The work of God is truly an international work. 

That was evident today as I had the opportunity to sit in on the two sessions of the International Meetings here at the 2019 General Conference of Elders. I was so encouraged to hear the stories of the men and women who are serving our scattered brethren around the world. 

We heard about a number of the successes and challenges that are impacting our brethren in many areas around the world. In the Portuguese-speaking world, the French-speaking world, the Philippines, West, East, Central and South Africa, Australia, Canada, Latin America, Russia, and many other locales. God is working an incredible work in His people, and not just in the Western World. God is calling people from the developing world as well--and as technology increases, and as people have access to internet and other means of communication - the Word of God is going out. 

In Mark 16:15, Christ told his disciples to "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." That gospel is being preached, and the world is responding. It is encouraging to hear of the growth in these areas, and the zeal for this way of life. 

Together as a group, we brainstormed ideas to better help support these areas, and to help to identify and train leaders in these countries.

During lunch, Mr. and Mrs. Moody, Myself, Mr. and Mrs. Pebworth, Mr. and Mrs. McNeely and Jessica Hendrickson worked together on planning a joint Leadership Training in Cote 'Divoire this summer. There will be young men from Ghana and Nigeria who will be coming over and meeting with those in French Speaking Africa and spending 3 days in training with Mr. McNeely on Doctrine, Servant Leadership and Congregational Care. It will be a wonderful opportunity for those individuals, and for the congregations which they serve.

It was incredibly encouraging to hear of the great deal of love that all of these men and women have for the brethren that they serve, and the care and concern that they have for them in the face of the issues the brethren experience. When I agreed to help assist Mr. Moody in english-speaking West Africa back in 2016 after my first trip to Nigeria, I didn't realize at the time what exactly that would entail. As the relationships with the brethren in those countries grew and developed, so too did the care and concern for their well-being.

Over time, they have become like all of you - family. 

It has been so encouraging to see the growth in our own areas as individuals hear the word of God and come to an understanding of the truth--taking that extremely scary first step of coming to services. It has been wonderful to see God work locally as individuals begin down that road towards a life-long relationship with God, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to serve you all as you all work to that end. 

In Matthew 16:18, Christ tells Peter, "Upon this rock, (referencing himself as the foundation of the Church) I shall build my church. All the powers of hell cannot prevail against it." God IS building his Ekklesia. He is choosing His people that He desires to be a part of that assembly of believers.

He is building it, strengthening it and protecting it from its enemies...

He is in control.

Our many international brethren face incredibly difficult circumstances, those in Africa in particular, but in Brazil, and Eastern Europe, Haiti, Latin America, and so many other locales our brethren face great challenges. Please keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers, pray that God help to identify true servant leaders in these congregations and these areas that can maintain the regular care of those congregations, and provide what those areas need on a regular basis. Pray that they be protected during these difficult times, and certainly pray that God increase the harvest and that His will might be done. 

Enjoy the webcast tomorrow and Happy Sabbath to you all!