Hey Africa, Asia, and North America

“May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy….”
Psalm 67:3, 4

A couple of weeks ago we realized we must confirm plans for one more visit with the Chinese young man God had brought into our lives…first when we visited his country and then when he came to Uganda to work. His place of work is almost 2 hours from where we live so times for face to face connecting have not been too frequent. We learned he was returning home while we are away for our mid-term deputation trip. Sunday, the 26 of July was set. He’s such a “people person” that he asked if he could bring 3 Ugandan friends with him, and we also invited an Indian friend, Jasper, from church who also knows him. So, Ruth and I worked on an after-church menu we felt we could manage and then prepared most of the food and set the table before leaving for Bible Study (Sunday School) and church. Our Chinese friend and two of his friends joined us for church to hear a great missions sermon. Six of us arrived home in two cars at around 2:00 PM (our normal time) and our 7^th guest arrived fairly soon after. As we chatted during our lunch of chili, rice, chicken and green salad, we realized that we had 5 nations represented around the table. How amazing to hear/see how our God has drawn us to the Cross and connected us as brothers and sisters through His Son.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t linger too long following lunch, but our enthusiastic and technically connected Chinese friend wanted us to see a video clip he had just received from his colleague on God the Father’s tender love for those He created and how He desires all to become His children. Can you picture all 7 of us huddled watching/listening to a little mobile phone screen? Tears came to some of our eyes as we heard once again of God’s amazing and tender love. Then our Chinese friend’s driver, Ben, volunteered to lead us in prayer which particularly focused on Ruth and me—how humbling! The inevitable “farewells” came with warm handshakes and hugs…and a few more pictures. How great is our God to connect us once again and give us that assurance that we will yet see each other if not here on earth, then around Christ’s throne, giving praise and honor to our Heavenly Father Who loves all the nations!