Together

One of the most powerful things about the Prayer Week in Budapest was the fellowship. It's so good to be with people who are of the same spiritual temperature as you, but it's even better when they're passionate about the same things as you are. So much comfort came from being with people who have the same exact heart I do for university students in Europe and are going through all the same struggles and witnessing all the same miracles. I really cannot even begin to sum up in words how powerful fellowship like that is and how refreshing and life giving those few days were. Have you ever sat with someone and heard them share some of the deepest parts of their heart, and felt your own eyes fill with tears because you've been right there and you've experienced it yourself? Or have you ever had a moment of vulnerability, when you're trying to articulate what's in your heart and mind, trying to get out the things that are hard to wrap words around, and then you realize that the person you're talking to can validate every bit of what you're sharing becasue they're on the same path? They know what it feels like to leave everything you've ever known and everyone you've ever loved, and move far away, and give up financial security, and struggle with understanding a language and comprehending a different culture, and pioneer a ministry in an environment that is so foreign and hostile to the things of God. And the reason they understand these things is because God has taken their heart, shown them this spiritual need and given them a burden they can't get away from. There's nothing like it. A few weeks ago a friend of mine noted that hearing "I understand" is many times more powerful than hearing "I love you." It's true.

I feel like I have a completely new understanding of why God commands fellowship among His people. It's a command, not an option. It brings life and empowerment and it's really spiritual, ya know? I heard this quote in December and it stuck with me:

Together is powerful. Don't run alone.

At the end of last semester we dedicated a portion of our last Radiate service to testimonies. I was really proud of the large number of students that had the courage to share with the rest of us what God has done in their lives over the past several months. But you know what the amazing thing was? Probably 85% of the students that shared said they were so thankful for the community they've found in Radiate. A number of them said they didn't know what they would do without the Christian friends - the new family - they'd found in our campus ministry. Amazing, right? We need each other. You weren't made to run alone.