Since this blog will end up being my memory book, I wanted these pictures to make it. They are from Andy's trip to Iraq.
The first night I closed with a little talk (5 minutes) on Prayer. Simply that we needed to pray for the people of the region. You would have thought I’d called for the end of the world or something based on some of the responses. The Muslim Arabs were all elated and the majority of the Westerners were furious. I mean, spit-coming-out-of-their- mouth-angry! One Western lady said, “I’m
an atheist and I can’t believe you brought God into this conversation".
I couldn’t resist saying two things: 1. "I didn’t bring God into it -
He’s already here." 2. "If you’re an atheist, then I guess you don’t
need to worry!"
This is another picture of Andy being interviewed on Iraqi TV. Andy had some great conversations with the reporter and I think she is going to send her kids to Kivu this summer! |
Andy and Andrew taking notes (maybe?) during one of the general assembly sessions. |
It was a meeting full of Arab politicians, Palestinians, Western
activists and an interesting mix of journalist, foreign Ambassadors and
even heads of state. And I was put in charge of leading and moderating
two of the meetings. Tell me God doesn’t have a keen sense of humor.
(During one of them, I even wore my slippers because my feet were
hurting.)
The first night I closed with a little talk (5 minutes) on Prayer. Simply that we needed to pray for the people of the region. You would have thought I’d called for the end of the world or something based on some of the responses. The Muslim Arabs were all elated and the majority of the Westerners were furious. I mean, spit-coming-out-of-their-
The next day a similar thing happened when I closed by sharing my
thoughts on Jesus’ Way - the way of forgiveness. I spoke softly and
sensitively, but very clearly about Jesus. I was told that has never
happened before at an Arab League meeting. I asked “Why not?” They
weren’t sure...
One group of Europeans actually got up and walked out during my talk.
But three mothers from Gaza came up to me afterwards in tears - two had
lost their children - killed by Israeli shelling. They grabbed my hand
and wouldn’t let go. “Thank you, thank you, thank you", they repeated
over and over. “Finally, someone acknowledges there is a God.” The
ironies here are many and profound!
The rest of the conference was full of discussions with leaders about
Jesus and why I did that and what it means. Some incredible
discussions. Too many to tell... and they are continuing on!
Comments