By Amy Wilbins

Recently at church, we sang a worship song in English and Spanish at the same time. While we were worshipping, I could not help but remember that there were also members of the congregation who knew Swedish, Arabic, and German and I imagined them singing in those languages, as well. That is what Heaven will be like–worshipping the Lord in every language possible. The Bible says in Revelation 7:9, “after this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” As believers and followers of Jesus, you and I also have the amazing opportunity and privilege of being a part of God’s plan for the world. Yes, even you.

I was born into a Christian home, raised in church, and still consider church as a foundational aspect of my life. I prayed to receive Jesus into my life when I was five years, baptized when I was eight, and rededicated my life to God when I was 12. However, even though I thought I knew and loved Jesus all that time, I truly believe that my walk with Him did not begin until I was about 20 years old. One of the influences that changed my walk with God was a seven-week discipleship program during the summer of my junior year of college. Part of the program consisted of taking a course called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. I learned things in that class that I had never heard before in all my years of attending church, and it greatly affected my relationship with God. I learned that there are so many ways, no matter the stage or season of life, to be a part of God’s plan for the world. I learned that prayer is such a crucial aspect of how God moves throughout the world. I learned that the term “missions” does not only mean going overseas and while, yes, that is important–not everyone will be given that specific path. At that time, I learned that even I, a college student, had a place in God’s work. Some ways to be involved in missions include praying, sending, and supporting those who are going, welcoming, mobilizing, and learning. No matter what age you are or stage of life you are in, you have a place in God’s work. Yes, even you.

An opportunity for you to be involved in world prayer is to attend the prayer and worship night that our church will be holding on Sunday night, August 25th. This time of prayer will be for specific areas of missions–state, country, and international. This time of prayer is an opportunity to ask God to continue to move throughout the earth and for others to hear of His love, His sacrifice, and His desire for them to know and follow Him. It is also an opportunity to worship the Lord for who He is, what He has done, and what He will continue to do in all the earth.

I am also excited to announce that Perspectives on the World Christian Movement will also be coming to Eastwood in the spring of 2020! More information will be made available this fall.

I am looking forward to seeing you and worshipping with you on August 25th!