReplyDeleteThank you and God bless you!
Ida :)
Having done all...enjoy Italy!
ReplyDelete