Focused on the foremost; paramount prayers

(From our Dean of the Institutes)

As we’ve mentioned, this week we’ve been in Santiago, Chile working with 18 seminaries to discuss financial sustainability and organizational change. But today was different.

Josue (our Regional Director) guided this group into prayer just preceding our evening meal. The leaders of these institutes participating with us shared praises and requests. We started from Central American Theological Seminary in Guatemala City and worked our way south to partner schools in Argentina and Chile. Each leader shared for a few minutes, entering the center of the circle and accompanied by other team members from the school. They kneeled down and others gathered around and laid hands on them.

For me it’s a reminder, as well as evidence, that what each of these schools is doing (as well as what Overseas Council is doing as we come alongside them) is fundamentally and at its core a spiritual task.  We can learn about financial sustainability, and that’s a good thing to do, but ultimately it really is the Lord who provides.

Many of the leaders here come tired, lonely, discouraged, and even broken.  While we bring their requests to the throne of grace, perhaps the prayer fellowship of others who are engaged in the same task and who experience many of the same struggles and joys is one of the most important moments the Institute week.

Will you also join us in prayer for the Lord to encourage and teach them this week?

Warmly in Christ,

Scott