Believe it or not, friends, but June of this year we marked fifteen years in Stara Zagora with International Teams (IT)! During this time Josiah was added to our family, our children grew from toddlers to teens, and we walked them to at least six different pre-schools and schools.Next, we made the transition to homeschooling with Marissa, gained our permanent residency, cared for more than a few pets, and marvelled at God's leading in several types and stages of ministry.
Yet this, our fifteenth year, also marked a first for us: our
first time to attend IT's International Leadership Forum (known as the ILF). This biannual gathering brings IT leaders from all over the world together for training, worship, fellowship, and refreshment.Providentially, ILF 2010 was held near Ephesus, Turkey, an area of great historical significance to believers.
This isn't to mention Keith's interest in the history of this area, as we also did a stop at Troy on the way home.
Naturally, we were one of the few couples to arrive by car, but even so, our journey required two days of travel each way.
Next, it truly was a privilege to meet workers and board members from all over the world. Then to hear testimonies from brothers and sisters serving in difficult circumstances and in closed countries was inspiring. We also learned about some changes and new ministries within IT, and worship and prayer times were freely sprinkled throughout the program.
Highpoints
For Margie they included:
- 24/7 Prayer Room. Several sessions were designated as "soaking prayer", new terminology for me. Personally I needed time to soak in His presense and hear from Him in some profound ways (at home I am often not patient or diligent enough to do this).
- Attending the "
Human Trafficking" Track. After recently participating in a seminar taught by several leading European experts in ministry to prostituted women, God continued at the ILF to open my eyes and heart to the tragedy of trafficking, and what He is doing through the ministry of IT in different parts of the world. God seems to be leading me to a prayer ministry against trafficking and some beginning steps in prevention, focusing on the young girls with whom we work. (Above, a cloth "fact map" about trafficking in E. Europe). - Small group time. The purpose of the small groups was to facilitate meetings with ITers we wouldn't normally meet, which meant the groups were varied and dynamic. When I first arrived at the ILF, I was shocked to learn I was assigned as a small group leader, yet I immediately fell in love with these men and women, as they shared their stories, including: a Persian woman who met God on the "refugee highway", and was called of God to minister to her own people; a worker serving at a university in the Middle East; a fascinating young history professor, who happens to be a member of IT Australia's board; a South American man and his young family (child number three was due any day) called to minister in the tense Middle East crossfire.
- Meals and Meetings. Without going into great detail, let's just say the food was delicious, and the relaxed atmosphere of the hotel complex was conducive to the many meetings held over meals, in the cof
fee bar, at poolside or on the beach. Most inspiring was meeting the new leadership in IT's young anti-trafficking ministry and gleaning information from their experiences. I also met face-to-face two of the three members of my "skype small group" this spring (right).
- Short-term experiences. The most helpful seminar included teaching on working with small groups, something we find ourselves involved with fairly often. The most significant idea presented was that the actual time "on the field" was the least important part of the experience. Rather the key is the change the individuals experience upon return to their home culture and how they respond to God's calling in the future.
For Keith:
- Our small group: He enjoyed meeting Serge, an IT missionary serving in Rwanda. His stories of serving in the Liberation Army to end the genocide were fascinating. Also, his ministry to the children of Rwanda was very inspiring. It was wonderful having Serge in our small group. Also meeting a gal from the Philippines that worked with youth and Natasha from the Ukraine was terrific. All of their ministry stories were fascinating.
- Fighting the Evil One: The Spiritual Warfare seminar led by Mark Anderson was also a highlight for Keith. Mark shared his own experiences battling the occult while an IT missionary in France. He also shared several practical methods to fight the good fight and have victory through Jesus in this area. Next, it truly was nice just to sit down to lunch with Mark and discuss our own experiences in spiritual warfare here in Bulgaria. According to Mark, prayer is the key. Nuff said!
- Ministering to Muslims: Then the Islamic Seminar was a highpoint for Keith. After attending three of these presentations, not only was he made more aware of methods to befriend and strike up conversations with muslims, but the final seminar had 4 excellent ways to present the gospel to these lost "cousins." Since the Islamic presesence and influence here in Bulgaria is constantly growing, it was a very practical presentation.
- Bonus Features: Last but not least, the swimming pool and grub was not so bad either...
Naturally, one of the expectations for IT members attending the ILF is to share the experience and session information with teammates. Toward that end we shared a photo powerpoint with our co-workers. Next, we are in the process of sharing with our Bulgarian colleagues the idea of implementing some of the ideas from the Short Term Experience seminar. Margie hopes to move forward with some research regarding trafficking practices in our area too.
Frankly, we were surprised that so many people from the home office in Elgin, IL remembered us. This is especially true as we have not been back there since 2001!
As we departed for home, we both expressed the hope that we won't have to wait another fifteen years to attend an ILF!
