The Gathering

Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Jesus was the one who said this.
I have experienced a lot of mixed emotions about my son, Mac, going on a mission trip to Thailand. I told him I was praying about it and I reserved the right to stop him right up until his plane leaves the ground. Or maybe I’d drive to Chicago and kidnap him as he tried to change planes!
Before the team left we parents were invited to the home of Mac’s wonderful youth leaders, Adam and his wife Katie. We had the privilege of watching the dramas the team would present to the Thai people and getting a sample of the English lessons they’ll teach.
I realized then that this was all much bigger than me or even than Mac.
Two or three had gathered together and Jesus was in the middle.
It left me speechless and crying. I stood there feeling honored just to hover at the periphery.
It was...holy.
My silly sweet goofy funny smart son was transformed as he re-enacted the creation, fall and redemption of man by portraying Adam.
In another drama he was one of the few who remained loyal to Jesus even as he was crucified. I saw my son’s heart break as though this were Gesthemane and not a backyard in Trenton.
I tried to breathe deep and control my emotions but that was foolish. We all stood there in the 90 degree humidity and wept. But we weren’t weeping any more for fear or anxiety over our children. We were weeping because they had reminded us of our salvation and the love of Christ that compels them to cross an ocean and spend 20 hours on an airplane.
How smart they are, these kids who are now in Thailand bringing love, hope and salvation to people they have never met.
They gathered together and Jesus got in the middle of it all.
God sent me a mission team on their way to Thailand.

Thailand Prayer Request: Wisdom, favor and safety of the leaders.
UPDATE!! GOT AN E MAIL THIS MORNING. TEAM ARRIVED SAFELY IN THAILAND AND ARE ORIENTING AT THE MISSION BASE!! Thanks for your prayers, keep it up!