April Mission Updates: Friday, April 24

Where I am: Tashkent – Istanbul -Yerevan

Closing retreat session in the morning, then travel to Armenia for the next leg of the mission.

Today in a sentence:

A meaningful close to our retreat in Uzbekistan, followed by a long and humbling day of travel to Armenia. 

After checking out of the hotel, we traveled from Tashkent to our remote location for our pastors/leaders retreat. 

We arrived at 9:00 a.m., and I had breakfast with the Pastoral Leadership Team of the Union of Churches. I wanted to hear of the testimonies – their struggles, their progress, and what has taken shape since the formation of this Union a few years ago. 

I was invited three years ago to offer encouragement and insight during their early formation. Since then I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside them in a small way.

What a joy it was to see how these men our leading.

In the beginning, there was some conflict. Most of the pastors and churches had functioned independently, yet they recognized the need for interdependence. That kind of transition is rarely easy. But this leadership team has remained steady, and they are now seeing the fruit of that perseverance. Unity among these churches is not only present – it is growing. 

Our closing session was marked by worship and prayer – simple, sincere, and deeply meaningful 

At 11:30 a.m., Oleg drove me to the airport for my flight to Istanbul, where I would connect on to Yerevan, Armenia. 

Arriving in Yerevan at 1:00 a.m., I discovered that I had arrived before my suitcase. My tracking device confirmed it was still in Istanbul. 

The hotel graciously provided a few essential toiletries, and tomorrow I’ll locate a store to purchase what I need to get through until my suitcase arrives – scheduled for 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning (there is only one flight per day from Istanbul to Yerevan). 

At some point along the way, I realized I had been awake from 3:00 a.m. Friday until 3:00 a.m. Saturday. 

It’s time for bed.

Prayer/Reflection

Lord, 

Thank You for the work You are doing among these leaders – quietly forming unity where there was once independence, and strengthening what You have begun. 

As I step into this next leg of the journey, grant me rest where it is needed, patience in the unexpected, and attentiveness to the people you place before me. 

Even in the small inconveniences, remind me that You are present – and that nothing is wasted in Your hands. – Amen

Fun Fact:

Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world – founded in 782 BC, even older than Rome.