Last month, we asked you to pray as we headed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the Motus Dei conference. We wanted to report back and share what we have seen God do!
We gathered with nearly 400 leaders from over 125 countries. Instead of just sitting in large lecture halls, we intentionally broke into small, cross-cultural groups called “Home Churches” to connect on a deeper level. One attendee shared how their group “laughed, reflected, and shared life together—even taking up an offering to meet a need” for someone in their circle.
Our shared goal was to discover how to establish faith communities that are both “vital” and “sustainable.” The most powerful realization for many was that reaching the world won’t be accomplished by relying solely on highly-trained professionals. Instead, it requires us to trust God to use everyday, ordinary people.
One of the most inspiring stories came from an attendee whose biggest takeaway was meeting a fellow believer “who planted churches because he was not told that he could not!” Many leaders left with a renewed commitment to step back and let others lead, intentionally encouraging everyday believers to go out and experience what they have been trained to do. We saw incredible unity and worship throughout our time together, exactly as we had asked you to pray.
Thank you again for your prayers and partnership in helping to take the gospel to a lost and needy world. We appreciate all that you do in our lives, and we know that our ministry is made more effective because of your partnership with us.