Last night was emotional, powerful, and included unexpected news that tested the fabric of our Gathering family. As I entered the host home and made my way in to say hello to Angela Okoth, she received a phone call from a family member telling her that her oldest sister had just died, unexpectedly.
As you can imagine, this threw her into an emotional rollercoaster ride for a time. As our other house “gathering” guests arrived, I made them aware of what just happened, and we all started to pray for Angela, our dear sister in Christ. After several minutes pasted, Jared (Angela’s husband), asked us to come in and gather for our meeting where he gave everyone an update on what just transpired. The decision was made to press on and spend our evening together, encouraging one another, and consoling Angela during the initial onslaught of her loss.
Also, Dr. Joseph Hames spoke to us about his recent trip to Belize and a historical perspective about how God has used him in that island country. Dr. Hames has been going there, leading medical mission trips, for many years. He, like many who are mightily used by God, feels unequipped and unworthy to be used in such a way. Yet, God has used him to minister to the people of Belize and hundreds of medical students who have served alongside him in this ongoing effort.
I’ll keep this post brief and include a few photos below. Pray for Angela and the Johnson family in the days ahead. Also pray for Dr. Hames and this powerful mission effort to help the people of Belize and the young medical students who get their first taste of serving others in a missional environment… amen. God hears your prayers, talk to Him.
Some relevant verses: Psalm 147:3, Matthew 5:4, 1 Peter 5:7
