Game-Changer

The Oxford Dictionary defines a game-changer as 'a person, an idea or an
event that completely changes the way a situation develops.' The Macmillan
Dictionary defines game-changing as 'completely changing the way some-
thing is done, thought about, or made.' For four days in May I participated
in an event that completely changed the way I viewed my time here in the
USA before returning to Scotland. The event was game-changing in the way
I live through this time of 'exile'; it is a game-changer in terms of how I live
through the remaining months (or perhaps even weeks) that I am back here
in my hometown. This event is pivotal as I pass through this period of my
life.

Twenty-two women and men gathered together May 9-12 for the 23rd An-
nual Kelso-Longview Leadership Prayer Summit at the Cannon Beach Con-
ference Center on the Oregon coast. Every year since 1988, Christian leaders
from the greater Kelso-Longview (Washington state) area have been spend-
ing time together worshipping God, building relationships among themselves,
seeking unity in service to Christ and his kingdom, and reaching out in love to
the lost and needy.

The schedule was flexible so that people could participate as they saw fit.
People enjoyed times of rest, reading for pleasure, and walking along the
beach. The facilities were outstanding, the meals were nutritious and deli-
cious, and the scenery was spectacular. Only the weather could have been
better. The first and last days were so-so, the second day was beautiful, and
the third was literally a washout.

A few of the persons in attendance were at the first Prayer Summit in 1988.
I was told that the first years of the Summit were characterized by conflict
and disunity among those first participants. But in recent years there has
been  a growing sense of unity and cooperation. Although this year's Sum-
mit was smaller than usual, there was a greater sense of fellowship and un-
ity that had not been experienced before. We concluded the three nights we
were there with the Lord's Supper. These times of communion were, for
many of us, the highpoint of each day.

The Prayer Summit was a time of refreshment for me. I had felt like I had
been through the wringer the past two months. Plus I felt battered during
the past five years that I had lived in Scotland. The Summit was the right
event at the right place at just the right time for me to chill for a few days.
I spent many hours in conversation with other people. It seemed that I
and the person I was talking with were always the last persons to be
leaving the dining room after our meals. I treasure those long and deep
chats that I had with some amazing people who have been serving the
Lord in the Kelso-Longview area for many years.

But what I cherish most is that dear brothers and sisters allowed me to
share from my heart about the ministry the Lord has called me to in St.
 Fergus, Scotland. They heard me, spoke into my life, prayed for me,
and supported me in my desire to return to Scotland as soon as the Lord
opens the door. Just before communion at our last evening session togeth-
er, they  gathered around two of us, laid hands on us, and prayed over us.
Dave, who has been a Nazarene pastor in the area for thirteen years, is
taking a new charge up in Seattle. As for me, they prayed for my quick
return to Scotland as soon as possible. Some of them joked that they like
having me around, but they want me out of here and back in St. Fergus.
I can't say that I would argue with them.

The Prayer Summit was a game-changer for me. I truly sensed there
that the Lord has called me to Scotland, specifically to St. Fergus. My
companions at the Summit recognized that calling and affirmed it in me.
I will return to Scotland with their full blessing upon me. Most of all, I
made connections with people who have experience and skills in areas
that I believe I will need when I am back in St. Fergus. I will talk to
Larry about how the Lord worked mightily among the churches in the
Kelso-Longview area the past thirty years. I will ask Mark about how
sustained area-wide prayer has been the foundation of what God has
been doing in the area in the last five years. I want to glean from Terri
and Jim about Deep Healing ministry and from Russ about ministry to
people in jail.

I sense that the time I have here is a time for me to be prepared for min-
istry back in Scotland, and so I am taking quite seriously how I use my
time and energy. The Prayer Summit was game-changing because I be-
gan to see my stay here from a whole different perspective, one that is
oriented to serving Christ and his kingdom in Scotland. As always, I
covet your prayers on my behalf.

Blessings to you and yours,