MX3 Blog #1 – Beginning The Journey
Nerves, excitement, confusion, grief, love, faith, peace . . . these are some of the things we are experiencing as we set out on this journey. This trip has been well-prayed for and we thank so many of you who have committed to praying for us.
Two years ago, the 3rd year class was hoping for a trip like this and instead stayed home in Covid lockdown, spending significant time praying with believers and for the country. I can’t help but think that this was important groundwork for what this class is experiencing now. One plows, one plants, one waters, one reaps, but it is God who brings the growth.
We spent time learning about the country, connecting with Jesus-followers, and preparing our hearts. Then, just as we were about ready to launch, we heard the news of the devastating earthquakes. We have grieved with the people we haven’t even met yet and anticipate coming alongside them with the gifts and fruit of the Spirit – love, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, etc. Pray that we’ll be able to be fully present to God and to the people we meet, coming as humble servants and learners. We will have some time enroute today to shift from the many tasks we’ve had in the past weeks to connecting strongly as a team and with God. There are some long layovers and flights (30+ hours of travel) – Winnipeg to Minneapolis to Paris to Istanbul and then finally to our destination city, arriving there around 10pm local time (1pm Manitoba time) on Friday.
As we’ve communicated with our contacts, we’ve realized that many of the plans we had would need to be held lightly (that’s a lesson we’ve learned a few times over these past few years!). But they’ve said, “Still come, be prepared to be flexible, and to pray.” Even in the last hours pre-travel, different options are being floated as possibilities once we arrive. So, pray for wisdom for the whole team and us as leaders, as well as continuing to pray for the Jesus-followers there and the whole nation.
Already, we have seen how God is answering prayers for peace and courage and healing. We can’t wait to see how he is at work in a land new to most of us!
*The MX3 team is en route to Central Asia! Follow along here or on social media for updates on their trip.
