All in a Moment

This week I came to work on Monday thinking that it would be a typical Monday, but there was nothing typical about it. Our staff meets every day to have devotions and prayer before we start the workday. It was my day to lead them, and when we got to the part where we lift up prayer joys and concerns that's when I heard the news.

There was a terrorist attack in Uganda, the day before. The mission team from a church in our conference was in Uganda and happened to be at the restaurant that was bombed. The entire team sustained major injuries, and our local guides were killed.the part that really shook me up was that I personally knew one of the team members. He was working with me on the ministry project for the conference. And there in that moment, my world stopped spinning.

I watched on television about these terrorist attacks happening all over the world. Each and every one of them is horrific and scary. But for the first time I knew the victims. That whole morning I was in a state of shock. Would my friend live or die? When would he be home safe? How bad were his injuries? As I learned more and more of the details, I couldn't believe that this was happening. I feared for my friend's safety and I had this overwhelming desire to get on a plane to go and be by his side. I wanted him to know that there were many who were praying in caring for him. But all I could do is sit here and watch news updates.

This summer, thousands upon thousands of young people will travel overseas to participate in various mission trips. Most of the trips will occur in countries that are completely safe to travel to. However, that safety is never guaranteed. We forget that traveling can be very dangerous, especially when we are traveling to a foreign country. I know firsthand what it is to travel abroad. It is very exciting and can be ultimately life-changing.

My prayer today is for these six individuals who were serving out God's mission to the world by bringing the light of Christ to a corner of the world that so desperately needs it. I pray for the family and the friends of all six of these individuals, that they may find peace as they wait for their friend or loved one to come home.  I also pray for all of those young people and leaders who will travel abroad this summer on mission trips. May God watch over them and care for them while they are away.

Kris, know that I'm praying for you. I look forward to a time we can sit down and have coffee soon.