We recently ate at a new restaurant in the city and it was fun to experience local and foreign food under one roof. The mural on the wall caught our attention too: traditional dress of the local people but featuring sushi and a burger. The fusion of cultures is fun to see!

During a recent trip to another country, I spotted these words painted above a shop door. It caused me to pause, and ask this question: What have I added to the Gospel? No faith, religion, or tradition is immune to adding rules and traditions–it’s crucial that we exam ourselves and our communities of faith.

We hear so often these words, “I hate religion.” Digging a little deeper almost always reveals that the person doesn’t hate God–they’re just having a hard time seeing past what people have done/added/distorted. What can cut through this tension? The powerful word of God, the deep love of Jesus, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and authentic relationships between non-believers and non-believers. Lord, examine our hearts and straighten our paths. Let us worship in spirit and in truth, and have the eyes and hearts of Jesus as we represent you.

Please continue to pray for the doors to stay open in GM. While nothing seems imminent, continued conflict in the region, a recent court decision that could be considered censorship, “elections” in one of the occupied regions, and other rumblings are concerning. We believe that this place is very strategic for locals and also many closed countries and unreached or unengaged people groups–join us in interceding! Thank you!